Originally Posted by
Mizter T
They're often cheaper than other airlines, sometimes by a significant margin, even when taking into account the absurd payment card surcharges (for using a non-'free' payment method). That's the appeal.
Baggage fees might erode this price advantage - but lots of Europeans have got used to travelling with just hand luggage thus avoiding these fees - the majority of passengers on Ryanair flights will only be taking hand luggage with them (though this will differ between summer and winter of course).
Ryanair aren't quite in the business of offering flights for a few pence these days though - the rolling special offer fares are now more in the region of £10 / €15.
+1 - if you are fortunate to have a choice of airlines, then do the maths for not just the flight / extras costs, but also the costs / time of getting to and from your departure & destination airports - this can work both ways depending where you live and where you're going on to.