How to Cancel Your Ryanair Flight and Get a Refund: A Step-by-Step Guide

RYANAIR is one of the most popular airlines in Europe.

Here we take a look at the rules surrounding cancellations — as well as what other options are available to passengers.

Four Ryanair planes parked at Dublin Airport.

Ryanair’s headquarters is based in Swords, Dublin, IrelandCredit: Reuters

How do you cancel a Ryanair flight?

Like a lot of airlines, does not allow passengers to cancel flights and get a refund.

The relevant page on the company’s website states: “Any cancellation T&C’s are determined by the property and are outlined in your cancellation policy.

“To cancel your booking, you must go directly through the provider you booked with.”

But there are some special circumstances where it is possible — for example, if cancels your flight, or adverse weather.

Ryanair even says that a bereavement can be a reason for a customer to receive a refund.

Ryanair will contact you via email, push notification, or even occasionally an SMS text message — using the contact details you provided in your booking — to inform you if your flight has been cancelled, delayed or rescheduled.

But if the booking was made through a third-party travel agent which neglected to provide Ryanair with your correct contact details, they may not be able to directly inform you of any changes to your flight.

The airline says if the flight is operational and isn’t delayed by more than five hours.

But there are some special circumstances where it is possible to receive a refund or travel credit

If Ryanair cancels your flight or it is delayed by more than five hours.

In cases of adverse weather preventing the flight from operating.

Ryanair states that the death of an immediate family member who is travelling or who is a non-travelling immediate family member (e.g., spouse, parent, child) can be a reason to receive a refund or, more commonly, a travel credit.

Alternatively, should you need to change your flight for any reason, you are able to do so using Ryanair’s rebooking service.

To do this you need to go to “My Bookings” online to make the alterations.

However, if you have already checked in you will need to talk to a operator on their live chat to see what further options are available to you.

If your flight is cancelled by , then you are entitled to either apply for a refund, or change your cancelled flight for free.

How much does it cost to change a Ryanair flight?

Even though you can’t cancel your , it is possible to change it.

You can change the date, time or route of your original flight up until 2.5 hours before the flight is scheduled to leave.

Any change to your flight costs £45 online or £60 at the airport per passenger, per one way flight — this does not include any differences in the price of the fare.

Ryanair does offer a 24 hour grace period from the time of the booking to correct any minor changes.

However, name changes for the flight are the only thing that can be altered two hours before travelling.

A complete name change will set you back £115 online or £160 at the airport.

Interior of a Ryanair plane with passengers seated and crew members in the aisle.

You can check your rights on the Ryanair website

Will I get my money back?

You are entitled to a full if Ryanair cancels your flight.

Any refunds should be processed within seven working days.

Passengers queueing on an airfield to board a Ryanair airplane at Frankfurt-Hahn Airport.

CR47CG Ryanair passengers in a queue at the airfield waiting to board an airplane, Frankfurt-Hahn Airport, Rhineland-PalatinateCredit: Alamy

Customers can also be given vouchers that can be used to book other available flights.

If you, the customer, want to cancel the flight, then you will not receive a .

You can, however, apply in writing for a refund for any government tax paid.

Check with your insurance provider if you have one, as they may be able to cover your losses.

There are two options available to you if your flight is cancelled by Ryanair — you can either apply for a refund or change your cancelled flight for free.

Here is Ryanair’s full refund policy: “Ryanair tickets are generally non-refundable. If your flight operated and you didn’t travel, you’re not entitled to a refund.

“You may have valid reasons for deciding not to travel, but our business model is simple — we don’t offer refunds to people who don’t travel because the seat you booked has operated empty in your absence.

“In rare instances where Ryanair has cancelled your flight, failed to operate the flight reasonably according to schedule or you were denied boarding you may be entitled to a refund in accordance with the applicable Passenger Rights Regulations.

“You may also be entitled to a refund if an immediate family member who is not travelling with you dies within 28 days of your booked flight or if you or someone on your booking is seriously ill or passes away before your trip.”