Is Ryanair Priority worth it?

Is Ryanair Priority worth it?

Ryanair Priority is an optional add-on service offered by Ryanair, one of Europe’s largest budget airlines. This service allows passengers to enjoy certain benefits such as priority boarding, extra baggage allowance, and increased flexibility. However, whether or not Ryanair Priority is worth it ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of this add-on service to help you make an informed decision.

Advantages of Ryanair Priority

One of the main advantages of Ryanair Priority is priority boarding. By choosing this option, you will have the opportunity to board the aircraft before non-priority passengers. This means you can secure a better seat, stow your hand luggage conveniently in the overhead compartment, and avoid the potential hassle of searching for space once the cabin becomes crowded. Priority boarding can also provide a more relaxed and stress-free start to your journey, as you can avoid the rush and have ample time to settle into your seat.

Another benefit of Ryanair Priority is the additional baggage allowance it offers. Typically, when you purchase a standard fare with Ryanair, you are allowed to bring one small bag as cabin luggage, with dimensions of 40cm x 20cm x 25cm. However, with the Priority add-on, you can bring an additional larger cabin bag of up to 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, in addition to your small bag. This extra allowance can be especially useful if you need to bring more belongings or if you prefer not to check in any luggage.

Furthermore, Ryanair Priority provides increased flexibility in terms of flight changes. If you opt for this service, you have the option to change your flight date or time free of charge up to two hours prior to your original scheduled departure time. This can be particularly beneficial if your travel plans are subject to change or if you need to be more flexible with your itinerary.

Disadvantages of Ryanair Priority

One of the main disadvantages of Ryanair Priority is the additional cost associated with it. As an add-on service, Ryanair charges an additional fee for passengers who wish to avail of the benefits provided. The exact cost of Ryanair Priority varies depending on factors such as the route, time of booking, and demand. Therefore, it’s essential to consider whether the benefits outweigh the cost and fit within your budget.

Another potential disadvantage is the availability of Priority boarding. While Ryanair typically offers a set number of Priority seats on each flight, these seats can be limited, especially during busy travel periods. Therefore, there is a possibility that even if you purchase Ryanair Priority, you may not be guaranteed a priority boarding position if all the allocated seats have been filled. It’s important to keep this in mind when deciding whether or not to opt for this service.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that some of the benefits offered by Ryanair Priority can also be obtained through other means. For example, if you prefer not to pay for Priority boarding, you can still secure a desirable seat by checking in online as early as possible. Similarly, if you are willing to travel with only the small cabin bag, you can avoid the additional cost of the larger cabin bag by packing efficiently and within the permitted dimensions.

Overall, whether or not Ryanair Priority is worth it depends on your personal preferences and circumstances. If priority boarding, extra baggage allowance, and increased flexibility are important to you, then it may be worth considering this add-on service. However, if you are comfortable with the standard fare and can manage your travel without these additional benefits, then it may be unnecessary to pay for Ryanair Priority.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ryanair Priority

1. How much does Ryanair Priority cost?

The cost of Ryanair Priority varies depending on factors such as the route, time of booking, and demand. It is best to check the Ryanair website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date pricing information.

2. Can I purchase Ryanair Priority after booking my flight?

Yes, you can add Ryanair Priority to your booking after you have already made your flight reservation. However, it is often cheaper to add it at the time of booking.

3. Can I bring both the small and larger cabin bag with Ryanair Priority?

Yes, by choosing Ryanair Priority, you are allowed to bring both a small cabin bag and a larger cabin bag. The small cabin bag should fit under the seat in front of you, while the larger cabin bag can be placed in the overhead compartment.

4. Can I change my flight for free with Ryanair Priority?

Yes, if you have Ryanair Priority, you have the option to change your flight date or time free of charge up to two hours prior to your original scheduled departure time. However, any fare difference for the new flight will still apply.

5. Does Ryanair Priority guarantee priority boarding?

While Ryanair Priority offers priority boarding, it does not guarantee a specific boarding position. The number of Priority seats on each flight is limited, so it’s important to arrive at the gate early to secure your preferred position.

6. Do I need to print my Ryanair Priority boarding pass?

No, Ryanair accepts digital boarding passes, so it is not necessary to print your boarding pass if you have Ryanair Priority. Simply ensure that you have the boarding pass available on your mobile device or a printed copy if you prefer.

7. Can I share my Ryanair Priority benefits with others in my travel group?

No, Ryanair Priority benefits are only applicable to the passenger who purchased the add-on service. Other members in your travel group would need to individually purchase Ryanair Priority to enjoy the benefits.

8. Is Ryanair Priority available on all Ryanair flights?

Ryanair Priority is available on most Ryanair flights. However, availability may vary depending on factors such as the route and demand. It’s advisable to check the Ryanair website or contact their customer service for specific information regarding your desired flight.

9. Can I cancel or get a refund for Ryanair Priority?

Ryanair Priority is a non-refundable service. Once purchased, it cannot be canceled or refunded. Therefore, it’s important to consider your needs and preferences before adding this service to your booking.

10. Can I add Ryanair Priority to my booking at the airport?

Yes, you can add Ryanair Priority to your booking at the airport. However, it is often more expensive to add it at the airport compared to adding it online or at the time of initial booking.

11. Can I bring additional items with Ryanair Priority?

Ryanair Priority allows you to bring one small cabin bag and one larger cabin bag. Additional items, such as duty-free purchases, should fit within your allocated cabin baggage allowance.

12. Can I change my seat selection with Ryanair Priority?

With Ryanair Priority, you have the benefit of boarding the aircraft earlier, which means you have a better chance of securing your preferred seat. However, Ryanair does not provide specific seat selection before boarding. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis during the boarding process.