Is it Worth the Money? My experience with Ryanair and their FRONT ROW SEAT!

[@horsehollerer]

Great idea, and agree, it's all about the length of the flight... especially as a tall guy! Only two weeks ago I snagged Ryanair's front seat for the first time on a FOUR-HOUR flight from Athens to Stansted. It was a fantastic experience all-round. The cost? £36 for the flight and just £15 more for the seat (booked 2-3 months ahead, I should add). Cheers!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

That's a great price for the seat HH, I think you've got it sussed there! I never ever go for any of the 'extras' Ryanair try to sell me. But if the price of the flight is good, I'll definitely be considering the front seats on these longer flights. Cheers.

[@bluckfox]

haha to cool

[@peterdnreynolds777]

Brilliant video!! Cork airport is a great airport!! Birmingham and Heathrow need to learn from how they operate this security screening process!! Hope all is well, take care

[@wesleytill1629]

Thanks Mark. Another great video. Having never been to Cork it's a place on my list to visit. Best wishes 🍀

[@andrewclark8630]

Glad to see you appear to have finally recovered.

[@octopusrocker]

Mark, I trust you are well now and got "sorted-out"...I've been a bit "here and there" over the last few weeks so a bit surprised when I realised your "massive news" video was a month or so ago... Keep 'em coming mate, always great viewing 👍🍻

[@sergejskubraks2454]

For flights over 2 hours I am always purchasing front row very happy works well for me

[@stogieguy7]

I’m rather tall, so it’s definitely worth it on those longer flights. Going to Cork, probably not - but still more pleasant than in back. As for BHM, that seems to be a mess that’s best avoided. MAN is better for sure - if you’re somewhere in between. Nice video, look after yourself!

[@davidrumbelow]

Haven't traveled on Ryan air. But apart from your seat their space between seats is less than what's found in an African township taxi.

[@Julian-ck6lf]

I always prefer 1D the aisle on the other side still get served first , and easy toilet access I find 1A a bit cramped because of the curve of the fuselage. I know what you mean about being off first it does put the pressure on! Great video 👍🍺

[@baseballfan99]

I have only paid for the front row once which was on Wizz Air. Being the first off the aircraft when travelling to Europe is important if you want to avoid the queues at passport control especially if you have no baggage to collect. I would be less inclined to do it for short flights but anything above 2.5 hours I would be tempted if I thought I would not get a good seat in the lottery.

[@tonypeters1478]

Any flight under three hours I wouldn’t even give proximity to the loo a second thought, likewise seat booking. As long as I’m on the plane somewhere I couldn’t care less.

[@Ray-pk9tu]

Never ever pay for a seat. Wait till 3 hours before ur flight and then check in. All is left is the expensive front few rows and emergency seats. Works every time. .

[@sandiandgregh]

We agree. A bonus is leg room and being at the front and avoiding the traditional RyanAir “crush and rush”. For a short flight, prob not. Long, yes, absolutely.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

It’s definitely something I’d consider for 2hour+ flights now 😊👍

[@terryhoath1983]

My advice is, "go before yer go". Michael will be eternally grateful as going beforehand reduces the weight of the aircraft thereby reducing fuel use. Sat in those front seats, do you hear the grunts from those having a good clear out ? If they took the doors off of the poes, it would further reduce weight and encourage people not to sit around in there.

[@alexf7377]

When people start to board, that's when I head to the boys room. I'll only need a loo on long haul.

[@Timstravels01]

Interesting to see a video on this subject. Definitely well worth it on the longer flights.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I think so mate. 2 hour+ flights I’d definitely consider it now 👍

[@Richard-gk3kq]

Really useful information in the video.👍🏼👍🏼

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks Richard 😊👍

[@edwardlees4585]

Is it just me or do people use the toilets because they are there or because they actually need to do so? I don't recall ever using a plane toilet on a European flight, even one on a trip of 2 and a bit hours to Spain. As long as you go in the terminal before departure you should surely be able to resist for 51 minutes! Single-aisle planes are almost impossible to manoeuvre in when they start the in-flight service so the idea of trying to fight my way out of a seat, down to the toilet and back again is ridiculous.

[@MarcsCupofTea]

Birmingham airport is completely nuts. Queuing to get in a lift feels very odd. Flew from Birmingham earlier this year for my summer holiday. Wasn't too bad at 5am but arriving back was crazy, having to walk through the check in queues just to exit the building! As for Ryan air ive only flown once Bristol to Dublin and was happy enough for it for what we paid. Wouldn't fly any more than 2 hours on Ryan air myself but good value so long and you stay away from the extras as im sure you're aware. Merry Xmas!

[@Tripreporternet]

Hoi, Mark, pretty interesting to follow you´re detailed seat review. Worth it from my point of view!. Well done. Been to BHX and also ORK. Good to see it with you´re eyes. Greetings, Markus

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Markus. First time I've done the row 1 thing with Ryanair. Hope it made sense because I think it'd be definitely worth it on the longer flights. I'll certainly be considering it in the future.

[@simondavey7787]

For me, it would depend on price as to whether the upgrade is worth it. The legroom is precious on Ryanair! As for the glass mug, I recognise that as Premier Inn and quite like it. Merry and blessed Christmas to you.

[@carolinecrollick6305]

I have sat on the front row on a Ryanair flight I am going on Ryanair from Leeds on Monday

[@M.dave-y1r]

i only found your channel today and i love your style. 1 request for a vid: use to eurolines (bus eireann) from london to dublin. it is at night but i think itd be a great vid

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I’ve done that Dave, it’s on my channel from a year or so back. It was certainly entertaining but I’m not sure I’d do it again! Cheers mate 😊👍

[@rainshine3457]

Nice to see Cork featured where my stepdad comes from lovely city. nightmare to get a flight too now I live in the midlands no flights from the East Midlands anymore only Birmingham then the only choice is Ryanair who will cancel your return flight from cork meaning you no choice but to go to Luton airport , when you have two major airports on your doorstep. Where did you stay in Cork and did you sample any local beer ie Beamish or Murphy's?

[@irishmark2180]

Hi mate great video. I’ve been to cork many of times years ago it was a blast from the past seeing a bit of cork. I’m going to Ireland on 17th of Jan next year im going to co Kerry. Listowel area. How you feeling mate hope you and family are well.

[@EinkOLED]

I always skip paying for seat selection. I check seat availability a few hours before departure on the booking page, and take a snapshot of the free seats. And then board right until the end. The first 4 rows are usually empty (unless the flight is full). And on at least 3 occasions I've managed to bag a window seat.

[@chrissymcmillan5364]

I played the Ryanair seat lottery and won 1A once Dublin - Glasgow. absolutely nothing special at all! I made sure I boarded last, as I was aware folk would be awkwardly shuffling past you to take their seats, plus less time spent sitting at the cold open door. Taking off I felt water drip onto my arm, the Stewardess saw my reaction and explained "don't worry it happens all the time - its condensation build up" I quipped "ah the Ryanair 1st class shower experience!" Lucky I only had a small carry on bag, so could use the single bin above that row. Extra legroom fine but at 5"3in makes no difference to me either way! Exiting the plane first a bonus and hearing the stewards gossiping to each other was funny, I shouldn't have listened in but couldn't help it being so close to them! Of note Mark if you have the Ryanair app you can 'order to your seat' and so far if I've used this (for duty free only not food or beverages) the Stewards prioritise this, so for example if in middle of the plane your duty free arrives before they start their service to other passengers.

[@mattwoodford1820]

I avoid paying more to fly with Ryanair and fly for less with BA, better aircraft, no baggage anxiety and better service

[@michaelstaley2241]

Very interesting Mark terrible weather in Birmingham at the time . Lovely views..

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Michael 😊👍

[@robertalan3214]

Hi Mark, thanks for the video bud, I only book and pay seats on longer flights otherwise the bargain fare is pointless, great seat though if you want or need to exit quickly, I hope you enjoyed your visit to Cork, it's many years since I was last there 👍

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers mate. I always enjoy Cork (especially the food and drink!).

[@sheilam4525]

I have never sat right at the front of a plane in my life but I do like the very back seats😂

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I came back with Aer Lingus on the rear seat 29A and yes also a good seat for getting off quickly 👍

[@TravelSignal]

Nice video, thanks for taking this "premium" seat. Note that the tray in the armrest does reduce the width a bit. Maybe I'll try it sometime, as a taller person - I've appreciated the exit row extra legroom before! Thanks

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers mate. I thought I'd splash out in the name of research!! I quite enjoyed it really but I KNOW I'd appreciate it more on a longer flight (and I'm not that tall).

[@TravelSignal]

@LetsMakeaTrip thought I'd see about it for a potential family trip. Unfortunately youngest isn't 16 yet so it's a no go.

[@richardbutler4488]

The £6 priority security is worth every Penny in BHX at the moment. If your doing any DIY connections or connections of any kind at BHX at the moment your flight ✈️ connections sign is the normal exit into the public concourse, then up the lift 🛗 but then the priority lane becomes a godsend 😊 Interesting that when booking the fast 💨 track you can input your arrival flight ✈️ too into the booking system and your departure flight, so I imagine that helps.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

It does help with fast track yes. I give myself at least a couple of hours there atm. An hour for all the queuing and an hour airside to grab a coffee etc. I’m sure it’ll improve.

[@alexmcwhirter6611]

Personally I would opt for a seat in row 1 to avoid most of the engine noise.

[@kareemosman4574]

I almost always sit in row 1 or 2c/d when flying ryanair. Makes a huge difference when going through passport control. Fly to Billund quite a bit and have never waited more than 5 minutes from walking off the plane to being outside the airport. Once waited for my friend who had a seat at middle exit doors and waited 40 minutes in the public area!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Kareem. I think if you know where you're going and it's not going to be a bus gate, the disembarkation advantages of the front rows are definitely worth it, yes.

[@ColinOBear]

I would never go for the front seat as you have to store stuff up top. I once saw a guy get on and had to put his bag in something like row 10 ! Let's say he wasn't one of the first off the flight. I have my own seat choice which works well for me as I never travel with more than a small bag and have stopped paying for speedy boarding as it's a joke, on most flights I'll be off and through passport control while people are still getting off the plane.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

That was my worry. Where would my bag end up. And speedy boarding I don't think is worth it. You may also end up on a bus which kind of negates the head start to a point.

[@ColinOBear]

@@LetsMakeaTrip yeah - you were lucky that the cabin crew did the right and decent thing and made people behind you move their stuff - I fear that not all of them would. I've seen people put bage in the front then head off somewhere near the middle - just so they didn't have to look for a space once they got to their seat!

[@kevanhubbard9673]

Sunday is a busy day.Friday's they are going and Sunday 's they are coming back.... avoid both!

[@tazminmoore455]

I flew on a stretched 737 plane to Skiathos in 2019 , 4 hours, and was in pain for whole flight as my long legs just didn't fit into such a small space. There wasn't the option to book the front seats as reserved for disabled and wheelchair users ( I think they were quite expensive, too, but could be mistaken on that point ).I flew from Liverpool to Belfast International and back in January ( house hunting ) with Easy Jet. Leg room was better, although flight only 30 minutes, so bearable. If I should go on a flight longer than a couple of hours in the future I'd certainly look at booking extra leg room.

[@bk99911]

You mention that the bus takes cash only, that isn’t really true. Yes it doesn’t take contactless, but there are two other options, you can pay by Leap Card, which is similar to Oyster cards in London and works all over Ireland and you can also pay by the TFI Go app on your phone. The TFI Go app is probably convenient for a tourist is you don’t a have cash, but if you spend decent amount of time in Ireland, I’d recommend getting a Leap card which works all over the country and is a lot cheaper then paying by cash. Also Bus Eireann does actually take tap to pay on their long distance commuter and intercity routes, it is just the city buses that don’t take it, as Leap cards are the default there.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I can only go by what the driver told me at the time. Why on Earth they can’t do contactless - especially on this route. It would be a big help to visitors - especially international ones.

[@bk99911]

@ This is a “city bus” route and all city bus routes in Ireland use Leap cards as the default. The National Transport Authority are planning to rollout tap to pay with their next gen ticketing project next year to all city buses (and trains, trams, etc.). It is a big project as it will support many advance features, free transfers for 90 minutes, daily and weekly capping, etc. on your contactless card. They don’t want to do “basic” tap to pay on city buses as it slows down boarding time, they want to implement a system like London Bus where you just tap on quickly with no interaction with the driver. It is annoying that it isn’t in place yet, but will be worth the wait to do it right. BTW in Cork Airport you can buy a Leap card in the WHSmiths in the terminal. Not worth it if you are using the bus just once, but if you are staying for longer and using the bus a lot well worth it. Specially in Dublin where using the Leap card has significant savings.

[@martinstilton1535]

Got to be honest, all I want from Ryanair is a generic mid cabin seat on a functioning aircraft as near on time as possible. No priority boarding either (why stand the queue for longer when you have a guaranteed seat anyway)!

[@WingsWheelsMore]

The front row seats on 737s are narrower than those further back as the fuselage diameter there is less due to the inherent design of the aircraft. Plus, the “armrests” have to accommodate the tray so if you’re broad in the beam your degree of in flight wiggle is restricted! I let the destination determine whether or not to pay for a seat - “happy holidaymaker” flights, deffo choose a seat in the very back row so the imbibers can continue partying together in the middle…..I’m not a grouch - honest!

[@jackmaher9296]

Need to fly from the best airport mark , Liverpool John Lennon, it’s always fantastic and staff friendly . Yes I know it’s not as busy at LHR MAN and BMI , but it’s never busy and they always cope with large amounts of people

[@paulgibsonphotography]

Great Video Mark

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Paul 😊👍

[@ianlove1215]

It's the same as booking 1st class on the train when booking in advance. Some advance 1st class trains can be the same or only a few pounds more than standard on the day, but it is only really worth it on long distance (e.g. London - Edinburgh). Shorter distance trips (e.g. London - Ipswich) you might as well stick to standard.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yep and also the type of train you're on helps. Avanti standard seats are perfectly fine in my opinion. I may occasionally do first class with them but only if I'm treating myself or doing a video where I know I'll make the money back.

[@syberspud]

Birmingham looks shocking with all them queues. I find Manchester is the worst though. Horrible customer experience every single time.

[@richardstreet7518]

Prefer the front row on the D E F side

[@clarea1801]

I suffer with sciatica and paid for the seat behind, it was actually a godsend being able to stretch my leg out, only problem was you had to put everything in the overhead lockers.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hopefully there was room in the locker overhead so you could get off quicker 👍

[@clarea1801]

@LetsMakeaTrip thankfully there was, next time I've booked extra leg toom and priority boarding

[@deanojuly1952]

Definitely worth the extra I would say Mark. It saves all the pushing and shoving to get to a seat.

[@skylineXpert]

@@deanojuly1952 my own experience at STN taught me that fast track is a must at some hours on certain days.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I think the risk with being one of the last to board is no room left in the overhead bins. One of the reasons people may want to pay for priority boarding I guess.

[@twentyrothmans7308]

Birmingham Airport seems like a third world dump. I used to take 1F in BA shorthaul if and only if I had minimal cabin baggage, as there'd be a fuss if I boarded late with two pieces. You must have very good earplugs - that was a noisy flight.

[@Garysvideos]

I would rather sit at the back of a BA plane than the front of a Ryanair plane.

[@Intotheweehours20]

What's the newish premier inn like in Cork?

[@brianboeing9799]

A Dump like Cork

[@Intotheweehours20]

@brianboeing9799 I was asking Mark this question not you.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Pretty nice. Very central, the bar’s decent enough but haven’t tried the food. I always eat out in Cork, it’s a great place for food and drink 👍

[@rob6255-j4t]

I like Ryan Air , have used them from Bournemouth dozens of times, to get from a to be cheaply cant beat them, yes there are bag rules and sometimes cramped cabin but it does whats on the tiket and by the way their planes are usually fairly new. If you want 5star etc you have to pay an awful lot of money. R

[@markydarky34]

2F is a good quiet seat, give it a try.

[@alexf7377]

No, that's my seat! 🙂

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I might well do Mark, cheers!

[@RogEdwardsTV]

Due to some dreaful experiences in the past I try to avoid Ryanair. They are fine until things go wrong then their service is often rubbish and you get no help from them. Still you can't beat that price, with our without the front seat. 😀

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I seem to be on them quite a bit atm Rog. It’s mainly a UK - Ireland thing tbh though Aer Lingus are fairly comparable on price too but for me there’s not much difference.

[@shanef8728]

coming to a queue near you. what a kip

[@jonjohnson2844]

UK airport security seems massively over the top, I've been all over the world and with the exception of the US, it's almost nothing - I came back from Poland recently and the woman on the x-ray screen was just chatting to her colleague...I was the only one there, middle aged red haired white guy, maybe racial profiling lol.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

India has been my worst experience of this. Hopefully Birmingham will improve once they’ve finished what they’re doing.

[@Matty12333]

It's a pain, but it's for good reason.

[@kevinmcanulty2593]

back to The Emerald Isle. Guinness Beamish or Murphys in Cork??

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Well I tried all three. The Murphys in Cork won it for me (it usually does tbf)!

[@kevinmcanulty2593]

@@LetsMakeaTrip sounds good. have a great Christmas

[@simonboulton4490]

The X84 from Leeds to Otley is being reintroduced In February of 2025 due to over 3,000 name petition complaining about the with drawl of the service just thought you might like to know.

[@SuperMetalRockets]

Blimey a glass mug i don’t think I’ve seen one of them since Crossroads Motel!!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Haha, yeh. Reminds me of the 70’s. I think they’ve all got them now!

[@garrymartin6474]

I may consider it on a flight to Rhodes or Türkiye but not a short hop to Ireland. Cork is a much better destination than Dublin though 1

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Agree with all this 👍

[@ashwilliams999]

Might be worth it for the extra room but different airport arrangements might not necessarily see as much benefit - if apron buses are used - first off the plane might equate to last off the bus at the terminal….

[@horace650]

Ryanair won't pay for buses from remote stands. They always use terminal parking. In my experience, anyway.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Good point Horace.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

True, it does help to know the usual arrangements at the airport you're flying to/from. Priority boarding is also a waste of time with bus gates imo.

[@alejandrayalanbowman367]

I don't fly Ryanair nor on Boeing aircraft if I can possibly avoid them.

[@marcd6897]

I’d say paying extra for a seat in row 1 is definitely worth it. Not only do you have a great legroom, but you also avoid watching at the entire plane in front of you decorated in the horrendous yellow color scheme 😂

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

lol, yes I’d certainly do it for the longer flights when available 👍

[@garrygreen3210]

Glass jug/mug ... er, no.

[@DesmondCarolan]

Not worth it for short flight and never book row 1 on any side. ABC have human traffic and DEF have bulkhead limitations. Better, I think, to go for rows 3 4. The advantage _ you can still stretch your legs under the seat in front and on Ryanair there is no seat recline so no problem from the inevitable inconsiderate ***** in front of you. 😊😂

[@williehannon9306]

The man in the middle seat in the row behind became a woman mid flight mad

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

lol, yes I noticed that too!

[@custardo]

At the moment, Birmingham airport must surely be UK's worst. Directing the queues through those lifts is insanity. Experienced the same last spring. Dreadful.

[@alexmcwhirter6611]

It's Manchester which has been voted the worst.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I do hope it improves because it used to be a breeze! They'll be as bad as Manchester soon!

[@Biggestisland]

ID like to see you try and oay for all the upgrades. Seat, food, checked bag etc ON one of there budget Airlines and then compare the cost to a business Class scheduled airfare.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I did think of that. The main difference (in most euro biz anyway) would be lounge access for me.

[@quintuscrinis]

Since when did they have planes with stairs in? Or is that just a special something boeing have done for Ryanair to save them money on the airstairs and jet bridges?

[@kevinmoffatt]

It looked well dodgy with the door ajar and the steward helping the stairs extend; one day they will fall onto the apron.

[@kevinpennick3604]

Worth the extra money...

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Kevin 👍

[@anthonyholroyd5359]

If im paying extra for me a seat in the 'front row'? Then I'd want it to be the jump 'Dead-heading' seat 🤣🤣🤣

[@granger18trains]

Ryanair ? No thanks

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

It's not for everyone!

[@tonys1636]

Wouldn't fly Ryanair if they paid me, having to pay for everything is ridiculous, rather pay more with BA or Aer Lingus, they share IE/UK routes so could be flying with either having booked with one and get free checked bags and free snacks or food. Why crease one's clothes when a suit can be neatly folded in a large suitcase or a suit bag used and 25kg for free. Unfortunately neither fly ORK - LGW now. They also don't insist on a valid passport when booking a CTA or domestic flight.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I flew DUB - BHX with Aer Lingus and an A320. Nothing free on that either tbh! All food and drink was chargeable and tbh, there wasn’t a lot of difference between them and Ryanair on this route.

[@tonys1636]

@@LetsMakeaTrip It was a good few years ago that I regularly flew ORK-LGW with either, they carried mail then, the route was cancelled when the mail switched back to DUB-LHR. I changed back to ferries as saved having to hire a car. My then Primary School age children often did the flight unaccompanied to visit Mum when I was working, the stewardesses were great with them.

[@PhilipWalker-no1jb]

To me South of Ireland is expensive very old fashioned The people are rude and are not good Why on earth go to a whole like that

[@conorbrown792]

The people aren't rude.

[@nigelbetts3893]

Ah Seat 💺 1A Ryanair. I managed to get that seat 💺 once with random seat allocation. Would I pay. In the lottery of random seat allocation I tend to do quite well so I will stick with that.

[@richardbutler4488]

Generally the later you take the gamble on the seat 💺 the better one you end up with 😊 but it’s only really worth gambling if your traveling on your own and are flexible to what seat you might end up with. Also be cautious doing it on very highly or sold out flights, airlines do overbook 😅