“Ryanair operates an unassigned seating policy, so specific seats cannot be pre-booked. However, we operate a Priority Boarding system (fees apply unless using Online Check-In) which allows you to choose your own seat on board.”
The new Ryanair Priority Boarding system is creating novel dynamics of air travel. Most people check-in online so they get free priority boarding. I have also seen many people buy a last-minute priority boarding ticket (5 UK pounds) at the gates. Two lines form at the boarding gates, one with priority passengers, the other with “normal” passengers. I have seen people stand in line as early as 50-60 minutes before their flight time of departure, to make sure they get the “best seat”. Is the middle seat really that bad? Is it worth waiting one hour standing in line to get an aisle or window seat for a flight which probably takes - uhm!? - one hour?
