Ryanair
Ireland’s largest low-cost airline, operating an extensive point-to-point European network with a single-class, unbundled fare model.
About Ryanair
Ryanair was founded in 1984 and began flying the following year. The Irish low-cost carrier is the principal airline within publicly listed Ryanair Holdings plc. It built its identity around low base fares, high aircraft utilisation and separately priced extras, becoming one of Europe’s largest airlines by passenger volume and network reach.
Rather than operating through one traditional connecting hub, Ryanair uses a broad system of bases and point-to-point routes. London is its busiest departure market by route count, followed by Milan, Brussels, Dublin and Palma. Its network comprises 2,466 routes serving 153 destinations across 27 countries, with particularly extensive coverage of European capitals, regional cities and Mediterranean leisure markets.
The Boeing 737-800 is the aircraft type recorded for Ryanair’s operations, supporting a largely standardised short- and medium-haul service. Cabins use a single economy-class layout without a separate business-class section. Passengers can choose fare bundles or purchase options such as reserved seating, priority boarding, additional cabin baggage, checked baggage and onboard refreshments separately.
Ryanair does not belong to Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld, and its point-to-point business model generally does not emphasise interline connections or protected transfers between separate bookings. It also has no conventional frequent-flyer programme comparable with the mileage schemes operated by full-service network airlines, so travellers should not expect to earn or redeem alliance miles on its flights.
Ryanair’s principal strength is the breadth of its direct network, which can make nonstop travel between European cities possible without passing through a major hub. The trade-off is a tightly unbundled product: baggage, seat selection and other extras can materially increase the final price. Travellers should also check the exact airport used, since some destinations are served through secondary airports located outside the advertised city centre.
Good to know
Flying with Ryanair — what to expect
Unbundled Fare Model
The lowest fares generally cover the flight and a small personal bag, while larger cabin baggage, checked baggage, seat selection and priority boarding may cost extra. Compare the complete trip price before booking.
Check Your Airport
Ryanair sometimes uses secondary airports that may be some distance from the city named in the route. Check the airport code and ground-transport cost before confirming your itinerary.
Cabin Bag Rules
A small under-seat bag is generally included, but a larger cabin bag depends on the fare or baggage option purchased. Review the current allowance for your booking before travelling.
Online Check-In
Complete check-in through Ryanair’s website or app within the window applying to your booking. Airport check-in or reissuing a boarding pass can incur charges in some circumstances.
Separate Connections
Ryanair primarily sells point-to-point travel, so self-connections may not include baggage transfer or protection after a missed onward flight. Allow substantial time between independently booked sectors.
Network overview
Where Ryanair flies
Ryanair operates 2,466 routes to 153 destinations across 27 countries, its longest sector reaching Billund to Tenerife (3,699 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Ryanair flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Billund → Tenerife
3,699 km · BLL → TFS
The longest sector in the Ryanair network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Ryanair
Notable destinations on Ryanair's network.
FRLondondirectFRMilandirectFRBrusselsdirectFRDublindirectFRPalmadirectFRGironadirectFROslodirectFRDusseldorfdirectFRMalagadirectFRStockholmdirectFRFrankfurtdirectFRPisadirectDestination list is indicative of Ryanair's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
Reviews of Ryanair
TripAdvisor · 2023–2024- 52
- 42
- 33
- 22
- 141
What travellers flew
Counted from the 50 reviews below — a tally of the flights reviewed, with each chip carrying the average score those reviewers gave. Nothing here reads their prose or summarises what they said.
✓ marks a group averaging 7/10 or better, − one averaging 4/10 or worse, across at least three reviews.
Customer service
Worst company by far, if it's considered one, zero customer service, avoid at all costs. Never again.
Posted February 2024 by Thomas N, Skiathos
rip off company that doesn’t follow their own rules
I booked a flight 10th December. I realised it was the wrong flight date and tried to changed my flight on yesterday (11th December) this should have been free of charge of any admin fees. However I was told I have to pay the admin charge as well as the new… See more fare price. I have requested a refund for my admin fee via telephone and email but have had no luck and keep going round in circles from different departments. This is disgusting service
See lessPosted December 2023 by dior
misleading passengers. hidden fees
hidden fees. fees are not clearly stated so they can charge passengers. They mislead us by this. bad customer service.
Posted November 2023 by fa s
Ripped off, delays, cold and rude staff
The flight was delayed, no explanation given, we were allowed to partially board and then we were kept at the corridors standing up with the fans blowing in our heads. Fk you too Ryanair.
Posted October 2023 by WHodgson
Flight was fine, Ryanair customer services useless
Service I paid for does not exist. Avoid this company I booked a shuttle transfer through Ryanair from Almeria Airport to Vera Playa and paid £63.84 for two return. I thought it strange that the document I printed off did not include an E-Ticket, but lots of… See more warnings about correct hotel address. I cut and pasted the address from the hotel website, a very well known hotel. Shortly after I received the first of three emails declaring that I had not included the correct address ( I had, as above) the final one warning me that if I didn't change/provide the address I would lose my booking with no compensation. I emailed them and this morning received an email stating that they cannot provide this service and offering either credit compensation or a refund. So, it wasn't because I had provided the wrong address, they just can't provide the service. It remains to be seen if I receive a refund, I very much doubt that will happen. Why is Ryanair even associated with this rogue company? 18th September and they are still playing delaying games! Booked through a genuine company and that service (Shuttle Direct) was perfect.
See lessPosted September 2023 by natur63cat, Colchester
Oplichting by Fast Track
We purchase the fast track for Ryanair for our flight from Faro to Porto and back. When going to the fast track we did not get passed it a Ryanair seems to sell this as a service but does not pay the airport for it. This is easy money for something they cannot… See more actually sell. Pure rip off!!!
See lessPosted August 2023 by Alex F
Traveller reviews originally published on TripAdvisor, shown for reference — service standards may have changed since. Originfacts does not edit or verify individual reviews, and the sample reflects who chose to leave one.
More from Ireland
Other airlines based in Ireland
FAQ
Ryanair — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Ryanair’s longest route is Billund to Tenerife, covering about 3,699 km nonstop.
- Ryanair serves 153 destinations across 27 countries and operates 2,466 routes.
- Ryanair operates a multi-base, point-to-point network rather than relying on one conventional hub. London is its busiest departure market by route count, with London Stansted serving as one of its most important bases.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.
- Lower fares are often available when booking early for off-peak dates and travelling midweek or outside school holidays. Compare the total cost after adding any baggage, seats and priority services you need.
- Ryanair’s busiest departure markets by route count are London, Milan, Brussels, Dublin and Palma. The airline may use more than one airport in some metropolitan areas, so passengers should verify the airport code on their booking.
- Ryanair generally includes one small personal bag that must fit under the seat. A larger cabin bag requires an eligible fare or paid option, so check the current dimensions and weight rules shown for your specific booking.
- Ryanair flies across Europe and nearby leisure markets, serving cities including London, Milan, Brussels, Dublin, Palma, Girona, Oslo, Dusseldorf, Malaga, Stockholm, Frankfurt and Pisa.