A lifestyle expat travel blog about culture, history, Brexit, the Royal Family, travels around the world, Europe, and being British in Berlin!
Posted on March 18, 2018 by thebritishberliner
I’m sure that I told you that I went to Belgium.
But did I tell you that I flew there.
Via a budget airline.
And not just any airline mind you.
But Ryanair!
Gulp!
A few years ago, I had a horrible experience flying with Norwegian and Vueling.
For the very first time too!
I don’t know how I get myself into these weird situations.
And they always seem to follow me around.
I usually take them in my stride and laugh them off, but this time I wasn’t really laughing.
In fact, I made a vow never to fly a budget airline ever again.
Except for easyJet!
And by all accounts, I kept my word.
Until now!
Every January, The Tall Young Gentleman and I, spend some quality time together either visiting some dubious destination, or skiing!
This time around, I decided to take him to Belgium, and I’ll tell you all about it next week!
Right now, I want to tell you about Ryanair.
Aha!
You only have to google it, and you’ll come up with thousands and thousands of reports.
Some of them very good.
Most of them awful!
So…!
So what?
I hear you thunder.
It hasn’t been the same for me.
Whaaaat?!!%$!%$!!
I’m not an expert or anything!
?!!%$!%$!!
But I’ve flown with Ryanair a few times.
Admittedly, it was when I was much younger, and waaaaay before I ever became the British girl-about-town, and successful blogger that I am today!
And I’ve never had a problem with the airline.
Yet.
The first time I flew with Ryanair was a €4.99 return flight Berlin – Birmingham – Berlin.
And that was it.
‘Mind you, the tax was about 20 quid!
So a grand total of €24.99!
I was perfectly fine with that!
I admit.
I was a little nervous.
But on my last flight on Ryanair in January 2018, The Tall Young Gentleman and I went to Bruges!
We flew Berlin-Brussels-Berlin and paid altogether, just €102,37.
And that included one suitcase (both ways) and paid-for alllocated seating, so that we were sure to be sitting together!
Not only that, but there was even an early booking discount too!
€50.00 each for a return flight to Brussels, surely wasn’t too bad!
For our forth-coming family trip, we paid €456.94 for three (3) people.
The flights themselves cost us a mere €32.63 each from Berlin.
And €69.36 each from Bucharest.
Altogether costing €305.94, or a little over €102 per person, which I thought was pretty fair.
The killer was the luggage fee.
A very harsh €130.00 for 2 bags. That’s €65.00 per person, or €30/€35 each way!
We could have actually paid less, but we were still undecided as to how many suitcases we wanted to take, so I didn’t add them to our initial booking.
On reflection, that was a mistake.
If I remember correctly, the luggage charge would have been €18.00 each way. Per person. By the time, we actually decided, and I logged on the next day, it had increased to €30.00 – €35.00 per person!
So we booked two suitcases instead.
And well, it wasn’t too bad as we only ended up paying €22.00 more.
We also opted to pay €21.00 (€3.50 per person each way) – for reserved seating, as my husband didn’t fancy sitting next to a drunk neighbour!
One hears stories!
A budget airline, otherwise known as a low-cost carrier, low-cost airline, or discount carrier, is an airline without most of the traditional services provided in the fare, resulting in very low fares and less comfort!
The airline would thus operate with fewer “luxuries” such as checking-in your own luggage at “BagDrop,” printing out your Boarding Card from home, weighing and putting the airport labels on your luggage, removing the seat-back video screen, not offering complimentary food, drink or in-flight entertainment, or if they do, then a snack rather than a meal, or drinks served in cups, rather than the (mini) bottle.
Think poor ol’ Air Berlin.
Air Berlin was really a budget airline that tried to aspire to the heights of a market-acclaimed scheduled airline.
And failed!
In the olden days, they were called “economy” airlines, but not any more!
A no-frills budget airline is an airline in which non-essential features have been utterly removed to keep the price low.
To make up for the revenue lost in decreased ticket prices, the airline operates a lower cost structure arising from removing services such as complimentary food, in-flight entertainment, business-class seating, reclining seats, window blinds, and in-flight magazines.
They can also reduce operation cost by “sharing” on the ground airline staff, reducing the size of seats, using less popular airports, flying in the wee or early hours of the night or day, only operating during mid or high season, using a single type of aircraft, a faster turnaround, selling scratch cards and advertising, and charging for “extras” such as food, basic beverages, priority boarding, seat allocation, upgrades, luggage, and using the airport check-in desk!
In short, they’re not going to make you bring your own seat, but it’s pretty close!
Ryanair is an Irish no-frills budget airline founded in 1984, with it’s HQ Head in Dublin.
Ryanair operates more than 400 Boeing 737-800 aircrafts, serves 34 countries in Europe, Africa (Morocco), and the Middle East (Israel and Jordan) and is often in the press because of it’s rapid expansion, it’s controversial features, and the success of its low-cost business model.
2. PRINT OUT BOARDING PASS:
3. READ ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS:
But did you read it?
Did you ‘eck?
4. LEAVE PLENTY OF TIME:
5. BE AWARE OF AIRPORT LOCATIONS:
6. CHECK BOOKING DETAILS:
7. HAND-LUGGAGE:
As of 15.01.18, you can only bring one (1) small bag on board, unless you purchase Priority & 2 Cabin Bags!
If you paid for Priority & 2 cabin bags or a Plus/Flexi ticket you can take:
If you have NOT paid for Priority & 2 cabin bags or a Plus/Flexi ticket, you can only carry the following on-board:
8. BOOK LUGGAGE AT INITIAL STAGE:
As I told you above. I did really well in January, and then messed up, when I made a booking two months later!
9. BE CAREFUL NOT TO GO OVERWEIGHT WITH LUGGAGE:
Gulp!
10. RESERVE SEATING:
Nifty eh!
12. BRING YOUR OWN REFRESHMENTS:
Snack that is
Not toilet!
13. ERASMUS:
I bet, most of you didn’t know that!
14. GET THE APP:
15. BOOK A TAXI AT THE AIRPORT / RESERVE AIRPORT BUS / TRAIN:
16. DON’T GET DRUNK!
17. FLY ANYWAY!
By the way, if you’re looking to book a hotel for your next Ryanair destination. See what I did there! I have a 15% discount off your next booking with Booking.com. Just click right here to redeem it!
Note: You must book between March 5th – April 8th, and the travel dates must be between March 23rd – April 8th.
‘Need I say more.
Well, it depends.
If all you want is to get from A to B, quickly and safely within (mostly) Europe, then Ryanair is as good as any other airline in the sky, and you’ll probably have a pretty good time!
This article isn’t sponsored by Ryanair, or any other airline! And the merry time that I’m bound to have on my next Ryanair flight, is my very own!
I went to Belgium. Yay! Find out more, next week!
I’ll be continuing my last visit to the UK and telling you all about it, later in the season!
I’ll be at the Deutschland Premiere of the hilariously funny, very minimal dialogue, dry, slightly dark, refined humour, and the comedy of the banal – Mad Office, otherwise known as Büro Absurd! The successful duo – Trygve Wakenshaw & Barnie Duncan – will be doing their act, for the very first time in Germany!
I’ll be there on 29.03.18 taking place at BAR JEDER VERNUNFT, and the show will go on until 11.04.18.
And by the way, they were the biggest hit of the season at Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2017! No German, or any other language will be necessary. I’m guessing that tickets will sell out fast!
In March / April, I’ll be on the road again to my 65th country and a new destination.
Can you guess which one it’ll be?
Save the Date!
I’ll be there. Will you?
If you’re not in Berlin in March, I really can’t help you!
March / April is going to be fresh!
See you next week!
Watch this space!
Note! I never travel without insurance as you never know what might happen.
I learnt my lesson in Spain. And obviously, in countries like Qatar, where technically the risk is higher, I can’t imagine going that far beyond WITHOUT INSURANCE. No siree! You can get yours here, at World Nomads!
Please note that there are now affiliate links (for the very first time) connected to this post. Please consider using the links, because every time some sort of accommodation or travel insurance is booked via my links, I get a little percentage, but at no extra cost to yourself!
A win-win for all!
Thanks a million!
Category: airline, airline stories, budget airline, cheap travel, European travel, flights, flying, how to book a Ryanair flight, how to book Ryanair, Is it worth flying with Ryanair, low cost airline, no frills airline, Ryanair, Ryanair experience, Ryanair guide, TRAVELTags: Ryanair, Ryanair advice, Ryanair airline, Ryanair check-in, Ryanair drunks, Ryanair experience, Ryanair flights, Ryanair flying, Ryanair fun, Ryanair guide, Ryanair horror, Ryanair is it worth it, Ryanair luggage, Ryanair problems, Ryanair stories
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
I'm a British girl from Manchester living in Berlin with my German husband and my half British – half German son. My blog is a lifestyle expat travel blog and puts a focus on my promotion of culture, history, travels around the world, Europe, Brexit, the Royal Family, British-German life and being British in Berlin - I am The British Berliner!
Make A Donation
Donate so that I can continue to write hilarious stories and create amazing content! Thanks so much!
€1.00
I’ve flown Ryanair loads of times. I agree with all the things you’ve said about it, it really is a no-frills airline, so if you check in on time and carry the appropriately sized luggage, you’re cool. As well, carry liquids and oils below 100ml if in hand luggage, I’ve had my shower creams, sunbathing oils and even butter tossed into the bin because they were above the mark. I’ve as well been charged 50euros for a suitcase that was above the requirement, and on the flight from Rijeka to Brussels-Charleroi, forgot to check in the night before, and didn’t make it to come into the airport before check in time, so we had to pay a hefty fine of 140euros (70 euro each: me and my daughter), before we could board the flight.
Now that I’m a seasoned Ryan Air traveler, I just observe every requirement and everything is dandy! 🙂
Thanks so much Caroline! But OMG! €140.00 must have been quite hefty. So many people forget to check-in before they leave, assuming that they can do so at the airport. And then forget! Or due to the airport, can’t get free wifi. ‘Glad that you’re now a pro! 😀
I have flown with Ryanair in the past without any issues, but I don’t like how they publish a very cheap flight to hook you in and then hit you with all the “add-ons”…very sneaky. I don’t like their Ethos and would always try to avoid flying with this airline if I can. I have also heard that they are very “economical” with fuelling the plane, so as not to carry any extra weight….imagine the consequences of that if anything goes wrong?
Thanks so much Gilda!
Yep! Ryanair can be sneaky hence, I treat it as an “economical” flight rather than a cheapo flight and pay for the add-ons. I tend to use it either ‘cos the price really was “too good to be true” or to visit more obscure destinations that either isn’t possible by train, or would cost an arm and an leg with a scheduled airline, and I’m looking for an “adventure!” 😀
As for fuel and stuff, I haven’t a clue, but if at anytime you feel unsafe, follow your instinct. For example, I would never use a “no frills” airline to go transatlantic or longhaul. 1-4 hours, yes indeed. But certainly, no further!
I only flew with Ryanair once and after I wowed I will never fly with them again. I’ve read all the instructions about the luggage, my both checked in luggage and hand luggage were the right size and were the correct weight, but then, at the airport, I bought a book, and as usual when flying with budget airlines, bottle of water and some snacks to have on the plane. Even though they were in a sealed bag and was obvious I bought them in duty free area, I had to put them inside my suitcase. They then weighted my suitcase and wanted to charge me about 40 EUR for being about 600-700g heavier than it was allowed. Luckily, a friendly gentlemen who was then traveling with tiny hand luggage helped me out and took my book and water to the plane, so I didn’t have to pay or throw away what I just bought. Since that experience I never flown with them. They are cheap, but to me it is just not worth it.
Thanks so much Urska!
I totally understand. Ryanair can be sneaky, but as you say without your purchase, you would have been fine. Thank goodness for the friendly gentleman. Phew! 😀 So far, I have never been caught out. I think Ryanair is good for obscure destinations, or a quick weekend with no obligations. Anything more is asking for trouble. We’re staying a little longer for our next trip, and wanted a little “comfort,” so paid for checked luggage and allocated seating.
Ryanair really is a tough one! 😉
In general, I don’t like cheap things. But I agree, in certain circumstances the cheaper, the better.
Thanks so much Victor!
In principle, I’m right with you. I’m soooooo over cheap for cheap’s sake. I outgrew that years ago, and generally, I like my comfort – hence, boutique hotels. I still wouldn’t choose Ryanair as my first choice for anything at all, but if it’s available, and it fits my schedule, I certainly wouldn’t reject it. 😉
For example, I needed to take the last flight to Brussels in January, and Ryanair flights were as late as I needed. For our next destination, we’re really going somewhere new and obscure, and again, other airlines were either not flying there directly, and making it a 7-8-hour journey instead of 2.5, or were charging over €1,000 as when we travel as a family, its usually during peak hours!
Yeah! I have been burned, properly l might add by Ryanair :-). Unfortunately, sometimes you just have no choice as the routes make the difference. If l can fly direct, l prefer that. I know nowadays 8-24 hour layovers are the norm, but l am not a big fan. Where we’ve lived, Ryanair is often the one that does direct. I am at the point where l am used to them, and pay the extra 6 euro to have priority boarding and hand luggage overhead space. If you follow their never ending rules, you can make it work. Sometimes even wanting to pay more with another airline doesn’t work out. The only good thing that has come out of it is that l now go everywhere with just my carry-on. Longest trip was 31 days (like 5 countries) with just that. In all fairness, Wizzair sucks too, l think they might even be stricter. I hesitate to fly them again!
Thanks so much KemKem! And yes, I remember how distraught you were. I even linked your story in my post!
Yeah, I think paying the extras is no skin off my nose! I needed to take the last flight to Brussels and Ryanair did that beautifully. And paying under €500 for 3 people during peak season, is nothing short of a miracle! 😉
p.s. I’ve never flown Wizzair before, but I’ve heard of it. Isn’t it attached to one of the Nordic countries? I smell a story. What happened?
Pingback: Have you ever been to Bruges. In Belgium! | The British Berliner
Pingback: 9 traditional things to eat & drink in Belgium. With mussels! | The British Berliner
Pingback: EXCITING NEWS! I’ve been invited to the Royal Wedding Reception of Prince Harry & Meghan Markle! AND. I’ve got a new job! | The British Berliner
Pingback: I went to Romania. It didn’t wow me! | The British Berliner
Pingback: How I went to 8 exciting countries, went to India, lost my luggage & got trapped and confused in Delhi! | The British Berliner
Pingback: How to use the train in Europe 2019: 10 tips to help you! | The British Berliner
Pingback: I’m going to Poland, Georgia & Ukraine – What fun! – The British Berliner
Pingback: I’m going to Poland, Georgia & Ukraine – What fun! - The British Berliner
Pingback: How I can afford a life of travel. Don't choose. Live a life of style in 2020! - The British Berliner
Pingback: How to use the train in Europe 2019: 10 tips to help you! - The British Berliner
Pingback: Will we ever travel again? - The British Berliner
Pingback: And so I went to England! - The British Berliner
Pingback: My flight got cancelled. Twice! - The British Berliner