Ryanair - The World’s Favorite Airline

[markw]

I have to say my two flights with Ryanair were fine, we left on time both times. One return journey was weather delayed and when Birmingham became closed by snow we ended up in Manchester - which did show up a downside in that there was no-one to sort out onward transport, yours truly went outside to find a fleet of buses, and when I overheard the one driver mention "Ryanair" and "Birmingham" I asked him if he was waiting for us, he said yes, so I went and got the waiting passengers! Funny thing happened on the journey south though - the driver took a mobile phone call just as we were joining the M56, which being hands-free went out over the coach public address. It was Servisair (the handling company) asking where the driver was, and when he said "on the M56 going to Birmingham" Servisair said he should be at terminal 2 picking up another flight! When the driver asked if he should return and the whole coach shouted their objections, Servisair backed down, but I never quite got to the bottom of whether the driver was right to say he was waiting for the Ryanair flight, or if I hijacked the coaches...but I digress! I found the Ryanair handling staff very good (better then easyjet) and was pleased with the overall experience, but there again I had low expectations.

By comparison, one of the worst experiences I have ever had with an airline was with British Airways who couldn't, in this case, have organised a knock off in a brothel when things went wrong. I was virtually kept hostage by BA at Manston, without any refreshments, for four hours whilst Control and the pilot dithered about our fog diverted 737 whilst making sure the diverted long-haul 747s were offloaded pronto. What got me was the lack of information and refreshments. Precisely the kind of complaints you see levelled at Ryanair!

I think if you are very careful about minimising the pitfalls of extra charges Ryanair (and other low-fare airlines) add on with little notice, and expect to be bombarded with on-board sales opportunities at every waking moment, Ryanair do a good job as an aerial bus service in my personal experience.

[clavel9]

I tend to treat Ryanair flights like bus trips: bring one bag and go. Understand their terms and conditions and you won't get any surprises. I've probably flown with Ryanair 50 times and have never had a bad experience, unless caused by another passenger - usually someone shouting at staff because his bag won't fit in the overhead bins. I could do without the lottery tickets and Hertz plugs but overall they do the job.

My favourite airlines to fly with lately have probably been Cityjet (even though the RJ85's have been getting a bit tatty), Austrian and bmi. Aer Lingus service has deteriorated dramatically, I'm afraid.

[AndyG]

Personally I would rather walk to my destination... but that's just me

No, not just you!

I travel to Dublin relatively often; I will no longer travel by Ryanair cattle class, I'd rather pay the small (and it is small, if you book far enougfh in advance) extra charge and fly Aer Fungus/British Airways - allocated seat (next to Bob Geldof, last time I went!!!!!), no hassle at check in, no adverts constantly bombarding you for the entire flight......

[nigelb]

I know it has been posted before, but in case you missed it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAg0lUYHHFc

Nigel²

[FlyTexas]

Classic. It's a good thing for them there isn't a fee for dropping the 'F' bomb.

Brian