Does Ryanair Charge You to Cancel? 24-Hour Cancellation
Travel plans change all the time. Whether due to illness, work, weather, or personal reasons, it is not unusual to need to cancel a flight. But what happens when you book a flight with Ryanair, the popular European budget airline? Can you cancel it easily, and if you do, will you be charged a fee? Or are you simply out of luck?
In this detailed guide, we will explore whether Ryanair charges you to cancel a flight, what your options are, and what travelers should know before they book.
Understanding Ryanair’s Business Model
Before diving into cancellation fees, it is helpful to understand how Ryanair operates. Ryanair is a low-cost carrier, which means it keeps ticket prices low by minimizing extras. This includes strict baggage limits, few add-ons, and very limited flexibility with changes or cancellations. The basic idea is that travelers who want to save money accept the rules and restrictions in exchange for lower fares.
This model helps Ryanair stay profitable while offering competitive prices. However, it also means that Ryanair’s policies around cancellations and refunds are much stricter than those of traditional airlines.
Can You Cancel a Ryanair Flight?
The short answer is yes, you can cancel a Ryanair flight. But here is the catch — you will not get a refund in most cases, and Ryanair does not have a formal cancellation fee because canceling the flight simply means you lose the ticket cost.
Unlike many airlines, Ryanair does not give you the option to cancel and get your money back, except in certain special situations. Instead of charging you a cancellation fee, Ryanair keeps the full amount of your ticket as a non-refundable cost.
So technically, there is no cancellation fee — but you lose the entire value of the ticket, which, for many travelers, feels the same as being charged.
What Happens When You Cancel a Ryanair Flight?
When you cancel a Ryanair flight, you forfeit the amount you paid for the ticket. Ryanair does not refund fares unless one of a few exceptions applies. So while there may not be an official cancellation fee listed on their website, the result is often the same as if you had paid one — your money is gone.
Here is what happens depending on your situation:
- If you cancel voluntarily: No refund, and no travel credit. You simply lose the money.
- If Ryanair cancels the flight: You are entitled to a full refund or a free rebooking.
- If you miss your flight: You are considered a no-show. The fare is forfeited.
Does Ryanair Offer Any Exceptions?
Yes, but they are limited.
1. Bereavement or Serious Illness
If a passenger cannot travel due to a family bereavement or medical emergency, Ryanair may offer a refund. In these cases, you must provide proper documents, such as a medical certificate or death certificate, and each request is considered individually. Approval is not guaranteed, but the airline does have a process in place for such situations.
2. Duplicate Bookings
If you accidentally book the same flight twice using the same details, Ryanair may refund one of the tickets. Again, this is handled on a case-by-case basis.
3. Airport Taxes
Even if you cancel and do not receive a fare refund, you may still be entitled to a refund of unused airport taxes. However, Ryanair may charge an administration fee that wipes out most or all of the tax refund, so the value of this option is often very small.
What About a 24-Hour Cancellation Window?
Many major airlines offer a 24-hour cancellation policy, allowing you to cancel a flight within 24 hours of booking and receive a full refund. Ryanair does not follow this rule.
Once you book a flight with Ryanair, the standard policy is that it is non-refundable — even if you change your mind within the first hour. Therefore, it is crucial to double-check your dates, names, and times before clicking confirm.
Can You Change a Ryanair Flight Instead of Canceling?
Yes. This is often the smarter move if your plans change.
While Ryanair does not allow refunds, it does allow you to change your flight. This gives you some flexibility if you are unable to travel as originally planned. You can make changes to:
- The date and time of your flight
- The destination
- The name on the booking
You can make these changes up to two hours before the flight’s scheduled departure.
Is There a Fee to Change a Ryanair Flight?
Yes. Ryanair charges a change fee, plus any fare difference.
Typical change fees range from 30 to 60 euros per person per flight. The exact amount depends on the route, time of year, and whether you make the change online or through customer service.
Here is a breakdown:
- Online flight change fee: lower than changes made at the airport
- Change made at the airport: usually more expensive
- Fare difference: if the new flight is more expensive, you must pay the difference
If your new flight is cheaper than the original, Ryanair does not refund the difference.
Are There Flexible Fare Options?
Ryanair offers a fare called Flexi Plus, which includes more flexibility. This ticket is more expensive but allows for:
- Free changes to your flight time or date
- Priority boarding
- Free airport check-in
Flexi Plus tickets still do not allow full refunds, but they reduce or eliminate change fees, making it easier to adapt your travel plans.
What If You Have Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance may help if you need to cancel for a covered reason. For example, if you are sick, injured, or face a family emergency, insurance may reimburse you for the cost of your flight. Always read your policy carefully and make sure it covers flight cancellations before relying on it.
Ryanair also sells travel insurance as an add-on, but coverage is usually basic.
No-Shows and Missed Flights
If you miss your flight and do not inform the airline, it is considered a no-show. You will not get a refund or credit. However, Ryanair may allow you to rebook on the next available flight for a missed flight fee, which is generally lower than the cost of buying a new ticket.
Summary: Does Ryanair Charge to Cancel?
Let us recap the key points.
- Ryanair does not have a standard cancellation fee.
- However, canceling your flight means you lose the entire ticket value, which functions like a 100 percent fee.
- Refunds are only given in very specific cases like airline cancellations, illness, or bereavement.
- Ryanair does not offer a 24-hour risk-free cancellation window.
- Changes are allowed up to two hours before departure for a fee plus fare difference.
- Buying a Flexi Plus fare gives you greater flexibility, but still no refunds.
- Consider travel insurance for cancellation protection if your plans are uncertain.
Final Thoughts
Ryanair does not charge a traditional cancellation fee, but its strict no-refund policy means that canceling a flight is costly. For most passengers, canceling a Ryanair flight means forfeiting the ticket price completely. That is why it is so important to be absolutely sure of your travel dates before booking a Ryanair flight.
The best way to protect yourself is to:
- Double-check all details before booking
- Consider buying Flexi Plus for more flexibility
- Use travel insurance that includes cancellation coverage
- Make changes instead of canceling when possible
If you are looking for low prices and can stick to a fixed schedule, Ryanair is a great choice. But if you value flexibility or may need to cancel, you need to be aware of the airline’s strict policies so you can make informed decisions before you book.
Would you like a checklist or a comparison chart between Ryanair and other airlines on cancellations?