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How to make a Ryanair flight first class

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.

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

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  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.