To ask for help booking with Ryanair?

[leftbehind]

Sorry - I know this probably isn't strictly an AIBU but I need help!

Flying next year for the first time in many years with two young DC and DP. I am very scared of flying. Avoid it usually at all costs but have no option for this trip. I am already worrying about the flight (which is short) and putting my children on a plane (irrational I know). But in addition our only option on this route is Ryanair. Given recent events with Ryanair this is adding to my worry. I've been on the website but am confused by the pricing already.

It says that as long as one adult reserves a seat the children can reserve for free but how do I make sure they're sat with us? It's offering me extras like a family package/luggage allowance/priority boarding etc. Are any of these worth paying extra for?

O wise seasoned travelling mumsnetters come forth with your advice - pretty please!

[wasonthelist]

You will be able to choose seats from a plan representing the plane. All Ryanair planes are Boeing 737 800s (except one they use for training) so all have rows of 3 seats each side of the aisle, ABC then aisle DEF. The only real reason to pay for priority boarding is if you need to be sure your carry on bags (Hand luggage) aren’t taken off you and put in the hold when boarding (this happens if there is a shortage of space - in theory only the first 90 cabin bags are guaranteed - the rest are tagged and put in the hold free.

[wasonthelist]

You don’t say how many are traveling which is why I mentioned how the planes are arranged

[wasonthelist]

Sorry just read that again - one of you is going to be across the aisle as there is no way to get 4 seats right next to each other on Ryanair. You would be very unlucky not to be able to get everyone on the same row though. Check in as soon as you can.

[Nightfall1983]

Yes as above as you go thru the booking a screen will come up inviting you to reserve your seats. The children will be free and the charge for the adult is very minimal if you all sit in the cheapest seats - I paid £4 return. Sit one DC next to you and one next to DP on adjacent rows.

Baggage depends on if you want to take a bag :) are you going for long? Do your DC need a lot of stuff?

I wouldn't bother with any of the others personally...

[leftbehind]

Thank you. I have to be on the aisle (can't be hemmed in) so thought to put DP by window the youngest DC, elder DC the me across the way.

[leftbehind]

We are going for a week's holiday so will need at least one large suitcase between 4 of us (if I pack frugally). One DC is only 2 so will need nappies etc I'll need a carry on bag for snacks and stuff for the children to do but could take a large handbag for that and perhaps a cabin bag with the nappies and stuff in so only one suitcase for the hold?

[carefreeeee]

Luggage you might not need if it's a short trip as you can take a fair amount as hand luggage but check the size limits carefully as they can be strict. Flying Ryan air is OK if you follow the rules but they are not flexible. If only taking hand luggage you can only take small amounts of liquid and it must be in a small plastic bag (suncream, shampoo etc). Any amount is allowed in the hold. It might be worth paying for one hold bag to put liquids etc in to avoid aggro. Make sure you print your boarding passes before hand or have them on phones otherwise they charge an extortionate fee. They don't give any free food or drink. You can buy on the plane but it's expensive. I take my own sandwiches. Also if you take a plastic bottle you can fill this up with water once you get through security to avoid having to pay for expensive drinks. don't buy Ryanair charity scratch cards as they are a con - one winner every 25 years and hardly any money goes to charity. That's all I can think of. Enjoy your trip!

[eurochick]

I'd struggle to get everything in one hold bag personally.

[carefreeeee]

Ryanair allow 2 bags per passenger in the cabin now.

[wasonthelist]

Btw op The planes Ryanair fly are among the safest available and they have a very young fleet in comparison with many airlines. I fly with them a lot and the plane is often nearly new.