They'll get you there, but they'll squeeze every pound out of you doing it (Ryanair)

Member Name: DannoStanno

Product:	Ryanair
Date:	14/05/09 (8 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lots of routes, base fare is very cheap

Disadvantages: Unfair charges for non-optional extras. Lack of respect for customers

I am at a bit of a quandry when it comes to Ryanair. On the one hand it provides a cheap, fairly reliable means of transportation throughout Europe, and on the otherhand they are becoming greedier and greedier in forcing passengers to pay more for 'optional extras.'

On the plus side then, I have used Ryanair a lot and not once have I suffered any long delays. Furthermore once on the plane I know I can endure the maximum 2 hour flight without the need to be waited on as is traditional for airlines to do. Yes service is non-existence without paying money but then again this is the norm in any other transport industry (coaches and trains etc) so cant really complain.

However, on the bad side we have the constant 'add-ons' that are supposedly optional. Ok, happy to pay the base fare and tax (standard plane costs) but when Ryanair demand £5 to use a debit card (more for credit) there isn't really any choice you have (yes ok, Visa Electron is free to process but this card is so rare it seems Ryanair have created themselves a loophole in offering this as an 'optional cost'.) Furthermore I herad today they are going to start charging for check-in, online or otherwise... hmmm, if you can't check in then you can't fly thus this definitely isn't 'optional' but a huge unfair price hike.

It seems Ryanair have muscled there way to the top of the budget airlines and now, with almost a monopoly, are abusing the customers who got them there in the first place.

Summary: Budget airline pushed to the zenith of their field and now abusing the customers who got them there