Budget airline Ryanair has proposed a new fee targeting a specific type of passenger on early morning flights — a tongue-in-cheek proposal that has divided opinion among travellers online
Alice Sjoberg Social News Reporter
16:27, 24 Apr 2026
Ryanair is usually a great choice if you need a cheap flight (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
Budget airlines such as Ryanair are frequently a great option if you need to fly without breaking the bank. Nevertheless, they commonly introduce a series of ‘hidden’ costs should you desire to include special additions to your basic ticket.
From airport check-in fees for passengers who fail to check in online, to altering the name on your reservation, or missing your departure, it all incurs an extra expense that can accumulate rapidly. And Ryanair is certainly familiar with proposing additional charges, as they routinely use social media to suggest ‘concepts’ for fresh passenger fees – although these rarely materialise.
Prospective new charges that have been posted on their social media platforms include a denim levy for passengers who opt to wear jeans while on the plane, to a ‘toilet use’ fee. The options, it seems, are truly endless – and often trigger varied responses from travellers who are quick to create ‘hacks’ to avoid the numerous charges.
Now, the airline has revealed what might be one of its most contentious suggestions yet – charging chatty travellers on early morning departures. The company used Facebook to present the idea in a light-hearted post.
“We’ll be charging yappers on our 6am flights very soon,” they announced. Regardless of how ridiculous it might sound, certain passengers appeared completely in favour, as they desired a tranquil and silent journey when boarding at such an early hour.
One user commented: “A charge we can all stand by.”
Another added: “Here’s a deal, if we get on board and say we don’t want a scratch card, then we are left in peace for the rest of the flight by your in-air street traders who do most of the yapping.”
Ryanair is widely known for offering scratch cards during its journeys, with a share of the earnings donated to charity, reports the Mirror.
Yet, others were swift to challenge the carrier, querying whether this charge would equally apply to the cabin staff themselves. One user responded, questioning: “Does that include the ones yapping on the PA system about scratch cards and duty free?
“That would be your crew selling us perfumes first thing in the morning,” another user remarked.
Ryanair fees to be aware of
While Ryanair regularly jokes about its own additional costs, there are some genuine charges that travellers should become familiar with – as being unprepared could result in a substantial bill at the departure gate. Neglecting to check in online means passengers can anticipate being hit with a €55 charge to ‘cover the extra cost’ of checking in at the Ryanair desk.
However, if your flight is leaving from Spain, this fee reduces to €30. Rather, travellers are encouraged to check in for their journeys through the Ryanair app or website before reaching the airport. Those who have reserved a seat in advance can check in up to 60 days ahead of a scheduled departure, while others may check in 24 hours before a flight. Typically, check-in closes two hours prior to departure.
Passengers must also verify their luggage complies with the size requirements for cabin bags, as this is where many travellers encounter difficulties, discovering they’ve been struck with a €60 charge per bag. Previously, bags were required to be 40x25x20cm, but since last year, passengers can bring a bag measuring up to 40x30x20cm. This small item can be a laptop bag, handbag, rucksack, or any item that fits within the dimensions to slot under the seat in front of you.
For an extra fee, which varies depending on route and availability, passengers can bring a second cabin bag weighing up to 10kg. This bag can measure up to 55x40x20cm in size and passengers will need to be capable of loading this into the overhead locker themselves without any assistance from the cabin crew.