Ryanair: Fares, Baggage and Rules to Know Before You Book

History and positioning

After starting out as a small regional operator, the low-cost turnaround of the early 1990s allowed aggressive expansion across Europe, leading to its current leadership in passenger traffic.

The fleet

An all-Boeing 737 fleet, with the 737-800s gradually being replaced by the larger 737 MAX 8-200, marketed as the "Ryanair 737-8200": a standardization that keeps training, maintenance and aircraft rotation costs down.

Routes and network

A point-to-point network rather than hub-and-spoke, operated mainly from secondary and regional airports rather than the main airport of big cities: a choice that keeps landing costs down but can mean longer transfers into the city center.

Fares and baggage

The heart of the model is the unbundled fare: the base fare covers only a small personal bag, while checked baggage, a larger carry-on, seat selection and priority boarding are separate items that become much more expensive if bought at the airport rather than online in advance.

What passengers say

• Most often praised: punctuality above the industry average and genuinely low base fares on many European routes.
• Most frequent complaints: fees charged to those who arrive at the gate with an oversized carry-on, and customer service seen as unhelpful in case of cancellations or schedule changes.

The ideal passenger is the traveler who flies light on point-to-point European routes and books everything online in advance. It is not the right choice for anyone who wants a central city airport, flexible last-minute changes or a generous carry-on allowance. Practical tip: use the Ryanair app for check-in and measure your carry-on in the official sizer before leaving home, because the gate penalty for an oversized bag remains one of the steepest charges the airline applies.