Erasmus Students Keep Ryanair Discount but Lose Free Checked Bags
A more affordable flight home and a few days of exploring a different country can significantly impact a student budget. On 30 October, it was announced that Erasmus students will continue to benefit from Ryanair’s 15% discount on four one-way flights during the academic year 2026-2027. As it pertains to the renewed Erasmus Student Network agreement, the free checked bag offered in the past is no longer available, so students should watch for this ahead of packing.
The renewal comes as the number of Erasmus passengers rises, with Ryanair’s figures suggesting where students are traveling and how the demand has changed:
- Student traffic: Erasmus passenger numbers grew by 5% last year.
- Since the partnership began: more than one million Erasmus students have been carried.
- Spain and Italy: almost 40% of ESN registrations combined.
- Ireland: Erasmus bookings increased by 32%.
- Poland: bookings rose by 20%.
- Network: over 235 destinations served, although connections depend on the departure airport.
The four flights could cover the trip to the host country, a return visit home, and the trip back after the exchange. Students can also spend their allowance on qualifying international trips elsewhere in Europe. Booking dates matter: tickets must be purchased at least 28 days before departure. If you hope to travel during a university break, check your academic calendar before you commit to avoid booking over classes or exams.
Getting the Discount Requires Account Validation
Before purchasing a ticket, students must register their ESN card on the website and complete their profile. These same details need to be entered in the Erasmus tab in their myRyanair account. Validation may take several days. Once done, the booking tool in that tab allows you to access the discount on desktop site purchases through the app, or the regular booking page doesn’t get the discount.
“The Erasmus Student Network is delighted to announce the renewal of its partnership with Ryanair for the 10th consecutive year. Over the course of this long-standing collaboration, we have reached several significant milestones, including more than 1 million bookings. Every year, Ryanair supports students travelling to and from their mobility destinations, helping facilitate intercultural exchange and foster the development of young people’s skills and competences. We look forward to building on this success, achieving new milestones and celebrating a decade of successful partnership with Ryanair."
A trip home can mean paying for buses, trains, and luggage in addition to the flight itself. This makes the final journey cost a more useful metric than the one advertized in percentages when comparing options. The renewed discount might leave more money for the semester, but the value will vary from trip to trip, especially between someone travelling with a small backpack and someone moving abroad with a full suitcase.
