A €9.99 flight across Europe? With Ryanair, it’s entirely possible. But don’t celebrate just yet. One minute late, a forgotten boarding pass, or slightly oversized hand luggage — and your “budget” trip could turn expensive fast. In some cases, Ryanair’s additional charges can far exceed the original ticket price. Here’s a guide to the airline’s highest fees — and how to avoid falling into a financial trap.
€500 for Disruptive Behavior Onboard
Ryanair has zero tolerance for unruly passengers. In-flight disturbances can delay flights, disrupt schedules, and create headaches for hundreds of fellow travelers. If you behave aggressively or inappropriately onboard, you could face a €500 fine — not to mention possible police involvement or even an emergency landing.
The airline has dealt with multiple cases of passengers being forcibly removed from flights, with delays lasting hours. While a passenger can technically refuse to pay the fine, Ryanair has the right to blacklist offenders, banning them from flying with the carrier in the future.
Pro tip: Alcohol is a common trigger. Ryanair bans passengers from bringing their own booze onboard and takes a hard line on inebriated travelers.
€100 for Missing Your Flight
If you arrive at the gate even one minute after it closes, your ticket is considered void. However, Ryanair offers a “second chance” — you can rebook onto the next available flight for €100.
This option is valid for one hour after your original flight’s scheduled departure. But in many cases, it’s actually cheaper to just buy a new ticket, especially on less competitive routes.
Example: You paid €14.99 for your flight. Miss it, and the rebooking fee is €100. Meanwhile, a same-day replacement ticket might cost just €40–60.
Up to €160 for Changing the Name on a Ticket
Booked a ticket under the wrong name? Want to give your seat to someone else? Ryanair charges €115 for a name change done online, or €160 if processed through their call center.
But here’s the good news: if it’s a minor typo — say, a missing letter — Ryanair can usually fix it for free. Just contact their customer service via live chat.
Up to €75 for Baggage and Oversized Items
Ryanair earns as much — if not more — from baggage as it does from ticket sales. And this is where many travelers get caught off guard.
- Cabin bags: Only a small personal item is included in the base fare. A larger carry-on costs €6–36 when added in advance, or up to €60 at the airport.
- Checked bag (20kg): From €19 to €60, depending on the route.
- Special items (e.g., musical instruments, bicycles, sports gear): €70–75 per item.
€55 for Airport Check-in
Ryanair requires passengers to check in online and either print their boarding pass or save it on the app. If you forget, airport staff will check you in — but it’ll cost you €55 per person.
Bottom Line: Low Prices, High Awareness
Ryanair can get you across Europe for the price of a lunch — but only if you play by the rules. Budget-conscious travelers need to be especially mindful of the fine print.
Key tips:
- Know the baggage size limits (and measure!)
- Always check in online in advance
- Double-check all booking details — especially names
Done right, Ryanair can be your frugal flying friend. But neglect the details, and you may find yourself hit with unexpected costs.
Final Fun Fact
In its 2025 fiscal year, only 65% of Ryanair’s revenue came from ticket sales. The remaining 35% came from extras and fees. That means low fares are only part of the story — and penalties are a deliberate feature of the airline’s business model.
