Ryanair and Pre-Bookable Seats
Ryanair is one of the largest low-cost airlines in Europe, with a reputation for offering cheap flights to destinations across the continent. However, one of the most common complaints from passengers is the airline’s seating policy. Many travelers wonder whether Ryanair offers pre-bookable seats, or if passengers are assigned seats randomly.
What are Pre-Bookable Seats?
Pre-bookable seats are seats that passengers can reserve in advance of their flight. This means that passengers can choose where they want to sit on the plane, rather than being randomly assigned a seat by the airline. Pre-bookable seats are typically offered at an additional cost, and the price can vary depending on the airline and the specific seat.
Ryanair’s Seat Allocation Policy
Ryanair’s seat allocation policy is designed to be as efficient as possible, in order to minimize turnaround times and keep costs low. Passengers are not assigned a seat at the time of booking; instead, seats are allocated randomly when online check-in opens, which is typically 48 hours before the flight.
Can Passengers Choose Their Seats on Ryanair Flights?
Yes, passengers can choose their seats on Ryanair flights – but only if they pay extra for the privilege. The airline offers a service called "Priority & 2 Cabin Bags", which includes priority boarding and the option to choose your seat in advance. This service is available at an additional cost, which varies depending on the flight and the seat.
Ryanair’s Priority Boarding Option
Ryanair’s priority boarding option allows passengers to board the plane before other passengers, giving them the opportunity to choose their preferred seat. Priority boarding is available for an additional fee, which varies depending on the flight and the time of booking.
How to Book Seats on Ryanair
Passengers can book seats on Ryanair during the online check-in process, which opens 48 hours before the flight departure time. During this process, passengers can choose to pay for priority boarding and select their seat in advance, or they can choose to be allocated a seat randomly by the airline.
Ryanair’s Seat Pricing
The cost of pre-bookable seats on Ryanair varies depending on the specific seat and the flight. Seats towards the front of the plane, or those with extra legroom, are typically more expensive than seats towards the back of the plane. The cost of pre-bookable seats can range from a few euros to over 20 euros, depending on the flight and the seat.
Changing Seats on Ryanair Flights
Once a seat has been allocated by Ryanair, passengers can change their seat for a fee. The cost of changing a seat varies depending on the flight and the seat, and can range from a few euros to over 20 euros.
Ryanair’s Seating Options for Families
Ryanair offers a service called "Family Plus", which allows families to sit together on the plane. This service includes priority boarding, free seat allocation for children under the age of 12, and a discounted price for pre-bookable seats.
Ryanair’s Seating Options for Passengers with Disabilities
Ryanair offers a dedicated seating area for passengers with disabilities, which is located towards the front of the plane. Passengers with disabilities can request this seating area during the online check-in process, or by contacting Ryanair’s special assistance team.
Summary: Ryanair’s Seating Policy
Ryanair’s seating policy is designed to keep costs low and turnaround times efficient. Passengers are not assigned a seat at the time of booking, but can choose to pay extra for priority boarding and pre-bookable seats. Ryanair also offers dedicated seating options for families and passengers with disabilities.
Conclusion: Is Pre-Booking Seats on Ryanair Worth It?
Whether or not pre-booking seats on Ryanair is worth it depends on the individual passenger’s needs and preferences. If sitting in a specific location on the plane is important, or if traveling with family members, then pre-booking seats may be worth the additional cost. However, for passengers who are willing to be allocated a seat randomly, or who do not mind where they sit on the plane, pre-booking seats may not be necessary.
