The 'Tesco Value' of the airline industry...they even have blue and white stripes! (Ryanair)

Member Name: Royalflush500

Product:	Ryanair
Date:	13/05/09 (17 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: cheap, punctual, practical

Disadvantages: hidden add-on charged at every turn

Ryanair the low cost airline originally from Ireland is something of a double edged sword when I mention them to people. Some people turn their nose up at the cheap 'cattle class' style of travel, whereas others love the flight offers they make available, which allows european travel to be affordable for all.

I have to confess, I use Ryanair anywhere upto 4 return flights a month flying predominantly between London Stansted and Belfast City to see my beautiful girlfriend. So I feel this puts me in a good place to give an honest account of Ryanair and their service.

If you don't mind jumping onto a Ryanair plane to literally sit for an hour and arrive in another destination and have no more expectations of service than you would riding a bus, then it will suit you perfectly. If however you are used to airlines who have reclining seats, issue you with inflight meals and cater to your every whim, then Ryanair is not for you.

Ryanair is cheap if you use it as a bus. If however you decide to take anything more than handluggage with you (I'm now a pro at squeezing everything I need for a long weekend into hand luggage) then you will be charged £10 each way for checked luggage. If you have the audacity to pay for your flights then you will be charged £5 each way as 'debit card fees', if you want to check in at the airport then that's another £20, and there's even talk of being charged to use the toilets onboard!!

If you are happy enough not to buy any food or drink onboard (often more expensive than the price of the plane ticket) and can check in online with only hand luggage then Ryanair is affordable, usually punctual, and works best as a taxi service for commuters and regular travellers. I would think twice however if I was taking a whole family, complete with baggage, skiis etc.

Summary: good for short haul trips with no baggage, best used as a flying bus.