Flying with Ryanair: FAQs, Rules, and Passenger Rights

Here is Ryanair punctuality data from the last 7 days of operations to help you set realistic expectations:

• On-time performance: 64.39%. This means 10413 of the 16173 total flights operated arrived within 15 minutes of their scheduled gate time.

• Cancelled flights: 3936 flights. Of these cancellations, 687 were on domestic routes and 3249 were on international routes.

• Major delays: 47 flights. These flights experienced significant delays, arriving more than 3 hours after their scheduled time.

Flight numbers shown are estimates, based on internal databases and third parties.

Over the last week, Ryanair international flights had:

• a cancellation rate of 23.50%, and

• a severe delay rate (>180 minutes) of 0.31%.

The airline operated 13826 international flights during this period.

Reliability often depends on the specific route, airport, and external factors like weather or air traffic control restrictions.

Ryanair performance can vary, but AirHelp’s data offers an objective snapshot. Ryanair has an AirHelp Score of 5.67 out of 10, which evaluates airlines based on on-time performance, claim processing, and customer service.

Like all major carriers, the airline has experienced incidents in its history, but it continuously invests in pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and safety protocols. Modern aviation is statistically one of the safest modes of transportation, and Ryanair adheres to strict international and UK safety regulations.

Ryanair operates the world's largest low-cost network, flying to hundreds of destinations across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East from its numerous bases.

Ryanair does not operate a traditional hub system but has major operational bases all over Europe. Key bases include Dublin (DUB), London Stansted (STN), Milan Bergamo (BGY), Warsaw Modlin (WMI), Brussels Charleroi (CRL), and Cologne/Bonn (CGN).

Ryanair is an independent ultra-low-cost carrier and does not belong to any major global airline alliance. It maintains a very limited partnership network, focusing almost exclusively on its own point-to-point flights (mainly with OTAs like Booking Holdings, Skyscanner, loveholidays, and Erasmus Student Network). Its main "partner" is Ryanair Tours for holiday packages.

If you’re flying on a codeshare operated by another airline, your passenger rights usually depend on the operating carrier (the airline that actually flies the plane). However, if that airline is UK-based or your flight departs from the UK/EU, you may be entitled to compensation under UK 261 (or EC 261) for eligible delays or cancellations.

Let AirHelp check your eligibility and file the claim.

Ryanair's policy is strict and fee-based. All fares include one small personal item (max 40 x 30 x 20 cm, e.g., handbag, laptop bag). The right to bring a 10kg overhead cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20 cm) must be purchased separately (as "Priority & 2 Cabin Bags") for an additional fee. Otherwise, it can be checked at the gate for a high fee.

Checked baggage is an optional, paid-for service on most Ryanair fares. Allowances, fees, and weight/size limits vary by route and fare type (e.g., 10kg or 20kg options). Additional fees apply for extra or overweight bags. It is essential to add and pay for checked baggage during booking for the lowest price.

You should report it immediately to the Baggage Service Office (or at the Ryanair service desk, if available) and get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) as proof. On international flights, your baggage rights are protected by the Montreal Convention, which also applies to flights departing from or arriving in the UK.

If you are an AirHelp+ member, you can let AirHelp handle your claim to obtain the reimbursement and compensation you are due (up to approximately £1,550).

You must check in online via the Ryanair website or mobile app. Online check-in opens up to 60 days before departure (with reserved seats) or 24 hours before (48 hours for higher fares) and closes 2 hours before flight time. Ryanair now uses 100% digital boarding passes in the app; printed passes are no longer accepted (except in special cases). Airport check-in incurs a high fee.

For all flights, arriving at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure time is recommended. Passengers must pass through security at least 40 minutes before the flight, and the boarding gate closes 20 minutes before departure.

Prohibited items include explosives, flammable liquids, and many sharp objects. Common items like certain lighters and gel-type sports equipment are also not allowed. Check the UK airport security regulations website and Ryanair's prohibited items list for full details.

You can track your flight on the Ryanair app or website, or use the flight tracker built into the AirHelp app.

Compensation rights depend on the laws that apply to your specific flight. Flights departing from the United Kingdom or operated by a UK airline may qualify for compensation of up to £520 under UK 261, while EU-related flights fall under EC 261, provided the airline is responsible for the delay.

With our compensation checker, you can check for free whether you are entitled to compensation.

It depends on numerous circumstances, such as the law governing that specific flight, the notice period with which the airline communicates the cancellation, and the delay of the replacement flight. Under UK 261 and EC 261 laws, you may be entitled to assistance at the airport and compensation of up to £520.

Airlines first ask for volunteers to give up their seats in exchange for compensation. If not enough volunteers are found and you are involuntarily denied boarding, you are entitled to compensation under UK 261, EC 261, and other local aviation regulations.

You can file your claim directly on the airline's website. For flight compensation under EU law, submit it through AirHelp: we’ve won compensation for 3 million passengers worldwide. AirHelp operates on a no-win, no-fee basis so you don’t pay us anything upfront.

Ryanair provides services for passengers with mobility, hearing, and vision disabilities. Common services include wheelchair assistance and pre-boarding.

You can request these accommodations during booking, via the airline's website or mobile app, or by contacting their customer service in advance. Learn more about rights for passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility here.

Ryanair provides family boarding, child seat guidelines, and infant travel options depending on age and route.

Ryanair does not transport pets (dogs, cats, etc.) in the cabin or hold, except for recognised guide/assistance dogs on specific routes (free, with prior approval and documentation).

Ryanair does not offer Wi-Fi or in-flight streaming entertainment on its aircraft.

Ryanair does not feature seatback screens or TVs on any of its aircraft.

Ryanair does not offer complimentary meals. An extensive "Bistro" menu with snacks, meals, and beverages is available for purchase on board during the flight.

A selection of beer, wine, and spirits is available for purchase on board most Ryanair flights. There are no complimentary alcoholic beverages, and the airline operates a strict "no alcohol consumed on board that was not purchased on the aircraft" policy.

Yes, you may bring your own food on board, provided it complies with airport security regulations. Liquids (such as sauces or yoghurts) must generally adhere to the rules for carrying liquids.

The airline was founded in 1984 and commenced its low-cost scheduled services in 1985, initially operating a single route between Ireland and the UK.

Ryanair's corporate headquarters are located in Swords, County Dublin, Ireland, adjacent to Dublin Airport (DUB).