Irish budget carrier Ryanair has yet again set the internet abuzz, this time with a brutally concise and honest reply to a passenger's ambitious request on social media. The exchange, which perfectly encapsulates the airline's no-nonsense online persona, quickly spiralled into a viral sensation, drawing a flood of amused and sarcastic reactions from netizens.
The Viral Exchange: A Photo for a Ticket?
A passenger decided to try his luck by tagging Ryanair on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He shared a striking aerial photograph of Rome, apparently taken from the window of one of the airline's flights. Along with the photo, he posed a direct question to the carrier: "I took a photo of Rome from your plane. Could you give me a free ticket for this amazing photo?"
Ryanair's social media team, known for its cheeky and deadpan humour, did not mince words. Their reply was a stark, one-word retort: "No." This blunt dismissal became the cornerstone of the viral moment, highlighting the airline's unwavering adherence to its low-cost model and its refusal to entertain what it likely saw as a frivolous request.
Internet Erupts with Jokes and Sarcasm
The hilarious and brutally short response prompted a wave of jokes and comments from other social media users, who piled on with their own witty takes. Many referenced Ryanair's reputation for extra charges and strict policies.
One user quipped, "Charge him double for the next flight." Another joked about the airline's ancillary revenue model, saying, "That'll be €12.99 to keep the view." A third added, "Next time, you'll be charged extra for such a good photo."
Some comments cleverly poked fun at the airline's seat allocation practices. One read, "If he took it from seat 11A, maybe they would've considered it," implying that only a paid-for premium seat might have warranted special consideration.
Not the First Time: Ryanair's Signature Online Tone
This incident is far from an isolated one for Ryanair's social media team, which has repeatedly made headlines for its sharp and unapologetic online banter. In another now-viral exchange, a first-time flyer posted a picture of a Ryanair aircraft with the hopeful caption, "First time flying ever. Hope I get a window seat."
The airline's response was a curt: "Unlikely." This again highlighted Ryanair's well-known seating policy, where passengers who do not pay an extra fee for seat selection are assigned seats randomly during check-in. This policy can sometimes result in passengers getting a "window seat" that lacks an actual window, located instead in a row against the cabin wall.
According to the airline's official guidelines, passengers opting for random seat allocation can check in between 24 hours and two hours before departure. Those who pay for seat selection can choose their preferred seat during booking or check-in, with online check-in opening up to 60 days in advance for reserved seats. The cost of selecting a seat varies based on its location within the aircraft.
The airline also has specific rules for families travelling together. An adult travelling with a child under 12 is required to reserve a seat to ensure the child is seated next to the accompanying adult. Infants must sit on an adult's lap, and up to four children per adult on the same booking are provided reserved seats free of charge.
Known globally for its no-frills, low-cost model, Ryanair's latest viral moment reinforces its brand identity: a blend of strict, non-negotiable policies and a sharply humorous, often brutally honest, online communication style. This approach consistently leaves the internet divided—some viewers are thoroughly amused, while others are left in sheer disbelief at the airline's audacity.
