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Ryanair is known for low headline fares, but the lowest price you see is rarely the final price. The short answer to finding cheap Ryanair flights: be flexible on dates and airports, book when fares are lowest for your route, travel light, and add up the full cost including bags, seats and transport to the airport before you book. This guide explains how to do that without falling into the usual traps.
Fares, fees and rules change often, so treat this as general guidance and always check Ryanair’s official website and app for current prices, baggage rules and check-in requirements.
How do I avoid the extras?
Low-cost airlines make much of their money from optional extras, so the key is knowing which ones you actually need. A cheap base fare can become expensive quickly if you add everything the booking process offers.
Baggage
Baggage is the biggest extra for most travellers. The base fare normally includes a small personal item, and larger cabin bags and checked bags are usually extra. Rules and sizes change, so read the current allowance before you book. Our guide to Ryanair hand luggage size and avoiding gate fees explains how to check bag dimensions and avoid fees at the airport.
Seat selection
If you do not pay to choose a seat, you will usually be allocated one at check-in, and groups may be seated apart. If sitting together matters, for example with children, check the airline’s current policy and consider paying for seats. If you are travelling alone and do not mind where you sit, you can skip this.
Priority boarding and fast track
Priority boarding is often sold as a way to guarantee cabin bag space. Check what it includes and whether it is worth it for your trip. Fast track security is a separate airport service and its value depends on the airport and time of day.
Airport check-in and boarding passes
Airlines such as Ryanair have historically required online check-in and may charge fees for airport check-in or printing boarding passes. Check the current policy and download your boarding pass to your phone or print it at home in advance.
Payment and card fees
Some airlines add fees for certain payment methods. Check the final price at the payment step, and use a card that suits you. Our travel money exchange comparison covers ways to manage currency costs on trips abroad.
Add-ons you may not need
- Hotel and car hire offers inside the booking path. Compare these with other sites. Our car hire guide explains what to look for.
- Travel insurance sold at checkout. Compare it with standalone policies or an annual policy. See our travel insurance guide.
- Airport transfers and parking. Compare prices with other providers.
- Extra legroom seats, if the standard seat is fine for a short flight.
When do fares drop?
There is no magic date when every Ryanair fare falls, and anyone who claims otherwise is guessing. Fares are set by demand, so they tend to rise as seats sell. Some patterns are common, though.
- Booking well ahead for popular dates: school holidays, bank holidays and summer weekends often sell out and rise in price as departure approaches.
- Booking when schedules open: when a new season is released, early fares can be lower, though not always.
- Off-peak days: mid-week flights and flights at unpopular times are often cheaper than Friday, Sunday and holiday weekend departures.
- Shoulder seasons: spring and autumn tend to be cheaper than July and August.
- Sales and promotions: airlines run sales from time to time, but check the travel dates and conditions before you assume it is a bargain.
A useful habit is to check the fare calendar for your route, which shows the price for each day of the month. Compare a few days either side of your preferred date. You can also set price alerts using flight comparison sites so you are notified when the fare changes.
If your plans are flexible, a spur-of-the-moment trip can be cheap but depends on what is available. Our last minute holidays guide explains what to expect.
Which airports are cheapest?
The cheapest airport depends on your route, your dates and where you live. Ryanair has historically operated from a wide range of UK airports, including London area airports such as Stansted, and regional airports across the country. Check Ryanair’s current route map to see which airports serve your destination.
When comparing airports, think about the total journey cost, not just the flight.
- The cost of getting to the airport, including trains, buses, taxis or parking.
- How early you must arrive, and whether public transport runs at that time.
- Airport parking prices if you drive. See our guides to Stansted airport parking and Luton airport parking for what to compare.
- Whether an early flight means you need a hotel the night before.
- The destination airport, which may be far from the city centre and add transfer costs.
If you live in Sussex or near Brighton, Gatwick is the nearest major airport, and flying from there can be easier than travelling to another airport. Compare it with other options and see our holidays from Gatwick guide for ideas on routes and transport.
How to find the cheapest total price
- Pick the destination and a flexible window of dates.
- Use the fare calendar to find the cheapest days.
- Compare nearby airports at both ends.
- Add the real cost of bags, seats and transport to the airport.
- Compare the total with other airlines and with trains if the route is short enough.
- Read the fare conditions, including change and cancellation terms.
- Book when the price fits your budget, rather than waiting for an uncertain drop.
Check your passport and entry rules
A cheap flight is no use if your passport or entry documents are not valid. Check passport validity, any visa or travel authorisation requirement and the latest entry rules for your destination using official government websites. If you need a new passport, see our guides on renewing a UK passport online.
Flight delays and compensation
Low-cost flights can be affected by delays and cancellations like any others. If something goes wrong, keep your booking confirmation and boarding pass, and note the delay time. Our guide to flight delay compensation in the UK explains your rights and how to claim.
Common mistakes that make cheap flights expensive
- Booking before checking the bag allowance, then paying more at the airport.
- Choosing an early flight with no public transport, then paying for taxis or a hotel.
- Forgetting that the destination airport may be far from the city.
- Ignoring the name on the booking, which must match the passport exactly.
- Not checking the return flight time, which can leave you stranded late at night.
- Assuming a sale price includes all taxes and charges without checking the final page.
Quick pre-booking checklist
- Names match passports.
- Bag allowance suits your trip.
- Airport transport is sorted at both ends.
- Check-in rules are understood.
- Insurance is arranged.
- The total price is within your budget.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ryanair really cheaper than other airlines?
Often the base fare is lower, but the total can be similar once you add bags, seats and airport costs. Compare the total price on your route and dates, not just the headline fare.
Do I need to check in online?
Ryanair has required online check-in in the past, with fees for airport check-in. Check the current policy on their official site before you travel.
Can I bring a bag on board for free?
Usually only a small personal item is included, but rules change. Check the current allowance and the size limits before packing.
Is it cheaper to book return or two singles?
Low-cost airlines normally price each direction separately, so there is no automatic advantage to a return ticket. You can choose different days or airports for each leg, which is often useful.
What happens if I miss my flight?
Low-cost fares are usually non-refundable. If you miss a flight, you may lose the fare. Check the airline’s policy and your travel insurance, and aim to arrive early.
Can I change my booking?
Often yes for a fee, though the fee and rules depend on the fare and the date. Check the fare conditions before you book if you think your plans could change.
Is flight comparison worthwhile?
Yes. A comparison site can show you prices from several airlines at once and help you find cheaper days or airports. Always check the final price on the airline’s own page before booking.
Final tips
Cheap flights come from flexibility, preparation and attention to the total cost. Decide what you need in advance, avoid paying for extras you will not use, and keep an eye on the fare calendar. Once your flights are booked, look at our city breaks guide for ideas on how to use your trip, and our cheap holidays guide for more ways to save.