Upon discovering that your Ryanair flight has been delayed by checking the flight status online, you may find yourself uncertain about the next steps. Are you supposed to still go to the airport right away or it’s better to wait at your home or hotel? Flight delays can range from minor 30-minute ones to extensive, 23-hour ones, potentially leaving you stuck at the airport for a significant amount of time.
So, do you really may have to wait at the airport for 23 hours until Ryanair resolves the issue? The response is not simple and hinges on various factors.
However, typically, you can expect one of a 3 scenarios.
Your Ryanair Flight Is Delayed. Should You Stay Put or Follow Your Original Schedule?
Your current location matters. Are you at your home/hotel?
Or have you already reached the airport?
Scenario 1 – You Are at the Gate, Waiting for Your Flight
Suppose you are at the gate, waiting for your flight, and you hear an announcement regarding a flight delay. What’s your next move?
Just stay put at the gate and wait for more information about your flight status.
Scenario 2 – You Are at the Airport, But You Haven’t Yet Gone Through Airport Security
If you are already at the airport but haven’t gone through security check when you learn about the delay, it’s advised to stay put. Before moving forward, check if there are any news regarding your Ryanair flight’s check-in time. Is it also delayed?
If there’s a delay in check-in start time, you should refrain from going through security. Wait for additional instructions before proceeding through security.
Have you already checked in online?
Wait regardless. Don’t proceed until check-in starts.
Scenario 3 – You Are at Home or Hotel
Determine whether check-in has been delayed or not.
This can be done by getting in touch with Ryanair or the airport information desk. They usually will be able to provide this information.
If the check-in has been delayed, there is no need to rush to the airport. You can wait at your hotel or home. However, if the check-in time remains the same, it’s advisable to stick to your original plans and head to the airport as per your schedule.
If the check-in has been delayed, wait for now.
If check-in is not delayed — proceed to the airport as scheduled.
How to Check Ryanair Flight Status Online?
Here’s how you can verify your flight status online:
- The departure airport’s website;
- Your airline’s website (ryanair.com in this case);
- Flight trackers like Flightradar24.
It’s a good idea to check your flight’s status before heading to the airport, especially for early morning flights. Arriving at the airport at 5 am just to find out that your flight has been delayed or canceled, and having to wait for several hours can be frustrating. To avoid this, it’s best to check the status right after waking up. It’s also suggested to check the status just before leaving your home or hotel to ensure there are no last-minute changes.
Usually passengers discover about the delay:
- Through SMS or email from the airline, notifying of the delay;
- When checking the flight status online;
- Already at the airport, or even at the gate.
What If You Are Going to Miss Connecting Flight Due to Flight Delay?
Ryanair, as a low-cost airline, doesn’t offer connecting flights.
This means your flights are likely self-transfer flights.
If you miss your Ryanair connection, it’s your responsibility to arrange and pay for a new flight. However, if your Ryanair flight is delayed or cancelled, you may be entitled to Ryanair flight delay compensation or Ryanair flight cancellation compensation, according to the circumstances.
Right to Care at the Airport
Passengers who are forced to wait at the airport due to a flight delay, cancellation or denied boarding are entitled to some amenities (“right to care“).
- For a relatively short delay of 3 hours or more during daytime, Ryanair is required to offer complimentary food and drinks, along with some form of communication (like phone calls, emails or faxes), usually provided through vouchers.
- In case of an overnight delay, Ryanair is obliged to provide free hotel accommodation, transportation to and from the airport, and one or two meals without charging the passenger.
If you haven’t received any of these benefits, get in touch with Ryanair for assistance.
Are You Eligible for Ryanair Flight Delay Compensation?
Yes, you may qualify for Ryanair flight delay compensation.
If your flight faces a delay of more than three hours, you could be eligible for a compensation up to 600 euros under EU law, unless the delay or cancellation occurred due to extraordinary circumstances.
This right is not dependent on the ticket price or nationality of the passenger.
Remember to retain your boarding pass and all other travel documents, as you may need these while claiming compensation. If you need assistance with the compensation process, there are several services available that can help you claim your compensation from Ryanair – just fill in a compensation claim form on our website, and the customer service professional will get back to you.
Can You Claim Flight Delay Compensation in the Event of a Ryanair Strike?
If your Ryanair flight is delayed or cancelled due to a strike, the circumstances of the strike will determine your eligibility for compensation.
Usually, if the strike is instigated by airport personnel, air traffic control, or a labor strike that does not directly involve Ryanair, you will not be eligible for compensation. These situations are regarded as extraordinary circumstances, and airlines are typically not held responsible.
However, if the strike involves Ryanair’s own staff, it’s likely that the airline will be required to compensate the passengers. It’s always wise to verify the specific conditions surrounding your delay or cancellation, and to question any information provided by the airline.
Read more: Ryanair Strike Compensation
Can You Get Delay Compensation in Case of Technical Problems with the Airplane?
Yes, if your Ryanair flight is delayed on account of technological problems with the aircraft, you could be eligible for flight delay compensation.
Generally, these issues are not considered extraordinary circumstances. However, exceptions may exist in certain cases, such as if the technical issue was a result of hidden manufacturing defects.
What is your experience with Ryanair flight delays? Have you ever received Ryanair delay compensation? Did you reach out to the airline yourself or used services of a flight compensation company for that? Share your experience in the comments.