Ryanair seat allocation

zaksmum

We have flights booked with Ryanair for next month.

They are now allocating seats instead of the usual free-for-all at the boarding gate.

Specific seats can be purchased or they will randomly seats to passengers like us who choose not to purchase.

Does anyone know at what stage of the booking the seats will be allocated? Is it when you check in online?

richardw

Have a browse of https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4919803

zaksmum

Thanks richard.

I had a look and it seems that this is going to cause a lot of hassle for people. I have flown many times with Ryanair and didn't realise this new ruling till after I'd booked for next month.

We are going for 7 days and I can't see how I can check in for the return flight before leaving home. Will it be a case of either paying to pre select a seat or trying to check in online for it from the resort?

claireabelle_2

We just got back after a week away and we could check in longer than 7 days before, so that was easy enough. Don't do what we did and do a double-sided printed pass though as we had it taken off us and had to get the hotel to reprint for us after being so organised.

zaksmum

claireabelle wrote: »

We just got back after a week away and we could check in longer than 7 days before, so that was easy enough. Don't do what we did and do a double-sided printed pass though as we had it taken off us and had to get the hotel to reprint for us after being so organised.

It's all changed though from 8th April

Blue264

I'm flying with them on Friday and tried to do the online check-in with random seat allocation last night. I got a message saying this option isn't available until Tuesday, so I'll try again just after midnight tonight and tomorrow morning before work. Here's hoping!

Blue264

Just done the online check-in and got two seats together out and return without having to pay for seat allocation.

It alright for me because I don't need extra leg room and there's only me and OH to consider, so I can't help thinking this policy could penalise people who are tall or families who need to be seated together. Hmmm...

rachhh

I flew Ryanair a few days ago, my seat was allocated during online check in which I could do up to 15 days before the flight.
If you have seat preferences you can still pay extra to choose a different seat, even after online allocation.

It was also a nice surprise to be allowed a reasonably sized 'personal item' as well as the usual carry on bag.

zaksmum

rachhh wrote: »

I flew Ryanair a few days ago, my seat was allocated during online check in which I could do up to 15 days before the flight.
If you have seat preferences you can still pay extra to choose a different seat, even after online allocation.

It was also a nice surprise to be allowed a reasonably sized 'personal item' as well as the usual carry on bag.

The new rules only apply from 8th April so you wouldn't have been affected if you flew prior to that date.

Red_dog_Sam

The experience described by Blue264 doesn't seem to be consistent with the new 7 day rule for unpaid seat allocation. from 8th April.
Flying out on Friday but not able to check in until Tuesday? The 7 day rule should mean that you don't have to wait until Tuesday to check in for an outward flight on Friday. Then , according to this new rule you should only be able to check in for the return leg at the same time if it is also within 7 days (i.e. on or before next Tuesday). Begs the question - is the online check in experience really varying between customers or indicating that in some circumstances the website is operating inconsistently with the policy?

zaksmum

Red_dog_Sam wrote: »

The experience described by Blue264 doesn't seem to be consistent with the new 7 day rule for unpaid seat allocation. from 8th April.
Flying out on Friday but not able to check in until Tuesday? The 7 day rule should mean that you don't have to wait until Tuesday to check in for an outward flight on Friday. Then , according to this new rule you should only be able to check in for the return leg at the same time if it is also within 7 days (i.e. on or before next Tuesday). Begs the question - is the online check in experience really varying between customers or indicating that in some circumstances the website is operating inconsistently with the policy?

Sounds to me like Ryanair have messed up big time with this new rule.