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How to make a Ryanair flight first class

Nicky Kelvin
Nicky Kelvin
Senior director of content
Nicky Kelvin oversees the Webby- and Lovie-awarded U.K. team at TPG. He focuses on aviation, video and social media, especially TPG's hugely successful YouTube channels.
Oct. 14, 2021
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2 min read
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How to make a Ryanair flight first class
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You could say that Ryanair is the ultimate low-cost airline. On some routes and dates, fares can be shockingly cheap, often even less than £10 ($13) for a one-way ticket. However, outside of a randomly assigned seat on the plane, you won't get much else.

That's not to say there isn't more on offer. Ryanair, like many other low-cost (and even legacy airlines these days), offers a wide array of add-ons to your basic ticket that can provide an incrementally more enjoyable journey.

This got me thinking, can you take up every option possible and some more, and make a Ryanair flight feel like a first class flight?

I booked a £14.99 ($20) Ryanair ticket from London Stansted (STN) to Madrid (MAD) and threw every bell and whistle at the experience to try to make Ryanair first class.

I crafted a ten-step plan to upgrade the experience:

  • Step 1: Change into something smarter
  • Step 2: Get yourself a fancy ride to the airport ($279)
  • Step 3: Pay for the fast-track security lane ($10)
  • Step 4: Buy lounge access before your flight ($31 or use Priority Pass)
  • Step 5: Buy yourself a comfy travel pillow ($20)
  • Step 6: Get priority boarding ($28)
  • Step 7: Book seat 1A ($27)
  • Step 8: Book another ticket and reserve an empty seat next to you ($48)
  • Step 9: Order prosecco once onboard ($8)
  • Step 10: Get yourself a quality meal ($7)
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This didn't come cheap, with a total spend including the original ticket of £14.99 ($20). You'll need to watch the full video of our experience on YouTube to find out if the mission to make Ryanair first class was successful:

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.