Does Ryanair make you pay for seats?

At least one adult travelling with children under 12 (excl. infants) must buy a reserved seat and sit next to them. Up to 4 children (under 12) travelling with one adult will get free reserved seats (seats in rows 18-33). The fee is charged per passenger per sector.



Yes, Ryanair does charge for seat selection on most of its flights. It’s a core part of their ultra-low-cost business model.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how it works:

1. Standard Seat Selection (Paid)

  • Cost: Typically ranges from €/£2 to €/£20 or more per passenger, per flight segment. The price depends on:
    • Route & Demand: Popular routes and peak times cost more.
    • Seat Type: Extra legroom seats (front rows, over-wing exits) are the most expensive.
    • Timing: Prices usually increase as the flight date gets closer.
  • When you pay: You can select and pay for a specific seat during the booking process or later through “My Booking” on their website/app.

2. Free Random Seat Allocation

  • If you do not pay to choose a seat, Ryanair will automatically assign you a random seat for free during online check-in (which opens 24 hours before departure).
  • Important: This means your group/family will likely not be seated together if you don’t pay to select adjacent seats. Ryanair uses this as a strong incentive for groups to pay for seat selection.

3. Exceptions & Important Notes

  • Infants (under 2 years): An adult traveling with an infant can select an appropriate seat (e.g., a bulkhead seat with a bassinet attachment) for free by contacting Ryanair after booking.
  • Passengers with Disabilities/Reduced Mobility: Those who require specific seating (e

People Also Ask

If you choose not to pay to reserve a seat, your seat will be assigned to you free of charge when you check in, between 24 hours and 2 hours prior to departure.

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Ryanair offers the option to purchase reserved seats or free seats, which are assigned randomly during check-in. Passengers who choose 'random seat allocation' can check in between 24 hours and 2 hours before the flight departure time.

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Ryanair expects it will be able to charge higher prices for flights over Easter and the summer, thanks to strong demand from American and Asian tourists and less competition from rivals. The low-cost European carrier told customers in an earnings statement on Monday to “book early” before cheaper tickets sell out.

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Ryanair Hand Luggage Allowance: One personal item, 40 x 25 x 20 cm, free of charge. 'Priority & 2 Cabin Bags' or 'Plus' customers may also bring on board a larger item measuring no more than 55 x 40 x 20 cm and weighing 10 kg or under.

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If you're booking your flights online, you'll face pop-ups and screens that try to convince you that you need to pay more to upgrade your travel experience. Just say no. Within 24 hours of your departure, the airline will assign you a seat.

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However, this is not done intentionally, he says, or because of any change in the seat algorithm. Instead, it is because certain seats are more desirable for those booking ahead – so Ryanair have started to “hold” them. “We want to keep certain seats available for people who might want to purchase.”

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A maximum of four children for every one adult on the same booking will receive a reserved seat free of charge. This ensures parents of young children sit together during the flight. This will also allow you to check-in for your flight 60 days before departure.

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Emphatically, no. You will likely get assigned a seat during check-in (though you should still skip it if the airline tries to tack on a fee) or, at the very least, at the gate. Again: You don't have to select a seat in order to get a seat. You just might get stuck with a suboptimal one if you choose to skip it.

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Though it might sound scary, there's one weird trick airlines don't want you to know: You don't have to select a seat. On most airlines, you'll get assigned a seat at check-in or at the gate if you don't already have one.

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If you book a flight and don't choose specific seats, the airline will assign you a seat at check-in. Depending on the airline, you may be able to select a seat online for free or for a fee. Some airlines may also assign you a seat at the gate.

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Ryanair are very strict,be careful as it will end up costing you ! Cabin baggage size is standard with all airlines 55x40x20 so that it can fit into the overhead lockers. However Ryanair are particularly strict on the baggage weight max 10kg. Sounds like you've bought a standard sized bag.

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Ryanair gives examples of a 'handbag, laptop bag or small backpack'. The airline states it cannot be larger than 40 x 20 x 25 centimeters (15.7 x 7.9 x 9.8 inches), but there is no weight limit. It should be stored under the seat in front of you.

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In fact, most regular airlines now charge for seat selection anyways. It's often around $10-$30 per seat per flight segment, so if you cave in and pay for that, it can add up quickly. You shouldn't do it. No matter which airline you're flying on, don't ever pay to select a seat.

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It means the flight's overbooked and you didn't make the “defnite” list, probably because others have either paid for seat assignments or because they have longer history with the airline. In these circumstances, if everyone with an assigned seat shows up, you will not be able to fly and will be offered compensation.

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For nervous flyers and people who don't like flying, the least you can do is to make yourself comfortable by choosing your seat. If you're not sitting comfortably or keep being disturbed as you're sat on the aisle seat, then the whole flying experience would worsen your journey before you arrive at your destination.

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Disadvantages of Flying with Ryanair
  • Unsatisfactory boarding at some airports.
  • Nothing luxurious.
  • On some destinations, the airport is a bit remote.
  • Extra fees for luggage.
  • Extra fees for adding luggage at airport.
  • Expensive overweight charges.


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Which airlines have cancelled most flights? Ryanair was the best-performing major airline worldwide - it has cancelled just 0.3% of flights so far this year.

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Revealed: The world's best airlines for 2023 as Ryanair named Europe's top low-cost carrier. Air New Zealand has been named as the best airline in the world for 2023.

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