My thoughts:
Ryanair gets a lot of criticism, but most of it is stuck in the past. If you have flown with them recently, you will know the experience is very different from the old stories people still repeat. The airline has improved massively, the app is genuinely brilliant, and the routes from local airports make travel so much easier for families, teachers and anyone who wants quick, affordable getaways without trekking across the country.
Here are ten reasons you are probably wrong about Ryanair and why they deserve far more credit than they get.
1. The Ryanair app is one of the best airline apps out there
People love to complain about Ryanair, but the app is a quiet superstar. It is fast, simple and genuinely useful. You can book flights, check in, add bags, choose seats and store your boarding passes in seconds. Everything is in one place and it actually works. No glitches, no endless loading, no confusion. For anyone who likes to stay organised, the app makes the whole process smooth from start to finish.
2. Real time gate alerts save you from airport stress
One of the best features is the gate notifications. While everyone else is staring at the departure board waiting for the gate to appear, your phone buzzes and tells you exactly where to go. It often updates before the screens do. This means less rushing, less guessing and far more time to grab a coffee or keep the kids calm. It is such a small thing, but it makes a huge difference to the airport experience.
3. You can preorder food and drinks before you fly
This is a feature most people do not even know exists. Through the app you can preorder snacks, drinks and meals before you board. No waiting for the trolley and no disappointment when something has sold out. It is ideal for early morning flights when you just want a coffee and a croissant without the faff.
4. They fly absolutely everywhere and from the airports you actually use
Ryanair has one of the biggest route networks in Europe. They fly to over 200 destinations and they do it from airports that are actually convenient. If you live near a regional airport, Ryanair is often the only airline offering regular, affordable flights. This is a huge win for anyone who does not want to drive hours to Manchester or Heathrow just to get a decent route.
More choice means more flexibility and more chances to grab a bargain.
5. They are far more reliable than people think
Ryanair has a reputation for being chaotic, but the reality is very different. Their turnaround times are fast, their fleet is modern and their punctuality is often better than many traditional airlines. Most travellers who fly with them regularly will tell you the same thing. They simply get you where you need to be with minimal fuss. It is not fancy, but it is reliable.
6. Mobile boarding passes make everything easier
Gone are the days of printing boarding passes at home and hoping the ink does not run out. With Ryanair you check in on your phone and your boarding pass sits safely in the app. No paper, no queues and no last minute panic. It is especially handy for multi stop trips or when you are travelling with kids and want everything in one place.
7. The app is designed for speed and simplicity
Some airline apps feel like they were built in 2009 and never updated. Ryanair’s app is the opposite. It is clean, fast and easy to navigate. You can manage your booking in seconds without clicking through endless menus. Even adding extras is simple. It is one of the reasons people who fly with Ryanair regularly end up preferring the experience over more expensive airlines.
8. Adding bags, seats and extras is quick and clear
Ryanair gets criticised for charging for extras, but at least the process is transparent. The app shows you exactly what you are paying for and lets you add or remove things with one tap. If you want to sit together, add a cabin bag or upgrade your seat, it takes seconds. There is no confusion and no hidden surprises. Remember too, by 2027 there will be new free allowances under new European guidelines.
9. They still offer the lowest fares in Europe
Whatever people say, Ryanair remains unbeatable on price. Their fares are often cheaper than trains, coaches and even petrol for a long drive. When you combine low prices with a huge choice of routes and convenient airports, it becomes very hard to justify paying more for the same journey with another airline.
For families, teachers and anyone who travels during peak times, these savings make a real difference.
10. Fare Finder helps you travel more for less
If you love a spontaneous trip, Ryanair’s Fare Finder tool is brilliant. You can browse the cheapest fares across hundreds of destinations and pick the best deal for your dates. It is perfect for planning half term breaks, weekend escapes or last minute sunshine. You can literally scroll until something catches your eye and book it in minutes.
Final thoughts
Ryanair is not perfect, but it is far better than the reputation people still cling to. The app is excellent, the routes are convenient, the prices are unbeatable and the reliability is stronger than many expect. If you want simple, affordable, stress free travel, Ryanair often delivers exactly that.
Some underseat allowance bags I recommend: 👇
Metz Ryanair Underseat Cabin Bag (40×20×25cm)
Maximise your free Ryanair underseat allowance with this soft‑sided 20L cabin bag. It fits perfectly under the seat, avoids baggage fees, and has smart organisation pockets for stress‑free boarding. Lightweight, durable and ideal for weekend trips or budget flights. 👉 Buy on Amazon https://amzn.to/4bfQdjN
Aerolite Ryanair‑Approved Backpack (40×20×25cm)
A premium Ryanair‑approved backpack with padded straps, YKK zippers and a built‑in USB charging port. Perfect for travellers who want comfort, organisation and hands‑free movement through the airport. Fits under the seat and meets Ryanair’s exact size rules. 👉 Buy on Amazon https://amzn.to/44UWjlX
Bordlite Ryanair Underseat Cabin Backpack (40×20×25cm)
A lightweight, budget‑friendly backpack designed specifically for Ryanair’s free personal item allowance. Fits under the seat, avoids extra fees, and keeps your essentials organised for short trips, city breaks or teacher travel weekends. 👉 Buy on Amazon https://amzn.to/4eMHkk2
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This was the sunset from my last Ryanair flight, proof that budget airlines still give you some of the best views in the sky.