Of course. Ryanair is famous for its low fares but also for its strict rules, which are crucial to understand to avoid unexpected fees that can often exceed the cost of your ticket.
Here’s a breakdown of the key rules and how to avoid common pitfalls:
Before Your Flight: Booking & Documentation
- Passport/ID: For international flights (even within the EU), you must have a valid passport. For domestic flights, a government-issued photo ID is required. Name on the booking must exactly match the name on your travel document. Ryanair is very strict about this; even minor spelling errors can incur a hefty correction fee (€/£115 + fare difference).
- Online Check-In: This is mandatory. You must check in online on the Ryanair website or app.
- Window: Opens 24 hours before departure and closes 2 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Boarding Pass: You must print your boarding pass or download it to your phone before arriving at the airport. If you need a boarding pass reissued at the airport, it will cost €/£20/25 at the desk or €/£55/60 at the gate.
- Visas & Travel Permits: It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa for your destination. Ryanair will deny boarding if you don’t have the proper documentation.
Baggage Rules (The Most Important & Costly Area)
Ryanair has a strict “Pay for what you need” baggage system.
- Small Personal Item (Included in all fares):