Every budget traveller wants the same thing: the absolute cheapest Ryanair ticket. But when is the best time to book? Despite years of speculation, AI predictions, and even academic studies, the real answer is more complex than you might think. Here’s what you need to know in 2025 about how Ryanair prices its flights – and how to get the best deal. The cheapest Ryanair flights might not be easy to find, but with careful planning you can fly for as low as possible.
The Hunt for Ryanair Bargains Never Ends
For years, passengers have tried to crack the mysterious pricing algorithm behind Ryanair’s flight tickets. Some have claimed success – even economics professor Claudio Piga once declared that he had discovered the “perfect” day to book the cheapest fare. But can we still rely on that?
Why “Last Minute” Deals Don’t Work Anymore
The classic “last minute” logic – buying a ticket just before departure hoping for a massive discount – simply doesn’t apply to low-cost airlines like Ryanair. Unlike traditional carriers, Ryanair rarely drops prices close to departure, especially on popular routes.
In fact, ticket prices often remain high right up until the flight date. So if you’re counting on a spontaneous weekend getaway at a steal, you’re likely to be disappointed.
The Professor’s Theory: 10 Days Before Takeoff
Professor Claudio Piga’s research suggested that Ryanair tickets were at their lowest price exactly 10 days before departure. His findings indicated that booking earlier – even up to 7 weeks in advance – didn’t guarantee lower prices. While insightful at the time, the airline’s pricing system has since evolved.
What Does AI Say abut Cheapest Ryanair flights?
According to AI-based models and analysis of historic pricing trends, the optimal window to book cheap Ryanair tickets is around 4 weeks before departure. Prices tend to climb as the date approaches, especially for in-demand destinations and school holiday periods.
So When Should You Book?
There’s no magic day that guarantees the cheapest fare, but seasoned travellers have identified patterns. Here are the most effective strategies to secure a low-cost Ryanair ticket:
✅ Book Early – But Not Too Early
15 to 25 weeks before departure is considered the sweet spot. At this stage, Ryanair is testing the market and demand is still unclear. Prices are typically lower, especially if you’re flying during peak periods.
✅ As Early As Possible (If You Missed the Window)
If you’ve missed the lowest pricing period, book as soon as possible. Prices usually rise as demand increases. Waiting for a sudden drop is a gamble, especially on high-traffic routes.
✅ Fly Off-Season
Avoid school holidays and peak summer months. Travelling in April instead of July, or January instead of December, can lead to substantial savings.
✅ Avoid Holiday Periods
Christmas, Easter, and long weekends usually see the steepest price increases.
✅ Choose Midweek Departures
Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be cheaper than weekend flights.
✅ Look Out for Ryanair’s Flash Sales
The airline runs frequent promotions. Keep an eye on their website and social media channels – these are usually the best prices available, but for a limited time.
What Does Ryanair’s CEO Say?
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary recently stated that the cheapest tickets are often found in January and February – the quietest months for travel. He also admitted that fare drops may occur just before summer holidays or big events, as the airline tries to fill seats.
But he also delivered some bad news: the days of £9.99 return flights are gone. With rising fuel costs, prices have stabilised at a higher level – and are unlikely to go back down.
How the Algorithm Works
Ryanair’s pricing system is designed to maximise revenue, not customer savings. The algorithm continuously adjusts fares based on historical data and live demand. Popular flights rarely drop in price – and cheap seats go fast.
That means those looking to fly to hotspots like Cracow, Rome, Barcelona, or Lisbon during the summer should expect to pay more, no matter what tricks they try. Savvy travellers either book well in advance, fly midweek, or look for lesser-known destinations using Ryanair’s “anywhere” fare search.
Final Verdict
There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for booking the cheapest Ryanair ticket. But if you:
- Book 3–6 months in advance,
- Travel off-season,
- Stay flexible with dates and destinations,
you can still grab a fantastic deal.
And remember – the algorithm is your competitor, not your friend.
