Ryanair: From Low-Cost to One of the World's Most Expensive Airlines

Ryanair's latest announcements about new ticket increases and surcharges indicate only two things: any excuse is good enough to squeeze consumers; this is no longer a low-cost airline, but has become one of the most expensive in the world. Despite a whole host of inconveniences associated with traveling on its planes.

The first increase, a mini-sting, concerns carry-on baggage: it cannot exceed a small handbag measuring 40x20x25 centimeters, which can fit under the seat in front. Anyone who must board with a regular carry-on suitcase will have to pay a hefty surcharge, sometimes even more than the ticket price. Those who show up for boarding with a handbag exceeding the permitted size limits will be fined €70.

Check-in is now digital only, and it's no longer enough to pay €23 to print your boarding pass at the airport. Those who fail to check in via the airline's website or app will have to pay an additional €60 penalty, which, when added to the previous €70, adds up to an additional €130 for each ticket. Passengers must arrive at the boarding desk at least 40 minutes before their flight's departure; otherwise, the penalty, which is effectively an additional fee on top of the ticket price, can reach up to €120.

Other extras also include: priority boarding, a seat next to a young child, and the ability to choose your seat. Italy is a key country for Ryanair's bottom line. In 2024, Ryanair carried over 60 million passengers in Italy, consolidating its position as the country's number one airline. Globally, Ryanair achieved record traffic in 2024, carrying 197,2 million passengers, with a load factor (effectively, the occupancy of the planes in flight) is 94%. Let's not forget, and this is a rather opaque area, that Ryanair receives subsidies, slots, and total dominance at some smaller airports precisely because of this classification as a low-cost airline. That is, a company that enables travelers to save money and, thanks to very low fares, covers routes that other companies wouldn't consider. All factors that disappear if Ryanair becomes an even more expensive airline than the others.

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