The budget airline Ryanair is one among many that charges passengers extra to choose their own seat. This fee varies based on a few factors, including whether you opt into seat selection at the time of booking or at airport check-in, where and when you are flying and what seat you ultimately select.
Many passengers have attempted to beat the system, sharing hacks online (to varying degrees of success). Many even rely on good fortune to get away with seat swapping after boarding, though this is generally prohibited by most airlines and for good reason. Failing all else, it seems the best way to ensure you get the seat you want on a Ryanair flight is to give in and pay the seat selection fee. But be aware: it seems even those that opt in for this pricier option may be asked to switch seats on a plane because of one detail in the fine print.
Ryanair’s terms and conditions state that the airline “can change your allocated seats at any time, even if you had reserved it, if we need to do this for operational, safety or security reasons”.
Additionally, the airline’s guidelines outline that passengers who wish to sit in rows 1, 16, or 17 where emergency exits are located must meet certain criteria, including being over 16 years old, capable of assisting in an emergency, travelling without an infant, not requiring airport special assistance of any kind, not requiring a seat belt extender, and not having an extra comfort seat booked.
These are typically highly coveted seats because they offer extra leg room and typically don’t have a row of seats either directly in front of them or behind. But they are reserved for able-bodied passengers who are willing to assist flight crew members in the unlikely event of an emergency evacuation.
Ryanair’s travel guidelines also declare: “For safety reasons, no more than two children under two can be seated in any row (one on either side of the centre aisle).”
Extra legroom seats: Row 1, 2 (D,E,F) & 16-17
Front seats: Rows 2 (A,B,C) – 5
Standard seats: Rows 6-15 & 18-33
Mandatory Family seats:
Keep in mind, these fees vary depending on your flight route and travel dates. Row numbers and seat maps may vary depending on aircraft type.
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