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AIBU?

to consider flying with Ryan Air?

54 replies

beals692 · 08/03/2014 11:03

There's a destination I've wanted to visit for a number of years but I've always been put off because the only airline that goes there from my nearest airport is Ryan Air.

I'm not an airline snob and have travelled with other budget airlines but I know Ryan Air have got a reputation all of their own. I always hear horror stories about Ryan Air online (e.g. about people suddenly having to pay huge sums at the airport to be allowed to fly because of something somewhere in the small print) and the response to any problems always seems to be 'well, what did you expect if you fly with Ryan Air' and that you deserve everything you get if you fly with them.

I had thought about travelling to another UK airport in order to be able to get a flight with a different airline but I'd incur a lot of extra costs (travel, airport hotel) and would have less time at my actual destination (which is just a European city break).

WIBU to fly with Ryan Air and can anyone give me any tips on how to avoid the pitfalls of booking and flying with them?

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mrsjay · 08/03/2014 11:05

I have flown with ryan air once or twice it is just a plane you get a seat and a seat belt and everything Grin book your flight and go to your place and enjoy

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MsGee · 08/03/2014 11:06

Ryanair have a great safety record (mainly because their stock is pretty new). If you read everything properly you'll be fine. We have used them in the past (with DD 5) and it was fine - just get priority seating!

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mrsjay · 08/03/2014 11:06

YY book your seat

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MsGee · 08/03/2014 11:08

And pay for baggage to go in the hold. And be prepared to see mild panic with those who don't when they realise they have no room to store their bags in their overhead locker.

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JanineStHubbins · 08/03/2014 11:08

All seats are allocated with Ryanair now.

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mrsjay · 08/03/2014 11:09

oh right ok they aren't with tompsons robbing gits

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WishUponAStar88 · 08/03/2014 11:09

I have been on a few short haul flights (often 9.99 per flight - amazing!!!) the price includes taxes and charges but you will pay extra if you want luggage/ meals. I use them for weekend breaks so just take a cabin suitcase which is fine for a few days.

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JanineStHubbins · 08/03/2014 11:11

And the last time I flew, a Ryanair person approached me in the queue and asked me if I was happy to have my luggage in the hold as the flight was busy. So they are trying to avoid the hassle of everyone trying to find overhead space.

You're also allowed a handbag in addition to the small suitcase now!

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PurpleAlert · 08/03/2014 11:13

Follow their rules to the letter.
Do not go over the weight limit on luggage or bring a bigger cabin bag than is allowed.
Do not try to sneak in an extra piece of hand luggage no matter how small.
Be prepared to wait in the queues(often dont have many desks open) so get there early.
Buy your own food to eat on the plane (theirs are awful and over priced.)
Have stuff you need for the flight in a small bag (from inside your cabin bag) to keep under the seat as they have no pocket in the back of the seat to keep a book or magazine.
They are far less flexible than other airlines- if you are prepared for all of the above there should be no problem.

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mrsnec · 08/03/2014 11:14

I have never had a problem with them. Always been on time. The only negative thing I have to say is that in my experience they are strict with hand luggage. I once had airside purchases taken off me as I couldn't fit them in my bag but I had heard they've relaxed this a bit, also at my local airport they make you wait ages on the tarmac before you board but I think im being picky I actually think the prices on board are reasonable and food and drink selection isn't bad. I've seen worse.

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Bambamb · 08/03/2014 11:15

My Mum lives in France and the only way we can manage a short visit is by flying with Ryanair as they're the only airline that goes to either of her closest airports.
I wasn't looking forward to it the first time, but it was fine. It is very much no frills - it is a bit like getting on a bus basically.
How many will be travelling? Any kids? It was myself, DH & DS (4) when we went and we decided not to bother paying for priority boarding. We got 3 seats together no problem, both ways. If we hadn't it wouldn't have been a huge issue, I'm sure we'd have been close enough.
Bear in mind they are very strict with the hand luggage allowance - mainly because most people try to take everything in their hand luggage rather than pay for a bag to go in the hold (costs quite a bit extra). So if you're doing that make absolutely sure your bag is under the max. weight and dimensions allowed. Think they are quite generous with the weight allowed though. We checked in one bag between the 3 of us, and had 3 cabin bags. It was all fine.

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WishUponAStar88 · 08/03/2014 11:15

janine yes they pre-allocate seats now

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JanineStHubbins · 08/03/2014 11:15

The rules on hand baggage have changed - you are now allowed a second small bag

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Shartibartfast · 08/03/2014 11:30

We use Ryanair frequently, and as long as you get the cabin bag dimensions right you will be fine. Watching other passengers at the gate trying to squeeze their overstuffed cabin bags into the measuring device can be quite entertaining - especially as some resort to unpacking and wearing excess garments, and board the plane doing a passable imitation of the Michelin man! In my experience Ryanair flights are on time, and they refunded all our ticket costs (including for a family friend travelling with us) when we had to cancel last year due to my Dad passing away.

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Supercosy · 08/03/2014 11:43

Agree with PurpleAlert. We've flown with them loads of times because they go to an airport near where my parents live. You do have to be very careful to comply with their rules but tbh, other than that, the experience for a short flight is absolutely fine.

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beals692 · 08/03/2014 11:45

Thanks for the tips. I'll actually be going away on my own. (I've got a week off work at fairly short notice and, unfortunately, my planned travel companion can't get the same dates off work but I'm determined to get away somewhere.) Unfortunately, as I'll only be booking a few weeks in advance the prices aren't quite so cheap Sad

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LCHammer · 08/03/2014 11:50

I've just booked tickets for me and 3 DCs, return with EadyJet. We're living the high life. I'll have a good read of the cabin luggage sizes.

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AnnabelleLee · 08/03/2014 11:50

The snobbery over ryanair is ridiculous. Its a flying bus. It's cheap. It's perfectly adequate.If you don't like it leave the cheap flights for the rest of us!

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LCHammer · 08/03/2014 11:53

I hope you find something good, Beale. I bought tickets yesterday and were going in 4 weeks' time. V cheap. But bastard Opodo added a £60 handling charge that I'm sure wasn't signposted clearly enough. It's 20% of the combined ticket costs.

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LustyBusty · 08/03/2014 12:08

I travel a lot with easyjet and Ryanair and I don't understand the fuss tbh. Think of it more like being on a train rather than a "tradional" plane and you're fine... So, would you get on a train without a ticket? No, cos you'll be fined. Loco airlines you need your boarding card or you'll be "fined" (charged to print one). If you're on a train for 3/4/5 hours, you pay £££s for a shitty sandwich and a tepid tea. Loco airlines are the same. (Stock up on a boots meal deal in airport departure lounge). Yes yes yes to reading the small print and following to the letter. I flew to Cyprus in January paying £60 for a return flight (hand luggage only, no frills whatsoever), BA wanted £200. I got there and home, no delays, no fuss. Why pay more?!?!

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mrsnec · 08/03/2014 12:15

I agree lusty. I live in Cyprus and both airlines have been a god send for us here. I haven't a clue why my parents insist on paying Ba prices when they have a 5 hour drive to Lhr.

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MsJupiter · 08/03/2014 12:20

We've travelled Ryanair twice with DS (now 16m) and once paid extra for priority boarding, the other time for pre-booked seats.

The priority boarding was definitely worth it - no queueing at the gate or to get on board which minimised toddler stress. As you are on first you don't need pre-booked seats.

With pre-booked seats you don't get priority boarding so that wasn't worth it at all, I wouldn't bother with that esp if you go for PB.

As long as you're sensible with luggage and have everything ready, BPs printed, liquids separate, snacks/food etc then you'll be fine.

One tip is to pack a smaller bag inside your flight case with everything you want at hand during the flight, then once you are on board you can quickly pull it out before storing your flight case above. As others have said you can have a small handbag in addition to your flight case now.

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MiaowTheCat · 08/03/2014 12:47

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Puzzledandpissedoff · 08/03/2014 12:56

We used them just once and dreaded it, but have to admit they were fine. Granted there are no frills but it was clean, on time and perfectly okay. We also sat next to one of their pilots who was relocating and learned that while the requirement is for them to be retested every 12 months, Ryanair do it every six, which is pretty good

Just make sure you comply exactly with all the regs about luggage, etc .....

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Haggischucker · 08/03/2014 13:00

We've flown loads with them and honestly were fine. Check baggage rules extra carefully, don't take any extra as you will be charged and get in the queue as soon as you get to gate to get a seat. You will be fine! We got return flights to Venice (well somewhat close to Venice) for £30 return, bargain!! :)

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