Ryanair Hidden Fees: The Complete Guide to Avoiding Surprises
AirHuntr Editorial
June 18, 2026
Ryanair advertises some of the lowest fares in Europe — but if you're not careful, fees can easily double or triple the headline price. Here's every charge to know before you book.
Ryanair advertises some of the lowest fares in Europe — but if you're not careful, fees can easily double or triple the headline price. Here's every charge to know before you book.
The Biggest Fee: Cabin Bag
Since 2018, Ryanair's free allowance is one small personal bag (40x20x25cm) that fits under the seat. Anything larger — including standard cabin bags — costs extra.
- Priority boarding + 10kg cabin bag: €6–€29 depending on route and timing
- 10kg checked bag: €8–€25 at booking, up to €50 at the airport
- 20kg checked bag: €12–€35 at booking, up to €60 at the airport
Always add your bag at booking — prices increase significantly closer to departure and at the airport desk.
Priority Boarding
If you want to guarantee overhead locker space for your cabin bag, you need Priority Boarding (€5–€12). Without it, you board last and may have to check your bag at the gate.
Seat Selection
Seat selection is not free on Ryanair. Fees range from €4 (middle back seat) to €20+ (front row, exit row, or extra legroom). If you don't select a seat, Ryanair assigns you one free — usually in the middle of the plane.
Trick: If you're travelling with one other person, don't pay for seats. Ryanair's algorithm tends to seat passengers together when seats are available.
Payment Fees
Ryanair charges a €2 fee per passenger per flight when paying by debit or credit card. The only way to avoid it is to pay with a Ryanair-branded prepaid Mastercard.
Airport Check-In Fee
Ryanair is one of the only airlines that charges for airport check-in: €55 per person. Always check in online (free, available from 2 days to 2 hours before flight).
Fast Track Security
Available at select airports for €5–€9. Only worth it at large, busy airports where security queues can be 30+ minutes.
Travel Insurance
Ryanair pre-ticks travel insurance at checkout. Uncheck it if you have your own cover (most credit cards include some travel insurance).
How to Book Ryanair Cheaply
- Book direct at ryanair.com — third-party sites add markup
- Add only what you need at booking (bags, seats) — never at the airport
- Check in online, download your boarding pass
- Use a Ryanair Mastercard to avoid payment fees
- Set price alerts — Ryanair runs promotional sales regularly
The Real Cost of a "€10 Flight"
A €10 advertised fare can quickly become €60+ once you add a cabin bag (€14), a seat (€6), and a payment fee (€4). Always calculate the total before comparing to other airlines.
Ryanair remains excellent value if you pack light and know the rules. Ignore them, and you'll pay far more than a full-service airline.
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