You’ve found the cheap flight. You’ve booked the hotel. You think the hard part is over. But for many UK travellers, the “Ryanair Experience” only truly begins at the airport—and that is where the most expensive mistakes happen.
In 2026, Ryanair has mastered the art of the “Nudge.” Every screen on their app and every sign at the airport is designed to make you feel anxious enough to reach for your credit card. Whether it’s a “Priority” upgrade you don’t need or a £7 bottle of water on board, these small costs can easily double the price of your holiday.
At MoneySavvyUK, we believe in “Zero-Fee Flying.” Here are the 10 flight hacks you need to navigate Ryanair like a pro and keep your money in your pocket.
1. The “Check-In” Window: Don’t Get Fined £55
This is the single most expensive mistake a Ryanair passenger can make. If you arrive at the airport and haven’t checked in online, Ryanair will charge you a £55 per person “Airport Check-in Fee.”
- The 2026 Rule: Online check-in opens 24 hours before your flight for standard customers and closes 2 hours before departure.
- The Hack: Set a “Check-in Alarm” on your phone for exactly 24 hours before your flight.
- The Boarding Pass: Do not rely on airport Wi-Fi. Download your boarding pass to your Apple/Google Wallet AND take a screenshot. If the app crashes at the gate (which happens), the screenshot will save you from a massive headache.
2. The “Hidden” 10kg Bag Rule
Many people think they have to pay for “Priority & 2 Cabin Bags” to bring a 10kg bag. This is often the most expensive way to do it.
- The Money Savvy Alternative: Look for the “10kg Check-in Bag” option instead of “Priority.”
- The Saving: “Priority” often costs £20–£38 per flight. A “10kg Check-in Bag” (which you drop at the desk) can be as low as £12.
- The Benefit: By checking the bag in, you don’t have to carry it through security, and you can pack liquids (like full-sized suncream or a bottle of gin) that aren’t allowed in the cabin.
3. The “Airport Water” Hack: Save £15 per Family
Once you pass through security at Stansted, Gatwick, or Manchester, a 500ml bottle of water can cost £3.50. On the plane, it’s nearly £4.00. For a family of four, that’s £15–£30 spent just on staying hydrated.
- The Hack: Bring an empty reusable water bottle (like a Chilly’s or a budget Amazon version) through security.
- The Refill: Almost every major UK airport now has free water refill stations located near the toilets. Fill up before you board, and you’ve saved enough for a round of drinks at your destination.
4. The “Meal Deal” Strategy: Don’t Buy the “Bistro” Menu
Ryanair’s “Getaway Cafe” menu is notoriously expensive. A soggy ham and cheese panini and a coffee can cost over £10.
- The Hack: Buy a “Meal Deal” at Boots or WHSmith after security but before boarding. Even at airport prices, a £5.00 meal deal is half the price of the onboard food and usually much higher quality.
- The Pro Tip: You are allowed to bring your own food on the plane. Just avoid “smelly” foods (like tuna or egg) out of respect for your fellow passengers!
5. The “Soft Bag” Sizer Strategy
We’ve talked about the Best 40x20x25cm Bags, but how you handle the “Sizer” at the gate is a skill in itself.
- The Hack: If you are using a backpack, never fill it to 100% capacity. Leave about 10% “squish room.”
- The Logic: If a Ryanair staff member asks you to put your bag in the sizer, a 100% full bag will get stuck. A 90% full bag can be pushed and squashed into the dimensions.
- The “Coat Pocket” Trick: If your bag looks too big, take out your heaviest items (chargers, power banks, a heavy hoodie) and put them in your coat pockets or wear them. Once you are past the gate, you can put them back in the bag.
6. The “Flight Tracker” for Delays and Compensation
If your Ryanair flight is delayed by more than 3 hours, you could be entitled to £220 to £520 in compensation under UK261 regulations.
- The Hack: Download the FlightRadar24 app. If your plane is late arriving from its previous destination, you will know before the airport screens tell you.
- The Claim: Never use a “Claim Agency” that takes 30% of your money. Ryanair has a direct compensation form on their website. It takes 10 minutes to fill out, and you keep 100% of the money.
7. The “Duty-Free” Extra Bag Loophole
Ryanair is very strict about “One Bag Only.” However, they have a legal agreement with airports regarding Duty-Free.
- The Hack: You are allowed to carry one bag of Duty-Free shopping in addition to your cabin bag.
- The Money Savvy Move: If your backpack is slightly over the limit, buy a small item at Duty-Free and ask for a large bag. You can then “overflow” some of your belongings into that bag. Staff almost never challenge a Duty-Free bag.
8. Avoid the “Onboard Scratchcard” and “Duty-Free” Sales
Ryanair cabin crew are incentivised to sell scratchcards and perfumes.
- The Reality: The “Duty-Free” prices on the plane for perfumes and spirits are almost always more expensive than what you would pay at a UK supermarket or on Amazon.
- The Advice: Unless it is a “Ryanair Exclusive” that you absolutely love, keep your wallet closed during the trolley service.
9. The “Power Bank” Essential
In 2026, many Ryanair planes still do not have USB charging ports at the seats.
- The Risk: If you use your phone for movies, music, and your boarding pass, it will be dead by the time you land. If you can’t show your digital car rental voucher or hotel booking, you are in trouble.
- The Solution: Always carry a slim 10,000mAh Power Bank. It’s a small investment that prevents a massive “emergency” cost later.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I bring my own alcohol on the plane?
A: You can bring it (if it’s under 100ml or bought in Duty-Free), but it is strictly illegal to drink your own alcohol on board. If caught, you could be removed from the flight or fined.
Q: What happens if I miss my flight?
A: Ryanair offers a “Missed Departure Fee” (around £100). If you arrive at the airport within 1 hour of the flight leaving, they may move you to the next available flight for this flat fee instead of you having to buy a brand-new ticket.
Q: Is “Priority Boarding” worth it for the overhead bins?
A: Only if you have a hard-shell suitcase that must go in the bin. If you have a soft backpack, it goes under the seat, and “Priority” is a waste of money.
Conclusion: The “Zero-Fee” Challenge
The goal of a Money Savvy traveller is to pay the base fare and nothing else. By bringing your own water, checking in on time, and mastering the “squish” of a soft bag, you can fly across Europe for the price of a pizza.
Money Savvy Verdict: Ryanair is a bus with wings. Don’t treat it like a luxury airline. Bring your own snacks, your own entertainment, and your own water, and use the money you save to upgrade your actual holiday.
