Ryanair has issued a cheeky response to travellers who miss their flights, with a 12-word piece of advice. The Irish budget airline, known for its sometimes sarcastic replies, shared the tip on its Facebook page alongside common excuses for missing a flight.
Common excuses and the airline's top tip
Among the excuses listed by the airline were 'I didn't hear boarding being announced!' and 'I didn't see the gate had changed!' The airline then added: "Turn ON push notifications for real-time notifications in the Ryanair app!"
The Ryanair app allows travellers to check in to their flights, avoiding the extra fee for airport check-in, and to keep track of any changes or updates, including notifications when the gate is announced and when boarding starts. The app also provides access to the mandatory digital boarding pass, as the airline went paperless in 2025 to save costs. Travellers can also print their boarding pass from home if they prefer.
Travellers hit back
However, some travellers responded critically, arguing they had not received the correct gate number from the app. One traveller said: "I watch those boards like a hawk purely for that reason."
What to do if you miss a Ryanair flight
If you miss a Ryanair flight, tickets are non-refundable, but you can move to the next available flight within one hour of departure at the airport ticket desk for a £100 missed departure fee. If you arrive later than one hour, you must purchase a brand new ticket.
If you know you'll arrive late, the airline allows you to change your flight online up to 2.5 hours before the scheduled departure time by paying a flight change fee plus any fare difference. But if you completely miss the flight and do not visit the ticket desk within the one-hour window, the ticket is lost, and no refund or credit is given.
There are some exceptions. While refunds or travel credits are not provided for routine illnesses, travel credit can be requested for specific recent family bereavements if submitted before travel. It is also recommended to take out travel insurance before your travels, as this usually gives you more security if you can't make your flight.
