I loved flying with Ryanair. I'm sure by now you've heard all the horror stories about flying with Ryanair, rightly so, Ryanair is a low budget, no frills airline that is designed to get you from point A to point B for the cheapest price possible. Sure it's not the most glamorous airlines, and yes, if you want anything extra (like a drink or a snack), you will be paying for it. But if you're smart about it, can you really object to 20€ pp RT tickets? (That's not always the case, but specials run all the time, you just have to be on the lookout.)
So your trip is coming up and you're unsure of what needs to be done, here's a guide and FAQ to keep you informed about flying with Ryanair.
+ Check in starts 24 hrs before your flight
You must check in online. It's not an option. There are no check in counters at the airport. They will charge you if they have to check you in. You'll be able to check in for your return flight as well, so no need to worry about that.
+ Print your boarding passes
Ryanair hasn't gone green like other airlines. If you don't print your boarding passes, you WILL be charged a fee, per unprinted boarding pass. I've heard someone be charge up to 60€ and wasn't even given a real pass! (Don't be that horror story.)
**When printing boarding passes, you DON'T need A4 paper (A4 is the European paper size to our 8x11). Make sure to change your printer setting to A4 margins and you'll be fine. (It makes it easier for the scanner to read it)
NOTE: Ryanair recently started using mobile boarding passes, (EU citizens ONLY)
+ Should I worry about buying seats?
Like most airlines, if you want to pick your seats you'll get a charge. If you're travelling as a group or as a family, Ryanair assigns you seats for free now! (no need to rush to the airport to make sure you're at the front of the line) They say that there is no guarantee that you'll be seated next to one another, but so far, I've never been separated from my party.
**Note: If you're buying your tickets separately, chances are you won't be sitting next to one another.
+ How strict are their baggage rules?
Honestly, it depends on the attendents. You are allowed one carry on (55cm x 40 cm x 20 cm) and one personal item (35cm x 20cm x 20cm) I've seen larger carry on rolly suitcases on the plane, and I've seen suitcases that are the right size be told that it would have to be checked.
If you don't want to pay for a bag, it's simple, use a duffle bag, they're adjustable and you can fit as much as you want in them.
+ What if I want to check a bag?
If you want to check a bag, when checking in, make sure you purchase it in advance. You will be paying double at the airport.
+ Should I pay for parking/hotels/transfers through Ryanair?
When searching, I found that it was cheaper to do everything not with Ryanair. If you're not sure, make sure to shop around first. It's always nice to save a few bucks when going on vacation.
+ There's a mistake on my ticket
You can call with in 24 hours of your ticket being assigned and they will change it for free. CLICK HERE, for the numbers
+ At the Airport:
- Non EU citizens, must get their passports checked, and boarding passes stamped at the counter. They won't let you through security without it.
- Baggage drop off closes 40 minutes before departure
Flying with Ryanair or any low-budget airlines doesn't have to be any different from any other time you've flown. Just remember these helpful hints, and everything you know about flying, and your trip will be easy as can be.
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