We know that Ryanair's very low fares are more than compensated for by all its ancillary servicesA passenger who finds a ticket for A passenger who finds a ticket for €35 one way, for example, may end up paying up to €100 more depending on the options or a last-minute addition at the airport.
Travel rules are strict. A passenger travelling with a small piece of luggage (40 x 20 x 25 cm), for example, will generally have to measure his or her bag before boarding. With in the event of overruns (this can be a 5 cm larger format), a substantial fixed price, which can be as much as 60 euros. Auxiliary revenues generated 4.3 billion euros in fiscal year 2024. This represents 32% of the company's 13.44 billion euros in revenues.
Confirmation of the disappearance of printed banknotes
Bad news, however, for future flights. Ryanair puts extra screws on baggage and check-in procedures.
The low-cost airline has confirmed that the changes will apply to all customers, marking the end of certain long-standing practices. The new measures will take effect on 1 Novemberwith the official introduction of the IATA winter timetable.
Initially scheduled for June, the abolition of paper banknotes will be effective on this date. Travellers will now have to present an electronic boarding pass to access their flight, as part of an entirely digital check-in process. This can prove problematic if a mobile phone breaks down, paper is now null and void…
Strict rules on baggage
The most important change, however, concerns the new hand baggage restrictions. The maximum size of free cabin baggage will now be strictly limited to 40 x 20 x 25 cm.. It already was, but the airline will systematically check the size of the light baggage.
If this standard is exceeded, the cost will be 70 euros. The option of an additional bag purchased after a basic fare has been abolished. In its place, passengers must purchase priority boarding including two pieces of luggage (one 55 x 40 x 20 cm, weighing 10 kg).
Another bitter pill to swallow: a €100 fine imposed by Ryanair on passengers who present themselves at the check-in counter less than 40 minutes before departure. This heavy penalty will also apply to those hoping to take a later flight if they have missed the original booking. Ryanair officially justifies these measures by greater compliance with cabin baggage rules and better punctuality.
A loyalty programme called Ryanair Prime
In this avalanche of news that is not very pleasant for passengers, an interesting offer has emerged, particularly for business travellers. Ryanair is launching a "loyalty programme". rather than loyalty. Called Ryanair PrimeIt offers many attractive benefits for business travellers.
By signing up to Ryanair Prime for one year (€79 for 12 months), members of the programme will be entitled to a number of advantages, providing a little more flexibility. E-mails informing of exclusive sales discounted flights; limited number of free reserved places -12 per contract period- on certain rows of the aircraft (determined by Ryanair). However, if the member wishes to have a different seat, they can reserve it for a fixed fee of €9.
Ryanair Prime bookings can only be made via a myRyanair account.. Members can book an unlimited number of flights at reduced Ryanair Prime fares subject to availability. This option is also available for a Ryanair Reward companion, at an additional cost.
Another advantage ofautomatic travel insurance on all flights. This includes not only Ryanair flights but also those of Lauda and Malta Air.
Finally, members can change any flight fare booked through Ryanair Prime to another flight fare. At an additional cost.
In addition, the 2025 summer timetable includes four new lines in France From Paris-Beauvais to Leeds-Bradford; from Toulouse to Bristol and Budapest; and from Clermont-Ferrand to London-Stansted. As well as the withdrawal of the company from Vatry airport with the discontinuation of services to Marrakech and Porto at the end of this week.
