Yes, under 18s can fly with Ryanair, but there are important age-based rules and restrictions that determine whether they can travel alone or need an adult.
Here’s a breakdown of Ryanair’s policy for young passengers:
1. Infants (Under 2 years old)
- Must travel on an adult’s lap for the entire flight.
- They fly for a reduced infant fee (plus taxes and charges), but do not get their own seat or baggage allowance.
- One infant per adult over 16 is allowed. A second infant requires a reserved child’s seat at the full child fare.
- A car seat can be used in a purchased seat if it’s approved for aircraft use.
2. Children (Aged 2 to 11)
- Must have their own purchased seat.
- They pay the standard child fare, which includes a small cabin bag.
- They cannot travel alone. They must be accompanied on the same flight and reservation by a passenger aged 16 or over.
3. Young Adults (Aged 12 to 15)
- They can travel alone, but it is mandatory to book the “Unaccompanied Minor” service.
- This is a paid service (fee varies, often around €50/£50 each way) that must be arranged and paid for in advance by calling Ryanair directly. It cannot be booked online.
- The service provides supervision from check-in through to arrival, where the child is handed over to a designated adult.
4. Teenagers (Aged