How to make a Ryanair flight first class
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:
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