Ryanair has become synonymous with low-cost air travel, offering millions of passengers affordable flights across Europe.
However, beneath the cheap fares and extensive flight network are some stunning facts. Want to know more? In no particular order, here are 14 surprising things you may not know about Ryanair.
1. Ryanair held talks with Boeing about standing areas on its planes
Ryanair once proposed a standing room area on its flights, where passengers could stand to save on ticket prices.
This idea was never implemented because it was halted by an unnamed regulator.
2. The airline put forward the idea of charging passengers to use the toilet
Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, once suggested charging passengers to use the restroom on the airline’s flights.
The idea ultimately sparked outrage and was shelved.
3. Ryanair’s seats do not recline
To maximize the number of passengers, Ryanair’s planes do not have reclining seats.
It’s said that the lack of seat recline also saves the airline money.
4. The airline charges passengers to print boarding passes at the airport
Boarding passes can now be retrieved on the Ryanair app.
However, a fee will be charged to reissue the boarding pass at the airport if an individual is unable to present a printed boarding pass or access the app at a Ryanair check-in desk.
5. Ryanair charges extra fees for ancillary services
Depending on your ticket, Ryanair is notorious for charging extra fees for things many airlines include, like baggage, seat selection, and even checking in at the airport if you don’t have a boarding pass to hand.
6. The airline planned to put only one toilet on its aircraft
To maximize space for additional seats and allegedly lower the cost of its fares, Ryanair once proposed to have only one toilet fitted on its aircraft.
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7. Ryanair pilots have previously held strikes about pay
Ryanair’s pilots have often complained about low pay and difficult working conditions.
There have been multiple strikes over these issues.
8. The airline’s customer service is often criticized
Ryanair has consistently ranked low in customer service, with many passengers complaining about poor treatment and alleged hidden fees.
In July 2024, the airline reported a CSAT (Customer Satisfaction Score) of 83%, which was down 1% compared to the previous month.
9. Ryanair tickets are generally non-refundable
Ryanair’s tickets are usually non-refundable, making it difficult for passengers to change their travel plans without a financial loss.
10. The airline once proposed a tax for obese passengers
Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s CEO, once suggested charging overweight passengers more, a proposal that was criticized as discriminatory.
11. Some of Ryanair’s marketing campaigns have been banned
Ryanair’s advertising has often been controversial, with some ads banned for being misleading or offensive.
For example, the airline’s “jab and go” television advertisements – released days before COVID-19 vaccines became available in the United Kingdom – were banned as it was deemed that they encouraged people to act irresponsibly during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
12. The airline does not provide in-flight entertainment
To keep costs down, Ryanair planes have no in-flight entertainment, even on longer flights.
Passengers are encouraged to bring their own form of entertainment.
13. Ryanair operates with speedy turnarounds
Ryanair is known for its ultra-fast aircraft turnarounds, targeting just 25 minutes between landing and takeoff.
This ultimately contributes to the low-cost carrier’s on-time performance.
14. The low-cost carrier has a strong safety record
As far as safety records go, Ryanair has one of the best in the world.
Notably, the airline has not recorded a single fatality since its inception.
This article was updated on October 9, 2024.
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