Cheap but not always cheerful (Ryanair)

Member Name: abbie_k

Product:	Ryanair
Date:	13/05/09 (11 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Very affordable way to travel

Disadvantages: Not 100% reliable

For me, with Ryanair you get exactly what you pay for - they are cheap but not always cheerful. I fly with Ryanair short haul from Belfast at least once a month as my partner lives in mainland UK and they provide an affordable way for us to see each other. If you require more than just a seat on the plane they can become more expensive than other airlines as their debit/credit card (£5 each way, so £10 for a return flight) and checked baggage (£10 each way, £20 for return journey) charges are considerably higher than other low cost airlines out there.

Some people have experienced problems with overbooking on bargain flights - I personally have never come up against this and have travelled to Biarittz and Berlin from London Stansted for roughly £25 return each time (who can beat that? seriously?)

My only real problem is that their call centres and contact numbers are inadequate - my company tried to book flights once upon a time and experienced problems. We tried to contact them on the number provided as it was unclear if the flights were booked/money debited from company credit card. The number simply led to a series of automated messages with no option to speak to someone directly and eventually it just disconnected. We ended up having to book flights with another carrier and contact the credit card company for clarification on the issue.

My best advice is to view the journey as being on a bus rather than an airplane that is getting you from A to B, if you like comfort I recommend you travel with another airline.

Summary: Fly..Fly ryanair