Ryanair is apparently the most popular low-cost airline operating in the UK.
There is a perception that it has been much maligned, but it still beat perennial UK favourites Jet2.com and easyJet in the recent Skytrax airline awards – the “Oscars of aviation”.
Ryanair was ranked 9th in the ranking of the world’s best low-cost airlines in 2024, followed by Jet2.com in 12th place and easyJet in 10th. In 2023, Ryanair was ranked 13th, followed by Jet2.com in 10th and easyJet in 11th.
So what is Ryanair doing right?
Rob Burgess, from the frequent flyer website en:headforpoints.comHe suggested that punctuality was an important factor, in addition to the CEO’s know-how.
Ryanair finished ninth in the ranking of the world’s best low-cost airlines 2024, with Jet2.com in 12th place and easyJet in 10th.
Speaking to MailOnline Travel, Ryanair has overtaken EasyJet and Jet2 in the budget airline category, possibly due to its punctuality. This could be partly due to EasyJet suffering longer delays, given that most of its flights depart from Gatwick, which is notoriously more prone to delays than Stansted, Ryanair’s main UK hub.
‘However, Ryanair is an increasingly savvy company run by the inimitable Michael O’Leary, who has focused on punctuality, investment in new aircraft and, ultimately, cheap fares.
“It offers what the traveling public wants.”
Gilbert Ott, founder of the travel site www.godsavethepoints.comHe agreed that the price of the ticket is a plus for Ryanair and added that its website and app are also highly appreciated.
He told MailOnline: ‘Ryanair deserves praise. The airline continues to boast one of the highest punctuality rates among budget airlines and has invested heavily in digital technology.
Rob Burgess, of frequent flyer website headforpoints.com, said Ryanair “delivers what the travelling public wants”
‘Travelers just want to get to their destination on time and Ryanair is consistently among the carriers with the lowest base fares, and improved digital experiences are removing previous friction points.’
Travelers agree.
‘Second731’ wrote on Tripadvisor“I recently flew with Ryanair and was impressed with the overall experience. The airline offers a no-frills, budget travel option without compromising on efficiency. The booking process was easy and their commitment to punctuality was evident throughout my trip.
“The cabin crew was professional and friendly, which made the flight enjoyable. Despite the affordable prices, the seats were comfortable enough throughout the flight.”
And ‘Tracey C’ commented on tripadvisor: ‘I know Ryanair has bad reviews but I honestly can’t fault them. From the initial booking to the flight itself. The online chat was friendly and helpful. The staff at both airports were also friendly. The cabin crew were lovely. The flight boarded and departed on time on both legs. The price was great too. I will definitely be using Ryanair again.’
Nicky Kelvin, managing editor of The boy with the pointsHowever, he noted that “there is not much to read into seeing a slight up and down swing in the rankings of Ryanair and easyJet.”