Ryanair has become the latest low-cost airline to offer annual membership programs that promise benefits such as free reserved seats and cheap flights - but which one is the consumer group? Say you should look at the small print before joining.

The price of the key members of the low-cost carrier is £79 per person per year and promises free seat reservations, travel insurance and monthly sales. However, terms and conditions show many limitations.

The new membership program’s ads have “free reserved seats”, but this is limited to free bookings only on specially designated seats. If there are no remaining seats, members must be assigned randomly, or want to select another seat, they will charge a fee (minus the main seating fee).

Travel insurance covers only travel involving Ryanair flights, and medical protection is not suitable for people over the age of 70.

The airline promises to use "selling of 12 members' seats", but the details are not clear with the details provided by regular seat sales. Current member sales in May promises “return to flights of £50”.

Discounted fares are only available to those who hold membership, T&CS state, and members must be over 18 years of age. So if someone is going to book for a family, the kids won’t get a better price and can’t sit in a membership seat.

Rory Boland, which editor? Travel, people say people should “think twice before doing” before committing it.

"The service is full of warnings when it comes to seat selection, and Ryanair's travel insurance has a poorer cover compared to cheaper policies," Boland said.

“There are few details about Ryanair’s exclusive deals for major subscribers, or how they differ from many of Ryanair’s quotes and deals, Ryanair has sent it to customers or features on its website.”

Other low-cost airlines also offer membership plans. Wizz has four different discount clubs (prices of £60/51 to €385/£327 per year) and offers discounts on flights, free cabin bags and priority boarding, depending on what you pay. Member benefits can be obtained between one and five peers based on the plan you join.

EasyJet Plus (£249 per person) promises premium seating, dedicated bag drop zone, faster boarding board, allowance for overhead cabin bags and free switches to earlier return flights. Getting fast-pass safety at some airports is another feature and a discount on food and beverages purchased on board. Benefits are only available for members, but can be added to partners (£215) and children under 16 (£155).