4 Simple ways to avoid Ryanair charges

Following on from my previous post about why Channel 4 was wrong to attack Ryanair on its Dispatches programme, I decided I should give you my tips for avoiding the airlines various ad-on charges.

We have all heard about the infamous Ryanair excess charges, boarding pass fees etc. But you need not worry, there are some very simple steps you can take to ensure you do not have to pay anything extra. So take the time to read this list and make sure you avoid those dreaded charges.

1. Travel insurance

When initially booking your flight, an option for travel insurance will pop-up, and you cannot move forward until you have selected "your nationality". Most people assume that this is just to re-confirm their nationality, it does in fact charge you for insurance if you select your nationality, be it Irish, Spanish etc. You need to select the "Travel without insure" option to avoid adding the charge to your flight.

2. Print your Boarding pass

I can't tell you how many times I have been at the airport and people witnessed arguing fiercely about this! Ryanair state very clearly that you must print your boarding pass BEFORE you travel. If you don't you are liable to re-printing charges at the airport. So either print it out at home, or get a friend to do it. You have two weeks before your flight to do it, and for the love of God please don't leave it at home on the day of your flight!

3. Priority Boarding

I still don't see why people pay for priority boarding (unless you have a small child and need to get a specific seat). The plane will not be overbooked with Ryanair. And regardless of whether or not you get on the plane before everyone else, you are going to be in the same seat as them. The only difference, the people who get on after you didn't pay for the "privilege" of being first on. So save your money, and don't bother with it!

4. The Cabin Bag

This is the one that seems to catch most people out. Ryanair have very specific measurements for cabin bag allowance. As quoted from the Ryanair website "Strictly one item of cabin baggage per passenger (excluding infants) weighing up to 10kg with maximum dimensions of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm is permitted. (handbag, briefcase, laptop, shop purchases, camera etc.) must be carried in your 1 permitted piece of cabin baggage."

So make sure you measure and weigh your bag before you leave the house! And make sure you do not fall to the wrath of the bag checking apparatus! Make sure you wear the heaviest clothes on the day of travel so as to keep the weight of the bag down!I hope this list has helped, happy travels!