If you’ve never flown within Europe before, Ryanair is a low-budget airline across Europe. Affordable, loud, slightly unhinged, but somehow always there when you need them. It’s the flight equivalent of that friend who says, “I’ll pick you up in 10 minutes,” then shows up 30 minutes late blasting music, but still gets you home safely.
The Pros
1. The price is disrespectfully low.
Ryanair will fly you to another country for less than what you pay for brunch back home. It feels illegal in the best way. The prices are almost laughably low most of the year. Sure, they creep up during peak times like summer or the holidays, but even then, you’re still paying way less than what a quick domestic flight would cost in the US. And every now and then, they’ll throw out a random promo, like twenty percent off, just to remind you that flying around Europe doesn’t have to drain your bank account. It feels like they’re daring you to book a trip you weren’t even planning.
2. You get a tiny taste of “private jet” life.
Now listen. You do get to walk outside on the runway and climb your own stairs to board. No tunnels, no moving walkways, no flashing airport signs. It’s just you, your bags, the wind smacking you in the face, and a moment where you think, “Wow… am I famous?” If you squint hard enough, you might catch yourself imagining paparazzi. I have to tread lightly saying this because Ryanair is nowhere near luxurious, but walking across the runway and climbing those stairs gives you a tiny hit of private-jet energy. It’s the economy version of feeling important, and honestly, I’m not mad at it.
And I’ll give them this too: I love that Ryanair uses both the front and back doors when boarding. It speeds things up in a way that airlines in the US refuse to understand. In the US, you get one door and a slow-moving line of people wrestling with overhead bins while you age in real time. In Europe, you’re on the plane, buckled, and wheels up before you can finish your snack.
3. Short flights mean no big drama.
You’re usually in the air for 1–3 hours. It’s basically a bus ride with clouds. Thankfully, Europe is tiny enough that you can hop between countries in under three hours. If your destination isn’t too far, the train is a whole vibe. You get views, space, peace, and no one threatening to charge you for having a bag that looks “too confident.”
The Cons
1. They will absolutely tease you about boarding.
You’ll line up. And then you’ll line up again. And then they’ll make an announcement that makes you think the gate is opening… only for nothing to happen. When I say they’ll tease you, I’m not exaggerating. They will march you outside, line you up like you’re seconds from boarding… then suddenly herd everyone right back up to the gate like a confused school field trip. In the States, they usually keep you inside until everything’s actually ready. Ryanair, though? They’ll take you out there whether the plane is ready, not ready, halfway ready, or still thinking about getting ready. It’s chaos with a boarding pass.
2. The bag rules are strict like a Catholic school principal.
If your bag is even one inch too big, they’re charging you. Ryanair loves an extra fee the way Americans love free refills. They’re unbelievably strict about bag dimensions. They’ll pull you aside, make you drop your bag in that little metal measuring cage, and stare at you like you know what you did. Most people try to survive on a “personal item,” which basically means one backpack. Ladies, that means no backpack and purse combo. You’ve got to consolidate like your life depends on it. Or, if you’re bold, you can slip your purse under your giant puffer jacket and pray they don’t notice.
And since we’re talking jackets, just know this: depending on the agent you catch that day, you might not be allowed to carry it in your hand. Nope. They’ll make you wear it. Nothing says “glamorous travel queen” like sweating through security in a Michelin Man coat just so you can save 75 euros on a carry-on.
3. The seats are… seats. That’s really all I can say.
They recline the same amount as a brick wall. But hey, you get what you pay for. The seats… yeah, they’re not winning any awards. In the States, planes at least throw you a little seat-back pocket where you can stash your drink, your snacks, your dignity. Ryanair said, “Absolutely not.” There’s nothing. I was sitting there trying to juggle my drink, my phone, and my life with one hand because there was literally nowhere to put anything. That was the moment I realized I had taken American seat pockets for granted. I miss them now. I cherish them.
And here’s the part no one warns you about. If you end up in seats C or D, which are usually the aisle seats, the under-seat space is mysteriously smaller. I don’t know who designed this or why they did it, but your bag will be fighting for its life down there.
Moral of the story: Ryanair will humble you in creative ways.
4. Customer service is a gamble.
If you need help, just pray. Or meditate. Or both. I’ve never had to deal with Ryanair’s customer service myself, but the streets say it’s nothing to brag about. Honestly, it matches the price you paid. When you’re flying across Europe for the cost of fries, you can’t expect five-star treatment. Go in with low expectations, and you’ll walk away perfectly fine.
5. Bare minimum airline.
Everything is extra. Everything. Every little thing comes with a fee. You want legroom? That’ll be €5. Carry-on luggage? Another €20. A Snickers and a bottle of water? Cool, €6. Travel insurance? Why not, €15 more?
It adds up fast. If you’re coming from the U.S., especially if you’re used to bigger airlines, this feels shocking at first. We’re used to a personal item, a carry-on, free snacks, maybe even a little extra legroom, without thinking twice about it.
Ryanair doesn’t do that. They give you the bare minimum and then charge for everything else. The ticket is cheap, yes, but the real cost depends on how much comfort you’re willing to pay for. If you know that going in, it’s fine. If you don’t? Welcome to your first budget-airline reality check.
6. No personal space.
Ryanair really is a whole different vibe. When I fly domestically in the U.S., people usually stay in their seats unless they have to get up, bathroom, or stretch, that’s it. But on Ryanair? People will literally stand in the aisle and have full-on conversations with their friends. And it’s… awkward.
Like, if you’re in the aisle seat, someone might hover right next to you while talking, completely invading your personal space. Or they’ll block the aisle near the bathrooms, chatting like it’s a café. I’m just sitting there thinking, can this conversation wait until we land? It’s wild.
I can’t tell you how many times a flight attendant has had to bump into me while navigating past these people in the aisle. She was constantly going back and forth serving passengers, and in the process, kept bumping my arm. I could tell it was getting a little frustrating for her, too.
So, should you fly Ryanair? Honestly? Yes. It’s Europe. These flights are fast, cheap, and strangely charming once you understand the game. Bring a small bag, brace yourself for the boarding Olympics, and enjoy the walk across the tarmac like the star you secretly believe you are.
And when you climb those portable staircases with the sun hitting your face just right, try not to smile. You’ll feel like you’re boarding your own little jet… minus the champagne, velvet ropes, and actual luxury. But the confidence? Oh, that part is free (But don’t tell Ryanair 😉)
If you want to save yourself time, money, and unnecessary hassle, check out my Ryanair-approved list on my Amazon storefront. I’ve carefully curated items that are travel-friendly, practical, and will make your trips way smoother.
Just a quick disclaimer: if you decide to purchase through the links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support means the world to me and helps me keep creating content like this—so thank you in advance!
Safe travels,
American Girl Meets World
