Yes, Ryanair is the definitive example of an Ultra Low-Cost Carrier (ULCC) and is Europe’s largest airline by passenger volume. The ULCC business model is built on "unbundling" every possible service to keep the base fare as low as possible. When you buy a Ryanair ticket in 2026, you are essentially paying only for your seat and a small personal item that must fit under the seat in front of you. Every other amenity—including carry-on bags for the overhead bin, checked luggage, seat selection, onboard water or snacks, and even printing a boarding pass at the airport—comes with an additional fee. Ryanair maintains its low costs by using a uniform fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, flying to secondary airports with lower landing fees, and maintaining incredibly fast "turnaround" times at the gate. While often criticized for its strict "no-frills" approach and hidden fees, this model has allowed Ryanair to offer some of the lowest prices in the global aviation industry, making air travel accessible to millions of budget-conscious travelers across Europe and North Africa.