Ryanair - My Doctor's Opinion

[Renato1]

I think there's a greater acceptance of LCCs in Europe compared to Australia. Someone who gets charged for not following the LCC rules in Australia is usually sympathised because the airlines are greedy and unfair. In Europe, it's more likely that a person who is charged for something they didn't know is simply a poor idiot who didn't do their homework, i.e. such is the price of stupidity. As for cancellations and schedule changes, they are a problem no matter if it's a full service or low cost carrier. At least in Europe, there is the regulation to provide some protection, though exacting your rights in the case of irregular operations can depend on carrier (including Ryanair or other LCCs) and the jurisdiction you are currently in.

Bottom line - I've flown Ryanair twice before and they got me to where I want, on time, and no more or less. The rules have changed, but back then it was strictly one piece of cabin baggage per passenger, max 10 kg. So I made sure it fit that, or used tricks (e.g. filling up pockets in a coat). The price I paid each way was about that for a decent main course at a mid-priced restaurant, i.e. pretty much bargain basement fares, so what can you expect, really?

I really like your perception of the different reactions to being stung by airlines between Australians and Europeans.

When I added all the extras, the Ryanair flight wasn't really cheap anymore - I'm paying 3 big meals restaurant meals each for the flight. The only comfort was that I was saving on the hire car cost I otherwise would have paid, had the car hire companies let me drive there.
Regards,
Renato

 

[Renato1]

I flew Ryanair once, many years ago. It made Easyjet look like Virgin Upper Class. 'Nuff said!

Apparently, Ryan air has improved slightly. For example it now lets women take their hand bags on without charging them.
Cheers,
Renato

 

[blackcat20]

I'm glad I read this thread. I have a Ryanair flight as part of a Europe trip in a couple of weeks. I elected not to buy checkin luggage as I can easily travel for 5 days with a 'normal' carry on bag. But yes these dimensions are definitely not normal hence I will be handwashing by day 3 now...

This is where easyjet won; one carry on only but weight unlimited...

 

[Renato1]

I'm glad I read this thread. I have a Ryanair flight as part of a Europe trip in a couple of weeks. I elected not to buy checkin luggage as I can easily travel for 5 days with a 'normal' carry on bag. But yes these dimensions are definitely not normal hence I will be handwashing by day 3 now...

Very glad this was of help to you,
Cheers,
Renato

 

[Renato1]

Flew them EMA/DUB/EMA once.

Flights were on-time. Was amazed at the advertising blast: from the posters on the outside of the bins to the cabin ad announcements ... It was like I'd stepped into a Channel-9 Ad break and was unable to get out. Found the inability to print return BPs while travelling a bit of a bind - had already paid to airport check-in.

Survived!

Regards,

BD

Thanks for that.
Yes, the printing of Boarding passes could be tricky if one is doing it on a budget - you can only print them out 7 days before the flight. But if you pay for the better seats, they give you a month to print them out.

Apparently, the other bugbear is that EU citizens can use their mobile phone app as the Boarding pass, while non-Eu citizens find out when they show up that they are not allowed to use their mobile phone.
Cheers,
Renato

 

[Renato1]

I've flown Ryanair about five times and they aren't the greatest but if it's only an hour flight it's fine - yes do read all the rules - although you can take 10kg of luggage on, the truth is they only allow a certain number of carry on and even if it's under the size and weight requirements they will still put it in the hold - if you've paid for upfront tickets you should be fine - the other thing is that even if you only have carry on and don't have an EU passport you must check in at the desk because otherwise they won't let you board (friends personal experience). When I flew MAN to DUB you had to go up and down quite a few steps after standing in line for over an hour so not for anyone with mobility issues. I would certainly fly them and Easyjet again if the schedule and costs suited

Thanks. You are concurring with my Doctor.
Cheers,
Renato

 

[Renato1]

Haven't done Ryanair, but have done Easyjet a couple of times and Vueling, both were OK. Easyjet is very strict with the number of pieces of hand luggage (you can't take a handbag + carry on, it has to go into the carry on). But there is no weight limit on carry on only size limit which is certainly very management with international carry on (56x45x25cm).

Thanks. My wife definitely wouldn't like Easyjet because of the handbag issue.
Regards,
Renato

 

[dajop]

Thanks. My wife definitely wouldn't like Easyjet because of the handbag issue.
Regards,
Renato

When we travelling with my partner's mother, they were zealously policing the one bag policy during boarding, so she was required to put her handbag into the carry on to board ... but of course as soon as on board she took it out again

 

[anat0l]

When we travelling with my partner's mother, they were zealously policing the one bag policy during boarding, so she was required to put her handbag into the carry on to board ... but of course as soon as on board she took it out again

Indeed.

I took my first Easyjet flight at Stansted a few months ago. It is unlimited weight but strictly only one piece of baggage. Announcements at the gate were made multiple times to this effect, encouraging people to combine their materials into a single bag. Some people did this before the start of boarding (with much packing down, stamping down etc. observed); some only did this during boarding when they were pulled aside by the staff (pack it in or pay for it).

Stansted has a policy where you can take one standard shopping bag of duty free goods on board and this extra bag of shopping is not counted in your baggage allowance. I used this tip to obtain a reusable jute shopping bag from duty free, buy some token items then fill the rest of the bag up with some things which I absolutely could not fit into my other bag (which was bursting and at great risk of not fitting in the sizer). They seemed to have no problem with this at the gate, but don't take this approach as bulletproof.

I believe other airports may have a similar policy. One could argue I might as have well paid for the bag, but at least I had direct use for the items which I purchased, whilst I was still able to keep everything with me onboard.

 

[Renato1]

When we travelling with my partner's mother, they were zealously policing the one bag policy during boarding, so she was required to put her handbag into the carry on to board ... but of course as soon as on board she took it out again

That's funny.
Cheers,
Renato

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Apparently, the other bugbear is that EU citizens can use their mobile phone app as the Boarding pass, while non-Eu citizens find out when they show up that they are not allowed to use their mobile phone.

Does that mean that non EU passport holders who don't pay for airport checkin will have to 'pony up' for the privilege of having their travel documents verified by a real person?

 

[Reggie]

After reading this thread last night I did some Ryanair homework and I'm glad I did. As non eu I have to go to a "baggage checkin desk or visa and paperwork check desk" to have my id checked and my boarding pass stamped. I am also not able to use the mobile app checkin

So I decided to pony up the 11 quid each way for an exit row seat and priority boarding and early access to my boarding passes which I can print before leaving oz and a better chance of my carryon staying with me

Ms and master reggie don't want to waste money on these unnecessary extras (they can use the app with UK passports). I'll be laughing when their carryon is left behind.

As was said up thread read the rules.

 

[phily]

I recently used EasyJet to travel from LGW to MPL (Montpellier) in the south of France. I chose EasyJet on the basis that they were the only airline to do this sector as a direct flight, as I was about to join a tour group and I didn't want to risk losing my checked in luggage on a two-sector flight. Gatwick was fine, though I paid to enter the independent lounge there, but that helped make the experience pleasant enough. EasyJet was fine, on-time, and comfortable enough.

 

[Reggie]

I recently used EasyJet to travel from LGW to MPL (Montpellier) in the south of France. I chose EasyJet on the basis that they were the only airline to do this sector as a direct flight, as I was about to join a tour group and I didn't want to risk losing my checked in luggage on a two-sector flight. Gatwick was fine, though I paid to enter the independent lounge there, but that helped make the experience pleasant enough. EasyJet was fine, on-time, and comfortable enough.

I agree with the easyjet as I have flown them from Liverpool to Barcelona return before, this will be my first Ryanair flight though (East Midlands to dinard)

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I recently used EasyJet to travel from LGW to MPL (Montpellier) in the south of France. I chose EasyJet on the basis that they were the only airline to do this sector as a direct flight...

this is a good reason for LCCs! About 10 years ago my folks were touring europe... Ryanair launched a non-stop London-Salzburg... the only airline flying that route non-stop.

The flight left london afer I finished work on a friday, and returned late sunday night. Perfect! And the fare? launch special of GBP1 each way. Back then no charges for printing boarding passes or anything... just turned up at the airport, checked in and off we went. (And we even had sufficient leg-room and reclinign seats back then!)

 

[Renato1]

Does that mean that non EU passport holders who don't pay for airport checkin will have to 'pony up' for the privilege of having their travel documents verified by a real person?

I'm not sure what "pony up" means. One doesn't have to pay for that privilege. I don't really understand why they differentiate though, since one is checked in thoroughly on first arrival into the EU and one usually doesn't go through any great rigmarole when travelling within the EU.
Cheers,
Renato

 

[Renato1]

After reading this thread last night I did some Ryanair homework and I'm glad I did. As non eu I have to go to a "baggage checkin desk or visa and paperwork check desk" to have my id checked and my boarding pass stamped. I am also not able to use the mobile app checkin

So I decided to pony up the 11 quid each way for an exit row seat and priority boarding and early access to my boarding passes which I can print before leaving oz and a better chance of my carryon staying with me

Ms and master reggie don't want to waste money on these unnecessary extras (they can use the app with UK passports). I'll be laughing when their carryon is left behind.

As was said up thread read the rules.

Good to see that you are accepting my Doctor's opinion.
Cheers,
Renato

 

[ozbeachbabe]

I'm not sure what "pony up" means. One doesn't have to pay for that privilege. I don't really understand why they differentiate though, since one is checked in thoroughly on first arrival into the EU and one usually doesn't go through any great rigmarole when travelling within the EU.
Cheers,
Renato

Pony up means come up with the cash.

So you're not penalised with a non-EU passport for having to use "normal check in" if you haven't paid for the airport checkin option?

IMHO the rule is more about airline staff needing to check if the non-EU pax needs a visa and/or onward ticket out of the country concerned so as to avoid a hefty fine of USD5,000.00 for flying a pax into the country without the correct travel documents.

 

[Renato1]

I have flown another budget carrier - just because it was booked by my travel agent - Air Berlin - and didn't notice much difference between it and real carriers. Though when I looked out the window when we arrived, as the baggage handlers were loading the suitcases onto a big trolley - boy were they rough, throwing the bags without any regard onto it. And they damaged my wife's suitcase, and we didn't get any money out of them.

And then I later flew with Iberia from Rome to Madrid. I couldn't believe Iberia was a Qantas partner - it was far worse than Air Berlin. They split my wife and I up, and the seats had no leg room and my legs were wedged against the front seat. It was the most painful two hours I've ever spent on a plane. And it cost 16 Euros to get sandwiches and drinks (we noticed that we were the only two who bought anything on the flight).

It was actually thinking about that lousy Iberia flight which first prompted me to buy the front seats on the forthcoming Ryanair flight - just in case Ryanair was as lousy as Iberia.
Cheers,
Renato

 

[anat0l]

Pony up means come up with the cash.

So you're not penalised with a non-EU passport for having to use "normal check in" if you haven't paid for the airport checkin option?

IMHO the rule is more about airline staff needing to check if the non-EU pax needs a visa and/or onward ticket out of the country concerned so as to avoid a hefty fine of USD5,000.00 for flying a pax into the country without the correct travel documents.

Note that if you need to have your documents checked at the airport by Ryanair, there is usually a separate desk for this.

As long as you complete the online check-in process and print your BP before you get to this counter, there is no charge. Your documents are checked and your BP is stamped to this effect.