Ryanair highlighted by viral baggage stunt and falling cost per seat in Europe

AirAdvisor’s 2025 European airline ranking shows Wizz Air as the cheapest carrier, with easyJet second and Ryanair third at a revenue per seat‑kilometre (RASK) of 5.56 cents, down from 8.43 cents in 2024 – the largest annual drop among the 23 airlines surveyed. The decline translates to roughly €33 less per average European flight. The report also places Iberia ahead of Vueling at eighth and tenth positions respectively, a surprising result given Iberia’s traditional carrier status.

In a separate incident at Bristol Airport, a traveller avoided Ryanair’s additional baggage charge by removing the wheels from his hand‑luggage, allowing it to pass the airline’s size gauge. The act was captured on video, rapidly gaining millions of views on social media and reigniting debate over Ryanair’s strict luggage policies and the extra fees they generate for the carrier.