Infant charge/Ryanair

[mjenkinsblackdog]

I see Ryanair are now charging for infant travel.. .Why is this occurring as an infant under 2 years of age does not occupy a seat individually. <img src="cool.gif" border="0">

[Jobs-a-Goodun]

You are right that an infant doesn't occupy a seat but they do have administration charges associated with their travel as they have to be issued with a ticket.I guess airlines are simply trying to recoup these costs

[countrybusdriver]

You get what you pay for

FLY LOW COST GET TREATED LIKE LOW COST

When will people learn that if you want to find the cheapest possible flight at all costs then expect nothing in return.

i.e flight delayed - BAD LUCK

[mjenkinsblackdog]

Countrybusdriver.. .That really doesnt answer the question old boy.. .Nice try. <img src="cool.gif" border="0">

[Red Dragon]

I think you`ll find that most people travelling with the "low cost" airlines are fully aware of what they are getting, or not getting.. .I am constantly surprised by the attitude of many towards these airlines. They have opened up air travel to large sector of the population who could not afford it before. All of whom are more than willing to give up their "frills" and/or travel a little further to the airport.. .As for charging for infants, how much could it be? A percentage of a low fare ticket isn`t going to break the bank is it?. . <img src="mad.gif" border="0">

[Don D Cake]

I suspect the are charging because they can and if you don't like it then don't fly with them.

[gyrohead]

Jobs-a-Goodun said there might be a admin charge for the issuing of tickets...but!...FR are 90%ish ticketless travel, ie when you book online no ticket is issued. Its just another example of the "wealthiest" airline in the world scaming an extra fiver here and there.....Any truth in the rumour that the toilets are now coin operated?? <img src="rolleyes.gif" border="0">

[mjenkinsblackdog]

Red Dragon.. .Its the principal ,not the cost. <img src="cool.gif" border="0">

[Iron City]

Infant not using own seat? Have you seen the 200# infant video? In the "unlikely event" of an accident/incident the 20# infant times 10g crash = 200# and not even the biggest heavyweight weight lifter is going to be able to hold onto the kid without folding, spindling and mutilating him.

A couple years ago FAA did the sums on requiring all childern to have their own seats and own child safety seats on airliners. The result of the analysis was that it was better overall to not require this becaue of the number of people who would then make their journeys by automobile, a considerably less safe means of travel, and the likely number of killed and injured that could be expected to result. The usual unelected watchdog groups who appoint themselves to watch over us cried foul, heartless animals, etc but as the man said the figures don't lie.

Since many people are economicly driven they weigh the odds and don't buy an extra seat on "Cheapy Jet" to use a child safety seat. Odds are they will be right, but think of the downside risk

[flapsforty]

Iron city, any link to that video/study?. .I often have to "argue" with pax about them not being able to hold on to their child in case of.... .At the same time I am always dubious as to the effect of the belt to strap the infant on a parental lap we provide the pax with.

So just to clear this whole thing up in my own mind I'd very much like to read a bit more than the line we are fed by the "cloud Pravda". <img src="wink.gif" border="0">

[brabazon]

I took advantage of a Ryanair "free seats" offer before Christmas, myself, my partner and 2.5 year old went "free" (plus "taxes" etc) while our 6 month old who didn't occupy a seat cost £10. Other low costs allow infants to go free including easyJet.

Ryanair charge you for the privelige of carrying your infant on your lap, but don't allow baby seats on board. I am concerned at the effectiveness of these lap belts - again I'd be interested in findings from research and what other airlines do. On BA's web-site they talk about specially designed car-seat style seats for their aircraft anyone know anymore and why they aren't more common?

[Sick Squid]

This is neither a Rumour, nor a piece of News, rather a debate about a charge imposed by an airline. Therefore it is being transfered to a more appropriate forum.

Please, people, this is the busiest Aviation forum in the World. Lets post the topics in the correct place, not just choose Rumours and News because it's the headline forum. As the number of users increases, so does this situation.

The link to the continuing debate is on the top left hand side of the thread...