Not-so-budget airline (Ryanair)

Member Name: goose55

Product:	Ryanair
Date:	01/10/09 (26 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: On the face of it, still cheap

Disadvantages: Hidden costs - especially if you don't check in online before you fly

I have flown with Ryanair many times. I used to be quite content with the level of service thinking you got what you paid for. I was happy not to eat a free meal on the plane and had no problems with them charging a little extra for those who hadn't thought to buy something before they got on. I could understand that carrying luggage costs an airline extra in fuel so didn't mind packing light and just taking hand luggage. I didn't even mind the no seat allocation - although the pushing and shoving drove me mad sometimes, I figured this wasn't Ryanair's fault.

However, my patience is now wearing thin. I last travelled with Ryanair on a flight from Stansted to Girona. I was going away with a group of friends on a hen week. The trip had been organised by the bridesmaid who had realised that Ryanair now charged if you did not check in on-line before and checked us all in beforehand. However one of my friends lost her aunt shortly before we were due to go away and made separate arrangements to join us later after the funeral. With everything else going on she did not think to check in online. When she got to the airport she was charged an additional £40 for the "privilege" of checking in.

Outrageously, Ryanair now also charge you to pay - even if you are just using your debit card! It's £5 per person per way, which is a big extra cost.

I now hear that Ryanair are even considering charging to use the loos...

Summary: With all the extra costs, are you sure you couldn't get as good a deal from a regular airline?