Low cost, no frills - but watch for the extras (Ryanair)

Member Name: swfman

Product:	Ryanair
Date:	21/01/09 (21 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Low cost, lots of destinations

Disadvantages: You pay more than the advertised price

Ryan Air have the low cost flights model working like a well oiled machine. I've used them many times and overall, they're very efficient, mostly on time with pleasant, helpful staff trying to do their best on a very limited budget.

The above said, what does irk me about them is that they use every single step of the travel process to get extra money from me. They start low, but you want to check in a bag, thats £xx, so no on-line check in, £xx, priority boarding (a must if you're in a group), £xx and the final insult is the fee for using a credit or debit card.

Once you've actually taken off, coffee etc is extra (I don't actually object to this), but then comes the adverts offering everything from gifts to lottery tickets. And the cabin staff wander up and down the aisle looking hopeful. You do wonder if they're on a commission.

Through choice, I wouldn't use them. They do nothing wrong. They're very efficient, and I've already said that the staff I've meet over the years have all been very nice. It's just something about all the 'extras' that make the whole experience of using them rather "grubby". Everyone knows that the price advertised is just the come-on - I'd be far happier if they started with the full price then discounted if you weren't checking in baggage etc.

All the above said, I've just booked with them to fly to Poland next week. But only because the only other airline flying from London to where I want to go is the other low cost carrier who aren't as efficient as this lot.

Summary: Cheap but efficient