Ryanair has received substantial criticism for its cost cutting exercises but at the end of the day is it the traveller who benefits? There are a number of positive aspects with the low cost airlines, and Ryanair seem to be bursting with ideas for streamlining their procedures. Firstly, no long lines at check-in. With online check-in and self printing of boarding passes it is now possible to arrive at the airport and just breeze straight through security and into the departure lounge.
Secondly, no lost luggage or waiting for luggage on conveyor belts, as most travellers with Ryanair stick with carry-on luggage only. So it is fast on departure, and quick on arrival.
Not All Good News for Air Travellers
What are the drawbacks? A mad dash for boarding as no-one has allocated seats. It is possible to pay extra for priority boarding, but that kind of defeats the object of booking a low cost flight. Another problem that is quickly becoming apparent is that with everyone now taking carry-on luggage passengers tend to take the largest possible under Ryanair’s rules, with the result that the overhead compartments are getting fuller and fuller. Cabin staff spend precious time re-arranging and re-adjusting cases and coats and it is clear that whilst the idea might be good, sooner or later there is just going to be too much luggage onboard.
Ryanair have tried to address this by restricting passengers to one piece of luggage including handbags and duty free purchases. That means that absolutely everything has to be put in the carry-on case. However, whilst these rules are strictly adhered to in British airports, this is not necessarily the case in foreign airports. Recently a group of Spanish passengers travelling to London from Tenerife were seen to board with handbags, coats, cases, duty free purchases, and one Spanish gentleman managed to carry on board a guitar complete with solid carrying case hidden in his mackintosh. Amusing perhaps, but frustrating for the British tourists who had struggled to travel on holiday to the sun with one small suitcase containing their entire wardrobe for a week.
The cabin staff are as polite and helpful as other cabin crew on scheduled airlines, but of course everything has to be paid for and the prices are extortionate. £3 for a bottle of water, for example.
Travelling Light is the Only Way Ryanair Can Work
So to summarise, if a traveller is happy to live in one pair of shorts and a tee shirt, carries a sandwich in their suitcase, is good at rugby tackling when it comes to boarding, and has the strength of ten men when storing their luggage in the overhead compartment, travelling with Ryanair will work for them.
Jane Finch - After 25 years working in Family Law I decided on a career break and have not looked back. Being a homemaker has enabled me to home ...
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