If you are planning a trip across Europe, you have probably looked at Ryanair flights. This airline is famous for having some of the cheapest tickets in the world. However, many people wonder: is Ryanair a good airline? The answer depends on what you expect! If you want a fancy meal and a big seat, this might not be for you. But if you want to save money and get to your destination on time, Ryanair is often the best choice. They fly to over 200 places and help millions of people travel every single year.
Because they are a “low-cost” carrier, they do things a little differently. They save money by using smaller airports and not giving away free snacks. This means you only pay for what you actually use. It is a very smart way to travel if you are on a budget. In this guide, we will look at the ryanair baggage policy, the famous ryanair ceo, and even some funny rumors about ryanair standing seats. By the time you finish reading, you will be an expert on how to fly with them without any stress!
Biography and Company Details
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Ryanair Holdings plc |
| Founded | 1984 (as Danren Enterprises) |
| Headquarters | Dublin, Ireland |
| Main Hub | London Stansted Airport |
| Key Person | Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary |
| Fleet Size | Over 500 (Mostly Boeing 737) |
| Destinations | 200+ across 40 countries |
| Safety Record | Excellent (Zero fatal accidents) |
Understanding the Ryanair Baggage Policy
The most important thing to learn before your flight is the ryanair baggage policy. Most people get surprised at the airport because they didn’t read the rules. Every traveler gets one small “personal bag” for free. This bag must fit under the seat in front of you. If your bag is too big, the staff will ask you to pay ryanair baggage fees at the gate, which can be quite expensive.
It is always better to buy your extra bags online when you book your ticket. Adding a bag at the airport can cost three times more! Ryanair offers different options, like a 10kg check-in bag or a 20kg bag for longer trips. If you want to keep your suitcase with you, you need to buy “Priority & 2 Cabin Bags.” This lets you bring your small bag plus a larger wheelie suitcase.
Perfecting the Ryanair Carry On Size
When packing, you must be very careful with the ryanair carry on size. The free small bag must be no larger than 40 x 30 x 20 cm. If you have “Priority,” your second bag can be 55 x 40 x 20 cm. The airline is very strict about these numbers. They often have metal “sizers” at the gate. If your bag doesn’t slide in easily, you will have to pay a fee.
For my friends who use different measurements, the ryanair carry on size in inches is about 15.7 x 11.8 x 7.8 inches for the free bag. The larger 10kg bag is roughly 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.8 inches. Always measure your bag after it is full! Sometimes a bag looks small when empty but gets “fat” once you pack your shoes and sweaters. Using a soft backpack is usually safer than a hard suitcase because you can squish it a little to fit the rules.
Getting the Most Out of Ryanair Flights
Booking ryanair flights is like a game where you try to find the lowest price. The best way to save money is to book early. Sometimes you can find tickets for less than the price of a pizza! However, remember that the base fare is just for the seat. If you want to choose where you sit or eat a sandwich, you will need to pay extra.
I always suggest checking in on the Ryanair app. If you wait to check in at the airport, they might charge you a high fee. The app is very easy to use and keeps your boarding pass on your phone. This means you don’t have to worry about losing a piece of paper. Most ryanair reviews say that the flights are very punctual. In fact, they are one of the most “on-time” airlines in all of Europe!
The Truth About Ryanair Standing Seats
You might have seen ryanair news stories talking about ryanair standing seats. This is a topic that comes up every few years. The ryanair ceo once mentioned that he would love to have “vertical seats” to fit more people on the plane. He said it would make tickets even cheaper, maybe only 1 or 5 Euros!
The truth is that ryanair standing seats are not real yet. Aviation safety laws are very strict. Every passenger must have a seat with a proper belt for take-off and landing. While it makes for a funny news story, you don’t have to worry about standing up on your next flight. You will definitely have a place to sit down, even if the legroom is a bit tight!
Who is the Ryanair CEO?
The man behind the airline is Michael O’Leary. He has been the ryanair ceo for a long time and is famous for his big personality. He loves to save money and isn’t afraid to say what he thinks. Some people think he is funny, while others think he is too tough. But everyone agrees that he turned ryanair airlines into a massive success.
Under his leadership, the company grew from a small regional flyer into a giant. He focuses on “efficiency.” This means the planes spend as little time as possible on the ground. By keeping the planes in the air, they can fly more people and keep the prices low. Even if you don’t like his jokes, you have to admit his plan worked!
How to Avoid Ryanair Baggage Fees
No one likes paying extra money, so avoiding ryanair baggage fees is a top priority. The secret is to be a “minimalist” packer. Try to fit everything into a small backpack that meets the ryanair cabin bag size. If you are traveling with friends, you can share one 20kg checked bag and split the cost.
Another tip is to wear your heaviest clothes on the plane. Wear your big coat and your heavy boots instead of packing them. This leaves more room in your bag for light items like t-shirts. Also, remember that you can bring one bag of duty-free shopping for free! If you buy snacks at the airport, keep them in the shop bag so they don’t count against your cabin limit.
Is Ryanair a Good Airline for Families?
Many families choose ryanair airlines because it is so affordable. Flying four or five people to Spain or Italy can be expensive, but Ryanair makes it possible. They allow you to bring two pieces of baby equipment (like a stroller or car seat) for free. This is a very helpful rule for parents traveling with little ones.
While the seats don’t recline, most flights in Europe are less than three hours. Kids usually handle the short trips just fine. Just make sure to download some movies or games on your tablet before you leave, as there is no Wi-Fi or “TV” on the back of the seats. If you follow the rules, it is a very safe and reliable way to move your family around.
Latest Ryanair News and Updates
In recent ryanair news, the airline has been buying many new “Gamechanger” planes from Boeing. These planes are better for the environment because they use less fuel. They also have more seats and are quieter than the older planes. This is good news for passengers because it helps keep ticket prices low even when fuel costs go up.
The airline is also expanding to more airports in the Middle East and North Africa. You can now use Ryanair to visit places like Jordan or Morocco! They are constantly adding new routes, so it is a good idea to check their website often for travel inspiration. Their goal is to carry 300 million passengers a year by the end of the decade.
Checking Ryanair Reviews and Ratings
If you read ryanair reviews, you will see a mix of opinions. Some people give them 5 stars because the flight was cheap and on time. Others give 1 star because they had to pay a fee for an oversized bag. Most of the “bad” reviews come from people who didn’t follow the ryanair cabin bag size rules or forgot to check in online.
Expert sites like Skytrax usually give them a 3-star rating. This means they are a solid, basic airline. They aren’t trying to be a luxury carrier; they are a “bus in the sky.” If you go in with the right expectations, you will likely have a great experience. Just remember: it’s a budget flight, not a private jet!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the ryanair carry on size for a free bag?
The free bag must be 40 x 30 x 20 cm. It has to fit under the seat in front of you. If it’s bigger, you might have to pay a gate fee.
2. How much are the ryanair baggage fees?
Fees vary depending on the route. Generally, a 10kg bag costs between €12 and €40 online. It is much more expensive if you wait until you get to the airport.
3. Does Ryanair actually have standing seats?
No, they do not. While the ryanair ceo has talked about the idea, it is currently illegal under aviation safety rules. Every passenger gets a standard seat.
4. Is Ryanair safe to fly?
Yes, it is very safe. Ryanair has an excellent safety record with no fatal accidents in its long history. They use a very modern fleet of Boeing aircraft.
5. How can I find the cheapest Ryanair flights?
Use the “Fare Finder” tool on their website. Booking mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) is usually cheaper than flying on Friday or Sunday.
6. What happens if I forget to check in online?
If you show up at the airport without checking in online, Ryanair may charge you a fee of about €55 per person to check you in at the desk.
Final Thoughts on Traveling with Ryanair
At the end of the day, Ryanair is a fantastic tool for seeing the world without spending a fortune. As long as you respect the ryanair baggage policy and keep an eye on the ryanair carry on size, you will have a smooth journey. It is all about being prepared and knowing the “rules of the game.”
If you are looking for a cheap getaway, why not browse their latest deals? You might find a flight to a beautiful city for less than the cost of a train ticket! Just pack light, check in early, and enjoy the adventure.