Ryanair (Ryanair)

Member Name: petite_poupette

Product:	Ryanair
Date:	18/05/09 (19 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Can be cheap

Disadvantages: Added extra costs, scramble to board the plane, have to pay to check in online

I have used Ryanair countless times over the past 7 years and when I first started using them I was impressed by the service. However, over the years, the service has gone down and the costs (namely the extras) have gone up.

To get a bargain with Ryanair you need to be flexible with your dates and be willing to travel midweek and often at odd times getting into airports as late as midnight in some cases. You should also check where the airport actually is in relation to the place you want to visit because often the airports are not that close to the town and if your flight arrives very late at night you may find yourself with problems regarding transport. Although Ryanair does have coach links from the airports to some town centres.

Online check in used to be free but now even this will cost (for flights booked from end of May onwards I think). Try not to take any hold luggage but only take hand luggage, although be aware that this hand luggage will have to accommodate anything you buy when at the airport waiting for your flight.

As a result of a lot of people travelling with hand luggage, it often takes a long while to board the plane and people end up having to stash their luggage in any overhead locker as there is often not room in the one directly above you.

Boarding the plane itself is a big mix up with people queueing to get on board. Priority boarding costs although in my opinion it's not worth it. As I often fly alone, I tend to let most people board before me rather than stand in a queue for 30minutes. Many airports do not have enough seating and the departure lounge ends up with people sitting on the floor.

Therefore, even though Ryanair offer cheap flights, these often cost a lot more once taxes and charges are taken into account, as well as the cost of transport to and from the airport at odd times of day.

I am hesitant to travel with Ryanair anymore and will look for alternatives as far as possible.

Summary: Can get a bargain but need to be careful