Ryanair baggage and seating rules can be confusing, so here is how to avoid surprise fees. When it comes to Ryanair, the rules of the game differ from traditional aviation. Here, the base price is truly basic: it includes only a seat and a small bag. At Ryanair, every centimeter of luggage and every seat selection translates into money, and if you don’t know the rules in advance, you might find that the airport penalties are more expensive than the flight itself.
Ryanair Baggage & Fares: Which Ticket Is Right for You?
The company offers several service packages, but from our experience at Flight Hunter, the most cost-effective way is often to purchase the basic ticket and add services selectively. To help you decide which package is most worthwhile for you, we’ve summarized the main points in a simple breakdown: Value Package (the most basic route):
- Personal Bag (40X20X25): Included as a must within the price.
- 10 kg Trolley (Priority): Only for an additional fee.
- Checked Baggage: Only for an additional fee.
- Seat Selection: Only for an additional fee.
Regular Package (popular for travelers):
- Personal Bag (40X20X25): Included in the price.
- 10 kg Trolley (Priority): Included in the price.
- Checked Baggage: Not included in this package.
- Seat Selection: Included for a standard seat.
Family Plus Package (for families):
- Personal Bag (40X20X25): Included in the price.
- 10 kg Trolley (Priority): Not included in this package.
- Checked Baggage: Includes one 20 kg suitcase for the group.
- Seat Selection: Only for an additional fee.
Plus Package (comprehensive route):
- Personal Bag (40X20X25): Included in the price.
- 10 kg Trolley (Priority): Not included in this package.
- Checked Baggage: Includes a 20 kg suitcase for each passenger.
- Seat Selection: Included for a standard seat.
Luggage: The Small Traps and Big Money
At Ryanair, the policy is zero tolerance for deviations. If your bag doesn’t fit in the measuring device at the boarding gate, you’ll pay a fine that can reach 45 euros or more on the spot.
- The Personal Bag Trap: The bag included in the price must fit under the seat in front of you. Do not attempt to bring a small trolley without purchasing the Priority service, as it simply won’t pass the check at the gate.
- Priority Service Plus 2 Hand Bags: This is the most sought-after service. It allows you to bring both the personal bag and a 10 kg trolley into the cabin. Note that the quota for this service is limited for each flight, so it’s advisable to purchase it when booking the ticket.
- 10 kg Checked Bag: If the Priority service is sold out, you can purchase a 10 kg suitcase to be checked in. This is sometimes cheaper and more convenient for those who don’t want to carry the bag through the airport.
- Golden Tip from the Field: Ryanair tends to increase luggage prices as the flight fills up. If you’ve decided you need a trolley, add it during the original booking. Adding it later in the booking management will almost always cost you more.
Seating: How Not to End Up Far Apart
Ryanair’s seating policy is notorious for scattering passengers from the same booking across the plane if they haven’t paid for seating in advance.
- Random Seating: If you choose not to pay for a seat, you can check in only 24 hours before the flight, and the system will assign you to the remaining available seats (usually middle seats in different rows).
- Preferred Seats: Seats in rows 1 to 5 or emergency exit rows offer more legroom and quick exit, but they are the most expensive on the plane.
- Early Check-In: Those who purchase a seat in advance can check in up to 60 days before the flight date, saving the hassle of dealing with the app during the vacation.
- Very Important: You must check in via the app or website at home. Arriving at the airport without online check-in will incur an astronomical fine of about 55 euros per passenger for printing the boarding pass.
Before you pack and head to the next destination we’ve found for you, make sure you master the strict rules of the Irish company. To avoid unpleasant surprises on the way to your vacation, we’ve gathered the answers to the most important questions Ryanair passengers ask us at Flight Hunter.
FAQ
Is it allowed to bring a duty-free bag in addition to the personal bag? Yes, Ryanair allows you to bring one shopping bag from duty-free without additional charge, beyond the personal bag approved for you. Use this wisely to ease the weight in your backpack. What to do if my flight is operated by a subsidiary like Buzz or Lauda? Ryanair’s baggage and check-in rules apply to you in the same way. Make sure you check in through Ryanair’s website and comply with the weight and size restrictions detailed in your booking. Is it mandatory to print the flight ticket? In most airports, you can use
