Ryanair Review: My Honest Experience Flying Europe’s Budget Airline

This Ryanair review starts with a price that genuinely made me laugh.

We were in Edinburgh, planning a simple one-way trip to London. Nothing dramatic. Just one of those quick city-to-city flights you book without thinking too much.

And then I saw the price. It was cheaper than a sandwich.

Not even exaggerating. At that moment, I had two thoughts. First, this is amazing. Second, what’s the catch?

Because if you’ve ever gone down the rabbit hole of Ryanair reviews or searched is Ryanair good, you already know this airline comes with a reputation.

Cheap flights, yes. But also strict rules, surprise fees, and a system that can either save you money or quietly drain your wallet if you’re not careful.

I’m not new to this. I’ve been flying with Ryanair for over five years now. Meaning 15 to 20 flights across Europe. At this point, it’s a bit of a love-and-hate relationship. Some trips feel like the smartest decision ever. Others make you question every choice you made while booking.

But I keep coming back when it comes to travelling intercity in Europe. I travel on a budget anyway, so I prefer Turkish Airlines for long-haul flights.

Because when used properly, Ryanair cheap flights are unbeatable. And I mean that. There’s a reason it’s a favorite among students, backpackers, and anyone trying to travel Europe without spending a fortune or looking for cheap flights.

It’s basically the go-to airline for getting from one country to another for the lowest possible price.

And it’s not a small operation either.

Based in Dublin, Ryanair airlines now connects over 37 countries and more than 200 destinations across Europe. In recent years, it has expanded even more into places like Scandinavia, Greece, and Eastern Europe. Cities like Stockholm, Riga, Corfu, and Zagreb are all part of its growing network.

So yes, it’s cheap.

But it’s also everywhere.

And interestingly, it’s even tried to improve its image. Over the years, it has positioned itself as one of the more environmentally conscious airlines in Europe, even becoming one of the first to openly publish its carbon emissions.

Still, none of that changes the one thing everyone talks about.

The experience.

Because flying with Ryanair always comes with mixed opinions. I’ve heard people complain about it more times than I can count. Some absolutely hate it. Others swear by it.

I’m actually grateful airlines like this exist. Without them, I probably wouldn’t have been able to travel as much as I have. But at the same time, I’ve learned to be very careful while booking.

And you definitely need to understand what you’re signing up for.

That’s exactly what this Ryanair review is about. My real experience, what works, what doesn’t, and whether it’s actually worth it in the end.

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My Honest Ryanair Review in One Glance

If you don’t want to read everything, here’s the short version of this Ryanair review.

• Extremely cheap base fares
• Decent for short flights
• Very strict baggage rules
• No free extras at all
• Can become expensive if you’re not careful

So if you’re wondering is Ryanair a good airline, the answer is yes… but only if you understand how it works.

Ryanair Booking Process

If there’s one part of this Ryanair review where things can either go very smoothly or very wrong, it’s the booking process.

On the surface, it looks simple.

You open the Ryanair official website, type your route, pick your dates, and suddenly you’re staring at ridiculously low fares. The kind that make you feel like you’ve discovered a travel hack no one knows.

But here’s the reality.

Booking a Ryanair ticket is easy. Booking it smartly is where the real skill comes in.

Ryanair Official Website Experience: Slightly Messy but Manageable

I won’t lie. The first time you use it, the website feels a bit… overwhelming.

There are deals flashing everywhere, pop-ups trying to grab your attention, and multiple options at every step. It’s not the cleanest interface, but once you’ve used it a few times, you get used to it.

Personally, I’ve learned to ignore everything except what I need.

Just focus on:

• your route
• your dates
• your final price

That’s it.

Everything else is just noise.

And if you’re someone who prefers less chaos, I highly recommend using the app instead. It makes flying with Ryanair a lot smoother, especially when it comes to boarding passes later.

That “Too Good to Be True” Price

Ryanair, like most low cost Ryanair airlines such as Wizz Air or easyJet, runs on a very simple idea.

Keep the ticket price low, and charge for everything else.

And I mean almost everything.

You’re basically paying for the seat and the flight itself. That tiny space you sit in for a couple of hours. Everything beyond that, whether it’s baggage, seat selection, or even small conveniences, comes at an extra cost.

You’ll see a flight for an unbelievably low price. And technically, it’s real.

That’s the base fare.

But what most Ryanair reviews don’t explain properly is how quickly that number can change. The moment you move forward, you’ll start seeing add-ons.

And before you know it, your Ryanair cheap flights don’t look as cheap anymore.

This is why people often ask how bad is Ryanair or question the Ryanair reputation.

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When Should You Book Ryanair Flights?

This part is a bit unpredictable.

Unlike traditional airlines where booking months in advance usually gives you the best price, Ryanair low cost flights don’t always follow that rule.

I’ve personally booked flights just two days before departure and still found great deals.

And then there are times when prices drop suddenly for no clear reason. Which makes it a bit of a gamble.

If you’re flexible, you can win big. If not, it’s safer to book when you see a price you’re comfortable with.

Choosing Seats and Priority Boarding Without Overpaying

When booking with Ryanair airline, seat selection is optional but comes at an extra cost. The price depends on where you sit, with front rows and extra legroom seats costing more, while some seats toward the back are sometimes assigned for free if you skip selection.

Personally, I usually go for seats in the last few rows. Not because they’re better, but because they’re practical. Ryanair airplane often boards and disembarks from both the front and the rear, so sitting closer to the back can actually save you time when getting off.

For slightly longer flights, around three to four hours, I sometimes upgrade to an exit row seat. The extra legroom makes a noticeable difference, and surprisingly, it’s often quite affordable. I’ve paid around $10 for it on some routes, which feels like a great deal compared to other airlines where even a standard seat can cost significantly more.

Now coming to priority boarding.

With Ryanair cheap flights, priority is usually bundled with certain fare types, but it can also be purchased separately. It gives you earlier boarding and allows you to bring a larger cabin bag onboard.

In theory, it sounds very useful.

In reality, it depends.

Sometimes it works exactly as expected, with a clear priority and non-priority line at the gate. Other times, especially when buses are used to take passengers to the aircraft, everyone ends up boarding together anyway.

For me, priority only makes sense when I’m traveling with carry-on luggage that I want to keep close. Having overhead space guaranteed is a big advantage. But if I’m checking in luggage, I don’t see much value in boarding early.

This is one of those parts of the Ryanair review where you realize everything is optional.

You can keep your costs low, or you can add small upgrades for convenience.

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Changing or Canceling Your Ryanair Flight Without Losing Your Mind

When it comes to flexibility, Ryanair airline is… manageable, but you need to know the rules.

You can make changes to your Ryanair ticket up to a few hours before departure. The good part is that sometimes the airline won’t charge a separate change fee. The not-so-good part is that if your new flight is more expensive, you’ll have to pay the difference.

So it’s not exactly free. It just depends on the situation.

Cancellation works a bit differently.

If you cancel within 24 hours of booking, you can usually get a full refund. After that window, things change. Cancellation fees apply, and they vary depending on the timing and route.

If the airline cancels your flight, which has happened in the past during major disruptions, you are entitled to a full refund. That part is straightforward.

But once your flight is running as scheduled, refunds are not really an option unless there’s a significant delay, usually several hours.

This is why, in many Ryanair reviews, you’ll see people mentioning that flexibility is limited. It’s not designed for last-minute changes.

Ryanair Check-In Process: Do It Online or Pay the Price

The check-in process with Ryanair airline is fairly simple, but you do need to pay attention.

You’ll enter your passport details, confirm your booking, and then move through a few extra prompts trying to sell you upgrades. Nothing complicated, just don’t rush through it. One small spelling mistake can turn into a problem later.

If you’ve already selected a seat, online check-in opens much earlier, around 60 days before departure. If not, you’ll be assigned a seat when you check in between 24 and 2 hours before your flight.

It’s straightforward, but skipping online check-in is not an option you want to test. That’s where extra fees come in, and they’re not small.

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Baggage Rules That You Really Don’t Want to Ignore

If there’s one thing this Ryanair review keeps coming back to, it’s baggage.

The rules are strict.

With the basic fare, you only get one small personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. That’s it.

Anything more needs to be added.

Most of the time, I go for a fare that includes a cabin bag. It just makes things easier, especially when traveling for more than a day or two. Checked baggage is also available, and surprisingly, it’s not always that expensive if you add it in advance.

But here’s the important part.

Weight and size limits actually matter here.

I’ve only had my bag checked once, but I’ve seen plenty of people stopped at the gate. If your bag doesn’t fit or goes over the limit, you’ll be paying extra right there.

And it’s not cheap.

That’s why I always weigh my luggage before leaving. It saves stress and avoids last-minute repacking at the airport.

You can also add baggage later if you’re unsure during booking, which is helpful.

And honestly, every few flights, you’ll see someone arguing at the gate because they brought too much. At that point, there’s not much anyone can do.

With low cost Ryanair airlines, the rules are clear. You just have to follow them.

The Email Situation No One Warns You About

Once you book your Ryanair ticket, the emails begin.

And they don’t stop.

In the days leading up to your flight, you’ll get constant reminders and offers. Priority boarding, extra baggage, seat upgrades, travel insurance, parking, and more.

It can feel like a lot.

Personally, I just ignore anything that isn’t directly related to my booking. Delete, move on, and don’t overthink it.

It’s part of the Ryanair reputation at this point.

Ryanair Onboard Experience: What It’s Really Like?

When you’re flying on Ryanair cheap flights, you already know you’re not stepping into a luxury experience.

And honestly, that’s exactly what you get.

The onboard setup is simple. Standard seats, no extras, and a very straightforward layout. The cabin follows a basic economy design, nothing fancy, nothing trying too hard.

The seats themselves are quite firm and don’t recline, which you do notice after a while. But for shorter flights, it’s manageable. Not comfortable, not terrible. Just somewhere in the middle.

One thing that stood out to me is how little storage space you get. On some planes, there’s not even a proper seat pocket, so you end up keeping your things in your bag or holding onto them during the flight.

But overall, if you’ve flown with any Ryanair budget airline or similar low-cost carriers in Europe, this won’t surprise you.

It’s very much in line with the standard.

A quick tip from experience.

There’s no in-flight entertainment at all. No screens, no Wi-Fi.

So if you don’t plan ahead, it can get boring quickly. I always download something to watch before the flight now, and I’ve even started carrying a small phone holder. It makes things so much easier and somehow always gets a comment from the person sitting next to me.

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The Ryanair In-Flight Service (And Why It Doesn’t Bother Me)

One thing you’ll hear a lot in Ryanair reviews is the constant selling onboard.

And yes, it’s true.

But I’ve stopped finding it annoying.

When you’re flying for the price of a meal, it’s obvious the airline needs to make money somewhere. So they offer food, drinks, duty-free items, and even things like scratch cards during the flight.

On most of my flights with Ryanair airline, the crew usually comes through a few times. First to take hot meal orders, then with snacks and drinks, then again for other items.

If you’re not interested, it’s very easy to ignore. Headphones on, movie playing, problem solved.

The crew themselves are usually efficient and quick to respond if you need something. Not overly warm or chatty, but professional enough. Safety announcements are clear and done properly, often in English and the local language.

Food and Drinks: Better to Plan Ahead

There’s no free food or drinks on Ryanair airline.

Everything is paid.

The food Ryanair offers includes basic snacks like crisps and chocolate, along with simple meals like sandwiches and wraps. You can check the menu onboard, usually by scanning a QR code.

Prices are higher than what you’d pay at a supermarket, but pretty normal for an airline.

Now I usually eat before boarding or bring something with me.

It’s easier, cheaper, and honestly tastes better.

And that’s pretty much the theme of this part of the Ryanair review.

Simple, basic, and exactly what you pay for.

Ryanair Airports: Not Always Where You Expect

This is something many first-time travelers don’t realize. Some Ryanair airport locations are far from the main city.

You might think you’re landing in Paris, but you’re actually landing an hour away. Same goes for other destinations.

So while the flight might be cheap, you need to consider transport costs.

This is part of the overall Ryanair reputation. Low fares, but you need to think ahead.

Ryanair Review: Pros and Cons

If you’re reading this Ryanair review and still wondering is Ryanair a good airline or how bad is Ryanair, this quick breakdown will make things much clearer.

What I Like About Ryanair

• Very low fares: One of the biggest reasons people choose Ryanair cheap flights. You can find insanely low prices across Europe. I’ve booked flights for around €13, which still feels unreal.
• Huge network: Ryanair airlines flies to a wide range of destinations, including smaller cities you might never think of visiting. Some of my favorite places were discovered this way.
• Frequent sales and deals: There’s almost always some kind of promotion going on. If you time it right, you can get even better prices.
• Ryanair Safety: In all my years of flying with Ryanair, I’ve never once felt unsafe. And that’s something I don’t say lightly. Despite everything you might read in different Ryanair reviews, safety is not where the airline cuts corners. In fact, Ryanair safety rating is solid, and it operates under strict European aviation regulations.
• Surprisingly good punctuality: In my experience, Ryanair airline is quite reliable when it comes to timing. Most flights I’ve taken have been on schedule.
• Easy online check-in: Once you understand the system, checking in online is quick and saves you time at the airport.

What Can Be Annoying About Ryanair

• Extra fees everywhere: The base fare is low, but almost everything else costs extra. Seat selection, baggage, even printing your boarding pass can add up.
• Too many emails: After booking your Ryanair ticket, expect frequent emails offering upgrades, add-ons, and deals. It can get a bit overwhelming.
• Strict baggage rules: The limits on size and weight are taken seriously. If your bag doesn’t meet the requirements, you’ll be paying extra at the airport.
• Basic and tight seating: Seats are not the most comfortable, and legroom is limited. Fine for short flights, but not ideal for longer ones unless you upgrade.
• Customer service can be hit or miss: Some experiences are smooth, others not so much. This is something often mentioned in Ryanair reviews.
• Airports can be far from the city: Many Ryanair airport locations are outside the main city, which means extra time and transport costs.

5 Must-Know Tips Before Booking Ryanair

Here’s what I’ve learned after years of flying.

1- Before You Book: Double-Check If Ryanair Is Really the Cheapest

Here’s a small habit that has saved me money more than once.

Before locking in a Ryanair ticket, I always take a minute to check if there’s actually a better option.

Because while Ryanair cheap flights are known for being low-cost, they’re not always the absolute cheapest once you factor in everything.

Sometimes a train, a bus, or even another airline ends up being the better deal. Especially when you consider baggage fees, airport transfers, or timing.

That’s why I usually use Omio to compare everything in one place.

It’s simple, quick, and shows different ways to get to your destination, not just flights.

Because the whole point of choosing low cost Ryanair airlines is to save money.

2- Get Ready for Ryanair’s Baggage Rules (They’re Not as Bad as People Say)

If you read enough Ryanair reviews, you’ll notice one complaint shows up again and again.

Baggage.

And I get it.

Being able to bring a suitcase on a trip feels like the most basic thing. So when you realize it’s not included in your Ryanair ticket, it can feel a bit frustrating at first.

But honestly, I think the hate is a little exaggerated.

Yes, you have to pay separately for bags. That part is true. But when you look at the total cost, even after adding baggage, Ryanair cheap flights are often still cheaper than many other airlines.

The confusing part is that there isn’t one simple page that clearly lists all baggage fees upfront. You usually see the exact pricing during the booking process, when you start adding options.

And that’s where people get caught off guard.

With Ryanair airline, you need to think ahead.

Decide what you need, add it early, and don’t assume anything is included. Once you understand that, the whole baggage situation becomes much easier to deal with.

And honestly, it stops feeling like a problem and starts feeling like a trade-off.

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3- Skip Online Check-In and You’ll Pay for It

This is not a suggestion. It’s a rule.

When flying with Ryanair airline, you absolutely need to check in online before heading to the airport.

Because if you don’t, you’ll pay for it. Literally.

Airport check-in with Ryanair cheap flights can come with a surprisingly high fee. On one of my recent trips, it was around €55. Yes, €55 just to check in at the airport.

That’s more expensive than some actual Ryanair ticket prices.

The airline expects you to handle everything online. Boarding pass, check-in, details. If you skip that step, you’re essentially paying a penalty for it.

So here’s the simple rule I always follow now.

Check in as soon as it opens. Download your boarding pass. Keep it ready on your phone.

Because this is one of those small mistakes that can turn a very cheap flight into an unnecessarily expensive one.

And if you ask me, this is probably one of the easiest things to get right in this entire Ryanair review.

4- Don’t Forget Your Boarding Pass (Seriously)

Checking in online is one thing. Having your boarding pass ready is another.

With Ryanair airline, this is not something you want to leave to chance.

Yes, in many cases you can use a mobile boarding pass through the app. Especially if you’re an EU traveler, it usually works fine. But there are exceptions.

Some airports still don’t fully support mobile passes. And if you’re from certain countries, especially outside the EU, you might not even have the option to use it at all.

And this is where things can go wrong.

Because if you show up without a valid boarding pass, you could end up paying extra at the airport. And by now, you already know how Ryanair cheap flights handle those situations.

And honestly, in this whole Ryanair review, this is one of those simple precautions that’s absolutely worth it.

5- Be Ready for a Boarding Process That Feels… Confusing

This is the part of the Ryanair review where logic quietly leaves the room.

Let me explain.

On paper, the boarding system with Ryanair airline seems structured. There’s priority boarding and non-priority boarding. Simple enough.

In reality, it doesn’t always feel that way.

Because so many people end up buying priority, it almost becomes the default. The “priority” line often ends up being just as long, if not longer, than the regular one.

So instead of feeling like a special perk, it just feels… normal.

And if you don’t have it, you suddenly feel like you’re in a completely different category.

But it gets better.

The moment boarding is announced, all structure starts to disappear.

Lines blur, people move forward from every direction, and what was supposed to be an organized system turns into a bit of a crowd situation. Priority or not, everyone somehow ends up merging together.

It’s not chaotic in a dangerous way.

Just… confusing.

After flying with Ryanair cheap flights multiple times, I’ve learned one thing.

Don’t overthink it.

Stand in line, move when it moves, and go with the flow.

Because trying to make sense of it will only stress you out more.

Is Ryanair Worth It?

So, after all this, what’s the final answer?

Is Ryanair worth it?

Yes.

But only if you understand how it works. This Ryanair review is not about luxury. It’s about smart travel.

If you plan properly, follow the rules, and keep your expectations realistic, Ryanair cheap flights can be one of the best ways to travel across Europe.

If you don’t, it can quickly become frustrating.

For me, it’s still worth it.

FAQs about Ryanair

Any Questions After This Ryanair Review?

If you’re still wondering about Ryanair ratings, Ryanair safety, or anything else about flying with Ryanair, feel free to ask.

Because with this airline, a little knowledge goes a long way.

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