20 Ryanair Tips Every UK Traveller Should Know to Save Money and Avoid Stress
Flying with Ryanair can be incredibly cheap—if you know what you’re doing. Hidden fees, strict baggage rules, and clever upsells can catch the unprepared. Here are 20 smart Ryanair tips every UK traveller should know to fly cheaper, smoother, and with fewer surprises.
1. Book Early—Ryanair Prices Only Rise
Ryanair’s pricing model rewards the early planner. Fares typically start low and increase closer to the departure date. Booking 3–6 months in advance can save you up to 70% compared to booking a few weeks before travel.
2. Clear Your Cookies or Use Incognito Mode
Flight searches can lead to dynamic pricing based on your browsing history. Always search using incognito/private mode to avoid price inflation after repeated visits.
3. Avoid Peak Times for the Best Deals
Midweek flights—especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays—tend to be cheaper than weekends. Flying late at night or early in the morning also brings better prices and fewer delays.
4. Don’t Pay for Priority Unless You Need Two Bags
Ryanair’s standard fare only includes one small underseat bag. Priority boarding lets you bring an additional cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20cm), but if you’re travelling light, you can skip it and save £10–£20 each way.
5. Measure Your Bag—They’re Strict at the Gate
Ryanair is notoriously strict with bag sizes. If your bag doesn’t fit in the frame at the gate, you’ll be charged £45–£70 on the spot. Always double-check dimensions.
| Bag Type | Size Limit (cm) | Included in Fare? |
|---|---|---|
| Small Personal Bag | 40 x 20 x 25 | Yes (Standard) |
| Cabin Trolley Bag | 55 x 40 x 20 (10kg) | Yes (Priority) |
| 20kg Checked Bag | Up to 81 x 119 x 119 | Extra fee |
6. Check In Online or Face a Hefty Fee
Ryanair charges £55 per person to check in at the airport. Always check in online via the app or website (available 24 hours to 60 days before departure) and download your boarding pass.
7. Use the Ryanair App to Manage Your Flight
The Ryanair app allows mobile check-in, live gate updates, boarding pass downloads, and disruption notifications. It can also help you avoid desk queues at the airport.
8. Use UK Bank Perks or Credit Cards with Cashback
Certain UK bank accounts and credit cards offer cashback on travel bookings, including flights.
| Bank/Card | Perk Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Amex Platinum Cashback | 0.5%–1% cashback | Useful for flight bookings |
| Santander Edge | 1% cashback on travel | Monthly fee of £3 |
| Chase UK | 1% cashback for 12 months | No FX fees |
Use one of these when booking to shave off a bit more from your total spend.
9. Compare Airports Before You Book
Ryanair flies to alternative airports like Stansted (vs. Heathrow), Bristol (vs. Cardiff), or Prestwick (vs. Glasgow). These may offer lower fares but factor in transport costs to reach your final destination.
10. Combine One-Way Fares to Maximise Flexibility
Booking two one-way tickets instead of a return can offer more flexibility and potentially lower costs—especially if you’re flying into and out of different cities.
11. Don’t Assume Airport Transfers Are Cheap
Ryanair often advertises “cheap” airport shuttles. These can be more expensive than public buses or regional trains. Research all transfer options before adding them during checkout.
12. Avoid Buying Extras During Booking
You’ll be offered seat selection, insurance, carbon offset fees, and more. Skip most of these unless truly needed—you can usually add them later for the same price, if not cheaper.
13. Free Seat Allocation Still Puts People Together
Unless you’re travelling in a group of 4+ or during peak season, free seat allocation still often places passengers together. If you’re not fussed about seating, save £4–£10 per leg.
14. Be Wary of Meal Prices—Bring Your Own Snacks
Inflight food is expensive. A sandwich and drink can easily cost over £10. Ryanair allows food and soft drinks onboard (no alcohol), so stock up at the airport or bring from home.
15. Use “Fare Finder” for Low-Cost Inspiration
Ryanair’s “Fare Finder” tool lets you input your budget and find the cheapest flights available from your nearest airport. It’s perfect for spontaneous weekends or off-season breaks.
16. Watch for Flash Sales and Email Promotions
Sign up to Ryanair’s mailing list and turn on app notifications. They frequently run £9.99 seat sales, especially in low seasons (January–March, September–October).
17. Know the Refund and Flight Change Rules
Ryanair’s basic fare is non-refundable. However, flight changes are allowed (for a fee). During COVID, they offered “zero change fees”—always read current policies before booking.
18. Pack Smart with Compression Bags
To maximise your underseat allowance, use vacuum or compression bags. This works particularly well for short trips or summer holidays with minimal clothing needs.
19. Skip Travel Insurance Add-ons—Use Your Bank Instead
Many UK bank accounts like Nationwide FlexPlus or Barclays Travel Pack include travel insurance that covers Ryanair flights. Always check existing cover before buying extras.
20. Don’t Overpay for Currency Exchange
Ryanair’s onboard exchange rates or add-ons aren’t competitive. Use fee-free debit cards like Chase, Starling, or Monzo for spending abroad instead of using airport bureaus or airline rates.
Summary Table: Ryanair Tips at a Glance
| Tip # | Trick Summary | Savings Potential |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Book 3–6 months early | Up to 70% |
| 4 | Avoid priority if only 1 small bag | £20+ per trip |
| 5 | Measure bags to avoid gate fees | £45–£70 saved |
| 6 | Always check in online | £55 saved per person |
| 8 | Use cashback credit cards | 1% cashback |
| 14 | Bring your own food | £10+ per meal |
Final Word: Ryanair is Cheap, But Only If You’re Clever
Ryanair can offer unbeatable prices, but the low fare is just the beginning. With the right planning, you can avoid fees, maximise value, and enjoy the journey without falling into costly traps.