Through the lens of AI
Online reviews from passengers are invaluable for determining if Ryanair is the right choice for you. However, manually sifting through countless reviews can be incredibly time-consuming and impractical.
As AI excels at quickly processing large volumes of data, we’re adopting it as a tool for sentiment analysis. It detects the emotional tone in Ryanair reviews, and quickly gauges travelers’ opinions on the airline’s offerings. We summarize them into concise and informative snippets to help you understand how other travelers feel about Ryanair.
Join 80,000 savvy travelers.
Start saving 40%–80% on flights.
- Amazing deals to 200+ destinations in Asia
- Departures from US, Canada, Australia, Europe, Asia
- Regional routes within Asia included
- Each deal is 40%–80% cheaper than the regular price
Is Ryanair
a low-cost (budget) airline?
Yes, Ryanair is a budget airline. Ryanair is referred to as a LCC (low-cost carrier) due to its business model which is focused on offering basic air transportation services at the lowest possible cost.
The low-cost model has a few key characteristics that distinguish Ryanair from traditional full-service carriers (FCC). The Irish airline predominantly operates short to medium-haul flights, and it adopts a high-density seating configuration in its aircraft to maximize passenger numbers and revenue per flight. Ryanair also offers an “unbundled” fare structure, where the base fare usually only includes the seat and a small personal item. Additional services such as checked luggage, seat selection, extra legroom, and in-flight meals may be available but incur extra charges.
These strategies allow Ryanair to keep operating costs low. The savings are then passed on to passengers in the form of lower ticket prices, hence earning it the label of a budget airline.
Passenger reviews
An overview of the passenger experience on Ryanair — encompassing both the strengths and weaknesses as reported by travelers:
Strengths
- Low fares: Ryanair offers cheap tickets to many destinations across Europe, attracting budget-conscious travelers willing to compromise on comfort and convenience. Ryanair also offers discounts and promotions to its loyal customers through its MyRyanair program.
- Safety record: Ryanair has a good safety record, with no fatal accidents. The airline operates a modern fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which are well maintained and comply with the safety standards of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
- Innovation: Ryanair is known for its innovative business model, revolutionizing the low-cost airline industry. The airline has introduced many new features and services, such as online check-in, mobile boarding passes, reserved seating, fast-track security, and ancillary revenue streams. Ryanair also adapts quickly to changing market conditions and customer preferences.
Weaknesses
- Refunds: Ryanair has poor refund policy has angered many customers who had to cancel their flights due to the pandemic. Ryanair has issued only 5% of the refund claims within a reasonable time frame and has offered vouchers instead of cash refunds. Many customers have complained about the difficulty and delay in getting their money back from Ryanair.
- Customer service: Ryanair has a reputation for providing low-quality customer service, both on-board and off-board. Passengers have reported rude and unhelpful staff, hidden fees, strict and expensive baggage policies, misleading advertising, and poor communication. Ryanair has also been rated as the worst airline for six years in a row by a consumer group that surveys thousands of travelers.
- Controversial positions: Ryanair has been involved in several controversies and disputes over the years, which have damaged its image and reputation. Some examples are its CEO Michael O’Leary’s provocative and offensive statements, its anti-union stance and frequent strikes by its pilots and cabin crew, its tax avoidance schemes and legal battles with various authorities, and its alleged safety violations and incidents.
Passenger's experience
Drawing from a diverse array of passenger feedback, this is what it's truly like to fly with Ryanair. Learn about the airline class of service, seating choices and comfort, baggage policies, Wi-Fi, and ticket flexibility.
What can I expect when flying with Ryanair?
Ryanair is a low-cost airline that offers cheap flights to over 200 destinations in 34 countries across Europe and beyond. You can expect to pay low fares for your tickets but also to pay extra for optional services such as checked baggage, seat selection, priority boarding, food and drinks, etc.
Ryanair operates a fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft with a single-class configuration and a standard seat pitch of 30 inches. The carrier has a strict one-cabin bag policy, which means you can only bring one small bag on board that fits under the seat in front of you.
You can also expect to check in online and print your boarding pass before you arrive at the airport, as Ryanair does not offer airport check-in or boarding passes.
What are the seating options?
Ryanair offers three types of seats: standard, priority, and extra legroom. Standard seats are the cheapest option and are allocated randomly at check-in. Priority seats are located at the front of the plane or near the exits and allow you to board first. Extra legroom seats offer more space and comfort and are also located near the exits.
You can choose your seat when you book your flight or later through the Manage Booking section on Ryanair’s website or app. The price of seat selection varies depending on the route, date, and time of your flight.
Is Ryanair economy comfortable?
Ryanair Economy is designed to offer a basic and affordable service for short-haul flights. The seats are slimline and have a fixed backrest, which means they do not recline. The seat pitch is 30 inches, comparable to other low-cost airlines but may be tight for taller passengers.
The seats do not have headrests, armrests, footrests, or entertainment systems. The cabin temperature and lighting are controlled by the crew and may not suit your preferences.
The comfort level of Ryanair economy depends on your personal expectations and needs, but it may not be ideal for long flights or passengers who require more space and amenities.
What is the baggage allowance?
Ryanair has a strict one-bag policy, which means you can only bring one small bag on board that fits under the seat in front of you. The dimensions of this bag are 40 x 20 x 25 cm, and the weight limit is 10 kg. If you need more space, you can purchase a 10 kg check-in bag measuring 55 x 40 x 20 cm.
Alternatively, you can buy priority boarding, which allows you to bring an additional cabin bag that fits in the overhead locker. The dimensions of this bag are 55 x 40 x 20 cm and the weight limit is 10 kg. The price of baggage varies depending on the route, date, and time of your flight.
All checked baggage must be purchased – the airline does not include any free checked luggage allowance in its standard fares. Passengers can check-in up to three bags, each weighing no more than 20kg. Baggage can be purchased while booking the flight or added to the booking via the Ryanair website or app before the check-in deadline. The price of checked baggage depends on the route, season, and when you add it to the booking. Exceeding the weight limit will incur additional charges.
Does Ryanair have Wi-Fi?
Ryanair does not offer Wi-Fi on board its flights. However, you can use your mobile phone in flight mode during your flight, as long as it does not interfere with the aircraft’s systems.
You can also download the Ryanair app before you fly, which allows you to access your boarding pass, manage your booking, check flight status, get travel updates, and more.
Say goodbye
to expensive airfares!
Save 40-80% on flights — explore SuperDeals from hundreds of departure cities across the globe.
