The Differences Between Ryanair’s Fare Types

Here at Simple Flying, we’ve long discussed the pros and cons of flying with Irish giant Ryanair. The European low-cost powerhouse’s core attractive feature is, of course, its famous budget fares. However, this approach has left several passengers forking out more than anticipated amid all the optional extras. Still, the airline has several fare types catering to different requirements.

From the basic offering to the most flexible ticket, Ryanair has taken plenty into consideration when implementing its ticket variants. In total, there are five main fare types, with each bracket offering passengers different perks and privileges. Starting from the cheapest, they are broken down into the following.

The Value Fare

There are no compromises with this fare, as even if you want to bring an overhead bag onboard, you will have to pay extra. Nonetheless, you can still bring in a small bag that can fit underneath the seat, with dimensions that measure up to 40 cm x 20 cm x 25 cm. Therefore, if you’re a light packer with no extra baggage or are just making a short trip, this could be a cheap and cheerful option.

Photo: Craig Larsen | Boeing

This fare is often a favorite for travelers going on a short break for the weekend, and on the popular route from Dublin (DUB) to London Gatwick (LGW), the value fare can be as low as €9.99 ($10.66) one way. You can also only check in 24 hours before the flight; failure to do so online will result in a fee at the airport. Additionally, you’re seat will be randomly allocated unless you pay to choose.

Regular

Going up a level, we come to Ryanair’s Regular fare. This provision may be the choice of fare for those with a little more to carry, as the carrier explains:

“The Regular Fare is Ryanair’s newest fare class offering valuable travel extras for frequent flyers. Includes: Priority & 2 Cabin bags (one small cabin bag and 10kg wheelie bag onboard); Reserved standard seat (Rows 18-33 included).”

A regular fare is around €20-25 extra ($21.34-$26.68) each way on the Dublin Airport to London Gatwick route. However, pricing is dynamic and based on demand at the time. Therefore, you might see significant price differences between Value and Regular, while adding a checked bag might just be cheaper.

Photo: Tom Boon | Simple Flying

Ryanair charges anywhere from €6/£6 ($6.40-7.35) to €30/£30 ($32-36.76) for the Priority & 2 Cabin Bags and €2/£2 ($2.13-2.45) to €15/£15 ($16-$18.38) for reserved seats. When you take into account the combined costs of these individual aspects, buying this fare offers much better value for money in most cases.

Plus

The third of the five tariffs offered is known as Plus. On this fare type, passengers can bring a small bag (that fits under the seat), a check-in bag weighing 20kg, and reserve a standard seat (Rows 18-33). Plus fares also allow you to check in for free at the airport up to 40 minutes before their flight. However, you cannot bring a larger carry-on with this fare, nor do you have Priority access to boarding.

Image: Ryanair

Catering to a range of leisure travelers, holidaymakers, and city breakers, the cost of adding this tariff to a given booking is approximately €27-35 ($28.81-37.35) more on the Dublin-Gatwick route. Once again, this has the potential to vary significantly, and, at times, adding the checked bag separately might be a better deal.

Family Plus

Ryanair introduced Family Plus to help families travel seamlessly. Taking children into account, there are free seats for passengers under 12 years old, so everyone sits together with discounted standard seats. This gives families peace of mind, knowing that parents and children won’t be allocated distant seats.

Photo: Ryanair

The Family Plus fare also includes a small cabin bag per passenger each way and a 10 kg check-in bag per passenger each way. Additionally, the ticket includes a 20 kg check-in bag. The cost is around €20 (£21.34) more per person on each flight between Dublin and Gatwick. This is a great deal for families since you have plenty of luggage allowance, and you won’t be separated while flying.

Flexi Plus

The cream of the crop, the Flexi Plus tariff represents the airline’s most all-encompassing offering. It had a multitude of benefits, as Ryanair explains:

“Flexi Plus is Ryanair’s Premium flying fare that includes loads of great services and travel flexibility. Includes: Priority & two cabin bags, Any reserved seat, Flexible tickets, Free airport check-in, Security fast track.”

Photo: Boeing

As the name suggests, this is Ryanair’s most flexible fare type, and it is meant for those who frequently change their plans. However, adding this can double the ticket price, so it is undoubtedly an investment that requires careful consideration. There’s still no cancellation, but you can keep changing your date.

Across the board

Overall, there is definitely something for all types of travelers throughout Ryanair’s extensive fare spectrum. In some cases, it could be worthwhile considering a fare upgrade rather than paying a single fee for add-ons. However, the best way is to choose the Value fare and then see the price of add-ons. After all, if you only need a 10kg checked bag, there’s no need to pay the full whack of a Plus fare.

That being said, it can also cost in the region of €45 ($48) to €60 ($64) to change a flight per person on a one-way itinerary. With this in mind, there is plenty of value to be had with a flexible fare in particular circumstances.

What are your thoughts about Ryanair’s fare types? How do you rate the overall options? Let us know what you think of the airline’s services in the comments!

Source: Ryanair