Book cheap flights with Ryanair

Ryanair's history and growth

Although it was founded in 1985 as a conventional airline, Ryanair changed course a few years later and adopted the low-cost model that was reshaping the European market. The company successfully adapted the formula Southwest Airlines had pioneered in the United States, and its management refined it until the Irish carrier became one of the most profitable in the world in its segment.

From then on, passenger numbers grew at close to 25% a year: from around 700,000 in the early 1990s to more than 21 million in 2003, driven by the constant opening of new routes and bases across Europe. That growth established Ryanair as one of the continent's largest carriers; by August 2004 it was carrying 20% more passengers within Europe than British Airways — a position of leadership it still holds today.

Tickets / About the airline

Ryanair was founded in 1985 and has grown into Europe's largest low-cost carrier. Based in Dublin, Ireland, the airline operates from multiple European hubs including Dublin, London Stansted, and Barcelona, serving over 200 destinations across Europe and beyond. The airline is known for its ultra-low-cost model, which prioritizes efficiency and point-to-point routes to secondary airports rather than major city hubs. Ryanair's fleet consists entirely of Boeing 737 aircraft, predominantly the Next-Generation 737 variants, which the airline has standardized for operational simplicity and cost savings.

As a low-cost carrier, Ryanair focuses on short-haul routes within Europe and is particularly dominant on domestic and intra-European flights. The airline is recognized for its extensive network connecting smaller cities and regional airports, making it popular for both leisure and business travelers seeking budget-friendly fares. Routes to destinations in the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, and Eastern Europe are among the most frequently traveled on Ryanair's network.

Check-in

Ryanair offers flexible check-in options to suit different passenger preferences. Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure and can be completed via the airline's website or mobile app, making it the most convenient and cost-free option for most passengers. Passengers must obtain and display their boarding pass either digitally on a mobile device or printed before arrival at the airport. The airline strongly recommends online check-in to avoid potential fees and ensure a smooth airport experience.

Passengers who prefer airport check-in can do so at dedicated desk counters, though Ryanair may apply a fee for those who do not check in online. The exact fee and check-in deadlines vary slightly by route and airport, with most flights requiring check-in closure 40 minutes before departure. For passengers traveling with checked baggage or those who did not complete online check-in, arriving earlier is advisable to complete the process and avoid missing the flight.

Seats

Ryanair's standard seating policy charges a fee for seat selection, with prices varying based on seat location and route length. Seats in premium locations, such as those near exits or with extra legroom, command higher fees. However, certain passengers receive complimentary seat selection: children under 12 traveling with an adult are typically assigned free seats, and passengers with reduced mobility or disabilities may receive free seat selection as part of their accessibility accommodations.

Group bookings of 10 or more passengers may have different seat selection policies negotiated directly with the airline. Families traveling together can often request adjacent seating, though purchasing specific seat selections remains the most reliable way to secure preferred seating. Ryanair's basic fares do not include seat selection; passengers are assigned random seats at check-in if no additional seat selection has been purchased, a practice common among budget carriers.

Fares & baggage

Ryanair operates a tiered fare structure with several fare types designed to suit different passenger needs. The entry-level Basic fare includes a small personal item (such as a backpack or purse) at no additional cost but does not include checked baggage or larger cabin bags. Higher fare tiers—typically labeled Plus or Premium—add benefits such as a larger cabin bag, priority boarding, and baggage allowance. Most passengers carrying baggage should select a higher fare tier or purchase baggage options separately.

Cabin and checked baggage policies are among the most important considerations when booking with Ryanair. A small personal item under 40cm x 20cm x 25cm is permitted with all fares. Larger cabin bags (10kg) and checked baggage (typically 10kg to 20kg, depending on fare type) incur additional fees if not included in the fare purchased. Baggage weight limits and size restrictions are strictly enforced at the airport to maintain schedule efficiency. Passengers can add baggage during booking or in advance through the website, often at lower rates than purchasing at the airport, making advance planning financially beneficial for those requiring additional luggage capacity.