Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair maintains the most awe-inspiring route map and want’s to add new fly destinations routes at blistering, breakneck speed. At current count,the Ryanair company operates well over 500 routes, from Inverness to Brindisi; Tampere to Tenerife.
Ryanair is Europe’s most punctual airline, according to the UK Civil Aviation Authority and they certainly like to crow about it. The blue and gold Boeing 737-800s fly 777 routes across Europe so even a seasoned traveller will find somewhere new to explore.
It’s easy to have lots of opinions about Ryanair; we certainly do. It’s a big monster of an airline. We’ve been pleased as punch on Ryanair, psyched to take advantage of insanely cheap fares, and we’ve also been annoyed beyond belief with the airline, distressed by enormous surcharges on too-heavy luggage and staff who appear to be completely clueless.
With Ryanair more than with the other airlines we describe here, it pays to be informed about potential penalties and pitfalls.
Baggage
* Carry-On Suitcases for Ryanair
All the cases below are appropriate for all flights in Europe, including Ryanair and Wizz Air. If flying with any other airline, including easyJet, you can actually take a larger case.
* Carry-on: One piece of luggage not to exceed 10 kg.
* Checked: Up to 3 bags with a combined weight of 15 kg. If booked on-line using Ryan Air, the first bag is €9 and the second and third bags are €18 each. Over 15 kg, €10 per kg. Check website for details.
Seating
Since Ryanair is a free for all when it comes to landing seats, it’s a good idea to opt for priority boarding. In advance, book priority boarding status for free by checking in online. At the airport, you can pay €4 to receive priority.
Note: If you check in at the airport, you will also incur a €4 fee.
Ryanair charge for extra services, here are the most important ones:
Check-in Ryanair no longer offer airport check in, yet they still charge you £6 per person, per flight to check yourself in online (This fee is waived on some promotional fares). You can drop bags off between two hours and 40 minutes before your flight. If you’re only taking carry on luggage just arrive at the gate 30 minutes before departure (at the latest).
Baggage Ryanair charges for checking in a bag, but it’s cheaper to pay online than over the phone or in person so plan ahead. You can check in up to three bags with a combined weight of 15kgs. Alternatively pack light and just take cabin luggage, it’s great because you don’t have to turn up early to check it in and you save the fee. Cabin bags are limited to one per person (excluding infants) and can weigh up to 10kg and measure up to 55cm x 40cm x 20cm.
Children Children aged two and older pay a normal adult fare and infants (0-23 months) pay £20 each way.
Priority boarding Ryanair flights offer Priority Boarding which lets you get on the plane first to get first pick of seats. Again this service is slightly cheaper (£5 vs. £6) when you book online. Ryanair recommend that families get speedy boarding because only those with infants will be let on the plane first.
Food and drink It can be pricey so eat a big meal beforehand!