Why Are Identical Ryanair Flights Priced So Differently?

The ongoing debate surrounding Ryanair's fare structures has been reignited by consumer group Which?, which claims that many travellers are paying more than necessary when booking flights. Their investigation highlights that opting for the 'Regular' fare often does not provide the savings it suggests compared to the 'Basic' fare when adding extras like luggage and seat selection. This analysis has raised concerns about transparency in pricing and consumer awareness regarding flight costs.

Last updated: 12 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Which? has conducted a detailed analysis of Ryanair's fare structures, which suggest that travellers often overpay by choosing bundled options. The consumer group's research examined flights from various UK airports, revealing that the 'Regular' ticket—marketed as a convenient upgrade—frequently costs more than booking a 'Basic' fare and paying for extras separately. This raises questions about the airline's pricing strategy and whether customers are being adequately informed about their options.

Key takeaways

Which? found that 'Regular' fares are often more expensive than 'Basic' fares plus added extras.
In multiple instances, the total cost of the 'Basic' fare with selected add-ons was cheaper than the 'Regular' ticket.
Ryanair has disputed these findings, asserting that bundled fares are competitively priced.

Timeline: how we got here

This issue has been under scrutiny for some time. Here’s a brief timeline of key events:

April 2025: Which? first investigates Ryanair's fare pricing and reports discrepancies between bundled and separate fare options.
October 2025: Ryanair responds to Which?'s investigation, rejecting claims that separate bookings are cheaper.
February 2026: Which? refreshes its investigation and finds similar results, prompting further dialogue with Ryanair.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest findings from Which? reaffirm previous results, indicating that the cost of bundled fares consistently exceeds that of basic fares plus extras. In their most recent checks, only one out of fifteen flights was cheaper when opting for the 'Regular' fare.

What was already established

Back in April 2025, Which? reported that travellers could save money by selectively adding extras to a 'Basic' fare rather than opting for the 'Regular' fare. The consistency of these findings over time suggests a persistent issue with how Ryanair presents its fare options.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK consumers, these findings highlight the need for vigilance when booking flights. Travellers may inadvertently pay more by not fully understanding the fare structures. This can significantly affect holiday budgets, particularly for families or larger groups.

Businesses and jobs

The implications for Ryanair's pricing strategy could affect its reputation and customer loyalty. If consumers perceive the airline as lacking transparency, it could impact ticket sales and ultimately affect jobs within the company.

Policy and regulation

The ongoing debate over fare transparency could attract scrutiny from regulatory bodies. If consumer complaints continue to rise, there may be calls for clearer pricing guidelines across the airline industry.

Numbers that matter

£61: The difference in cost between a 'Regular' fare and a 'Basic' fare for one flight checked.
£45.50: The additional cost for a 'Regular' fare on a Manchester to Marrakesh flight.
30: The number of checks Which? has conducted over the last two years to assess fare discrepancies.

Definitions and jargon buster

Basic Fare: The most economical ticket option, typically without extras such as luggage or seat selection.
Regular Fare: A more expensive ticket option that includes additional services like priority boarding and seat selection.
Extras: Additional services that can be purchased separately, such as checked luggage and seat selection.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Consumers should carefully evaluate their travel needs and consider booking 'Basic' fares while assessing the costs of necessary extras before committing.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Continued monitoring of Ryanair's fare practices is advisable, particularly as consumer groups may push for clearer pricing policies. Travellers should stay informed about potential changes in policies or fare structures.

Signals to watch

Changes in Ryanair's fare structures or pricing transparency initiatives.
Consumer feedback trends regarding fare pricing and customer satisfaction.
Regulatory responses or inquiries regarding airline pricing practices.

Practical guidance

Do

Always compare the total costs of 'Basic' fares plus extras against bundled options before purchasing.
Stay informed about the latest fare options from airlines like Ryanair.
Consider your luggage and seating needs before deciding on a fare type.

Don’t

Assume that bundled fares offer the best value without conducting a price comparison.
Ignore the possibility of hidden costs associated with extras.
Overlook customer reviews regarding pricing transparency.

Checklist

Have you compared 'Basic' vs 'Regular' fares for your flight?
Have you calculated potential savings by adding extras separately?
Are you aware of all the extras you may need for your flight?
Have you checked for customer reviews on fare transparency?
Do you understand the terms associated with fare options?

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Which?'s findings highlight significant discrepancies in fare pricing, it is essential to recognise that pricing can fluctuate based on demand, seasonality, and promotional offers. As the airline industry is highly dynamic, travellers should be cautious of assuming that these patterns will remain constant. Additionally, Ryanair's response underscores a potential communication gap between airline policies and consumer expectations.

Bottom line

The discrepancies highlighted by Which? suggest that many UK travellers could save money by opting for 'Basic' fares and selectively adding extras instead of choosing bundled options. As the airline industry evolves, it remains crucial for consumers to be vigilant about fare structures and to actively compare prices to ensure they are getting the best deals available.

FAQs

Is it cheaper to choose a 'Regular' fare with Ryanair?

Generally, Which? found that 'Regular' fares are often more expensive than 'Basic' fares when adding extras separately, so it may be cheaper to opt for the latter.

What extras can I add to a 'Basic' fare with Ryanair?

Extras include options like seat selection, priority boarding, and luggage allowances, which can be purchased in addition to the 'Basic' fare.

How can I ensure I’m getting the best deal on my Ryanair flights?

Compare the total costs of 'Basic' fares plus selected extras against bundled options before booking to ensure you are getting the best deal.