How strict are Ryanair with priority boarding?

How Strict are Ryanair with Priority Boarding?

Ryanair is known for its strict policies and no-frills approach to air travel. When it comes to priority boarding, the budget airline has certain rules in place to ensure a smooth boarding process for all passengers. While Ryanair does offer priority boarding as an add-on service, how strictly it is enforced can vary depending on the situation.

Priority boarding on Ryanair allows passengers to be among the first to board the aircraft, giving them the opportunity to secure desired seats and stow their bags in the cabin. However, it is important to note that this service comes at an additional cost. This means that passengers who have not paid for priority boarding will have to board after those who have.

In most cases, Ryanair does enforce priority boarding strictly, especially if there are many passengers who have paid for the service. The airline staff will check boarding passes and may ask passengers without priority to wait until those with priority have boarded. However, it is also worth mentioning that there may be instances where the strictness of enforcement varies. For example, if a flight is not at full capacity or if there are only a few passengers with priority boarding, the rules may be more lenient.

FAQs about Ryanair Priority Boarding

1. Can I purchase priority boarding after booking my flight?

Yes, you can. Ryanair allows passengers to purchase priority boarding at any point of their journey. It can be added during the initial booking process or even after the booking has been made. However, it is always advisable to purchase priority boarding as early as possible to secure a spot in the priority queue.

2. How much does priority boarding cost on Ryanair?

The cost of priority boarding on Ryanair can vary depending on factors such as the route, season, and demand. It is generally priced between $8 and $15 per person, per flight. It is important to note that this is an additional cost to the base fare of the ticket.

3. Can I bring a cabin bag with priority boarding?

Yes, passengers with priority boarding are allowed to bring both a small cabin bag (up to 10kg) and a small personal item (e.g., a handbag or laptop bag) on board. However, it is worth noting that there are specific size and weight restrictions for both the cabin bag and personal item. It is advisable to check Ryanair’s website for the most up-to-date information on baggage allowances.

4. Can I book priority boarding for my entire group?

Yes, you can book priority boarding for your entire group. During the booking process, you will have the option to add priority boarding for each passenger. Simply select the number of passengers you wish to add priority boarding for, and the cost will be calculated accordingly.

5. Do infants and children also need priority boarding?

No, infants and children under the age of 16 are allowed to board with their parent or guardian. They do not require separate priority boarding, as long as the accompanying adult has purchased priority boarding.

6. Can I upgrade to priority boarding at the airport?

Yes, you can upgrade to priority boarding at the airport, subject to availability. However, it is important to note that the cost of upgrading at the airport may be higher than if purchased in advance. It is advisable to purchase priority boarding online to secure your spot and avoid any additional charges.

7. What happens if I don’t choose priority boarding?

If you choose not to purchase priority boarding, you will be assigned a standard boarding group. Once the priority boarding passengers have boarded, you will be invited to board with your assigned group. The boarding groups are typically assigned based on seat selection, with those at the rear of the aircraft boarding first.

8. Can I use priority boarding if I have checked baggage?

Yes, you can still use priority boarding even if you have checked baggage. Priority boarding is not restricted to passengers who only have cabin baggage. It allows you to board the aircraft earlier, regardless of whether you have checked baggage or not.

9. What happens if my flight is delayed?

If your Ryanair flight is delayed, the priority boarding service will still be available to you. The order of boarding may be adjusted accordingly to accommodate the delay, but priority boarding passengers will still have the advantage of boarding ahead of those without priority.

10. Can I get a refund if I don’t use priority boarding?

Ryanair’s refund policy for priority boarding may vary depending on the circumstances. In general, if you have purchased priority boarding but do not use it, it is unlikely that you will be eligible for a refund. It is advisable to review Ryanair’s terms and conditions regarding refunds before making any purchases.

11. Can I change my priority boarding reservation?

Ryanair allows passengers to change their priority boarding reservation, subject to availability. Changes can be made through the “Manage My Booking” section on the airline’s website or by contacting their customer service. However, it is advisable to make changes as early as possible to secure your preferred time or date for priority boarding.

12. Can I transfer priority boarding to another flight?

Ryanair’s policy on transferring priority boarding to another flight may depend on the fare type and the specific circumstances. It is advisable to contact Ryanair’s customer service or review their terms and conditions for detailed information on transferring priority boarding to another flight.