Ryanair has once again gone viral after asking passengers to change one specific detail about their in-flight habits.
While it wasn’t about baggage rules or boarding priorities, the new brief request directed at travelers without enforcing it as a rule quickly caught attention online.
Several netizens turned it into a joke while others questioned why the airline was focusing on something so minor.
Highlights
- Ryanair has gone viral for a cheeky social media post asking passengers to stop wearing sunglasses on board.
- This isn't the first time the airline has commented on passenger fashion.
- The "request" sparked a wave of humor online, with travelers joking that sunglasses are necessary to block out the bright yellow cabin or to hide the pain of baggage fees.
“Gotta shield our eyes from that highlighter-yellow cabin,” wrote one user.
Ryanair made a new bizarre request from passengers, and the internet had a lot to say
Image credits: Henry Möllers/Unsplash+
On April 2, the airline posted a short message on social media that read, “Please note: Passengers do not look cool wearing sunglasses on board.”
The comment wasn’t tied to any official policy, but it still stood out, especially coming from an airline known for strict rules around baggage, seating, and fees.
As expected, online viewers didn’t take long to respond.
Image credits: Getty/Unsplash+
“Could be true, but we don’t care,” one user wrote.
Others pointed out that sunglasses actually serve a purpose during flights. “Looking at Ryanair's surroundings requires a filter, I’m afraid,” wrote one.
Image credits: Alexander Schimmeck/Unsplash+
Some comments took aim at the overall flying experience instead. “Passengers pay for having legs and baggage. They need those sunglasses to at least look cool while flying Ryanair,” one user wrote.
Meanwhile, others mocked the airline’s reputation for extra charges.
“I’m sure you will find a way to charge us for it,” one comment read. Another added, “I guess CEO Michael O’Leary will see this as a business opportunity to charge those passengers who wish to opt into the wearing of ‘sunglasses!’”
Image credits: Portuguese Gravity/Unsplash+
Not everyone disagreed, though. “If it's good enough for the driver, it's good enough for the passengers,” one user joked, while another added, “You don't look cool wearing them in your house either.”
The triggering reactions from people weren’t the first time, as Ryanair has previously made another request of their passengers
Image credits: Portuguese Gravity/Unsplash+
This wasn’t the first time Ryanair had commented on what passengers should wear.
In another viral post, Ryanair wrote, “It’s 2026, let’s stop travelling in jeans,” adding a “please” in the caption.
While the airline did not explain the reasoning in detail, many assumed it was about comfort, especially on longer flights where tight clothing can feel restrictive.
Image credits: Adolfo Félix/Unsplash+
Still, the reaction was just as divided.
“What is wrong with jeans? Please explain,” one user asked, to which the airline responded, “What’s right with them?”
Some users agreed with the take. “So real. I’ll never get it,” one wrote, while another added, “Agreed. It needs to be banned. Comfies only!”
Image credits: Andrej Lišakov/Unsplash+
Others pushed back. “No, it’s an hour, let me live,” one person commented, while another joked that they wouldn’t switch outfits just to avoid baggage fees.
“While wearing jeans !!” one user added sarcastically, highlighting how quickly the conversation turned into a back-and-forth between the airline and its audience.
Ryanair had a history of turning controversy into attention, including the recent clash with Elon Musk
Image credits: Markus Winkler/Unsplash+
The airline’s online tone has become part of its identity, often mixing announcements with sarcasm and viral marketing.
That approach was also visible in its public clash with Elon Musk. As reported by Bored Panda, the dispute began after Ryanair rejected Musk’s Starlink in-flight Wi-Fi system, citing concerns over added fuel costs and operational impact.
Musk responded by calling CEO Michael O’Leary an “utter idiot,” which quickly escalated into a public back-and-forth.
Image credits: Look Studio/Unsplash+
Addressing Musk’s remark, the airline announced a “Great Idiots Seat Sale,” offering discounted tickets while directly referencing Musk. O’Leary even joked about personally delivering a ticket to Musk, turning the feud into a marketing campaign.
“I’ve included myself and him in this ‘Big Idiot’ seat sale,” O’Leary said, adding that he believed Musk would probably think the same about him.
He later admitted that these moments help drive bookings, showing that the airline actively uses controversy and humor to stay in the spotlight.
"Ryanair is a great meme," wrote one user
