Ryanair Rant Coming Up.......
Ryanair Rant Coming Up.......
We're off for 10 days in the depth of the Polish forests and lakes, miles from any settlements, where the Internet is known about only vaguely, as something city folk waste a lot of time on. Mobiles ditto; there is no coverage within 25 miles.
We're using Ryanair from BRS to avoid driving to LHR and parking there. It's not my choice; Mrs ONB insists that it's better to suffer FR than to drive another 100 miles or so to use LHR. "It's also a lot cheaper", she adds.
"Will we never learn that nothing is worse than Ryanair, and you get what you pay for" I mutter, but I'm wasting my breath.
So I get to the point in the check-n process where I try to check in for the return flight as well as the outbound. Computer says NO.
I can, of course, if I want to pay the sum exacted for pre-booking a seat.
But I can only check-in without doing that from 4th of July, when I won't be able to. So I'll have to pre-book the seats, as though it makes any difference where you sit in their b****y cattletruck. This is, of course, exactly why Ryanair allows you to check-in without paying to pre-book up to 7 days before the flight and not before. They have carefully calculated that many people cannot check-in while away, just like us, and that nearly all trips are 7 days or longer.
It is being manipulated and jerked around like this that leaves me in a state of hatred about effing FR and all its doings. The endless attempts to get people to spend more on things they neither need nor want. The squawking, shouting bombardment from the cabin staff. The obvious contempt that Ryanair, its staff, and its agents, have for their customers.
So I'll arrive at the airport in a state of suppressed fury, and board in the same state.
Does Ryanair ever wonder why its customers occasionally get so frustrated and angry at the treatment they get that they lose some of their self-control?
We're using Ryanair from BRS to avoid driving to LHR and parking there. It's not my choice; Mrs ONB insists that it's better to suffer FR than to drive another 100 miles or so to use LHR. "It's also a lot cheaper", she adds.
"Will we never learn that nothing is worse than Ryanair, and you get what you pay for" I mutter, but I'm wasting my breath.
So I get to the point in the check-n process where I try to check in for the return flight as well as the outbound. Computer says NO.
I can, of course, if I want to pay the sum exacted for pre-booking a seat.
But I can only check-in without doing that from 4th of July, when I won't be able to. So I'll have to pre-book the seats, as though it makes any difference where you sit in their b****y cattletruck. This is, of course, exactly why Ryanair allows you to check-in without paying to pre-book up to 7 days before the flight and not before. They have carefully calculated that many people cannot check-in while away, just like us, and that nearly all trips are 7 days or longer.
It is being manipulated and jerked around like this that leaves me in a state of hatred about effing FR and all its doings. The endless attempts to get people to spend more on things they neither need nor want. The squawking, shouting bombardment from the cabin staff. The obvious contempt that Ryanair, its staff, and its agents, have for their customers.
So I'll arrive at the airport in a state of suppressed fury, and board in the same state.
Does Ryanair ever wonder why its customers occasionally get so frustrated and angry at the treatment they get that they lose some of their self-control?
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I don't think RyanAir have planned this thinking that most people go away hiking in the mountains!! There are VERY few places where you will not be able to get signal for 7 days, and I would imagine less than 1% of RyanAir passengers would be afflicted with no signal for 7 days of their holiday
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Since the cost of pre-booking a seat is Euros 5.99 (£4.26) it is not exactly catastrophic. There is a larger issue which appears to have been missed. This being that pre-booking allows the passenger to book a window/aisle or whatever. Those that don't pre-book will end up crammed into a middle seat. By the way, British Airways does exactly the same with its short haul carry-on bag offering. Pay up to reserve a seat or get randomly allocated.
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Every airline will have its quirks and annoying policies. I think FR are great. They do exactly what they say on the tin and they don't pretend to be something that they're not.
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I don't think RyanAir have planned this thinking that most people go away hiking in the mountains!! There are VERY few places where you will not be able to get signal for 7 days
Seven days is operationally a completely arbitrary window. It's not as if they're going to base the equipment selection on the number of checkers-in ( only have B738s and that one B737! ).
There's no reason it couldn't be 30 days, or 91 to put it the other side of a standard Visa waiver period. Except money-making; they will have very carefully scrutinised the average duration between booked sectors and subtracted one day.
Sit back, relax and enjoy your flight - and ultimately - your holiday!
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yes HF - you can only choose a BA seat 24 hrs in advance using on-line check-in if you haven't shelled out $$$$
If you go to the airport you get what they give you - but that was always the case anyway pre-internet days.....................
If you go to the airport you get what they give you - but that was always the case anyway pre-internet days.....................
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Can't you just get to the airport 2.5hrs before your return flight and use the airport's wifi in the terminal to check-in online via their free app? Or if you have an old Nokia, do as Caiman said, pay a fiver each, check-in in advance and get an extra hour in the pleasant Polish wilderness?
You'll lose an hour in the wilderness, but at least you won't have to endure LHR and the M4 home.
FR are great, if you just follow the procedures!
EZY do the same, they don't charge you, but if you waited until you got to the Airport to check-in chances are you'd be split up.
Otherwise use the money you saved by flying with FR instead of BA and pay the small amount for your seats.
It would be interesting to see how much the difference in price for the flight was
Unnecessary rant as far as I see.
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Ryanair are not the only airline to charge for seats. In their defence unless it's really necessary they won't change the seats as, like you say, they are all the same. They don't pander to disorganised families who are split up, they leave it to them to sort themselves out. Out of all the FR flights I have taken since they started charging for seats I have paid for a specific seat probably 99% of the time. I have never once had a seat change.
The legacy carriers, on euro-short haul routes, will quite happily change the configuration of the aircraft at the drop of a hat and even though you paid for 10ABC 4 months before your flight, you checked in 24 hours before the flight and got your boarding passes you could still turn up to the airport and find out you have been moved to 29DEF because a family needed seated together or, better yet, the seats you chose are now miraculously in business class and you had to be moved so the curtain could be slid back as they oversold the seats up front!
Ryanair may have started all these charges but they are no longer the only ones doing it. There is literally no difference on BA these days as they charge for all the same things, apart from onboard catering, but realistically, how long until they do that too?
It's no longer a case of you get what you pay for as they all offer the same thing now, only FR are still cheaper!
The legacy carriers, on euro-short haul routes, will quite happily change the configuration of the aircraft at the drop of a hat and even though you paid for 10ABC 4 months before your flight, you checked in 24 hours before the flight and got your boarding passes you could still turn up to the airport and find out you have been moved to 29DEF because a family needed seated together or, better yet, the seats you chose are now miraculously in business class and you had to be moved so the curtain could be slid back as they oversold the seats up front!
Ryanair may have started all these charges but they are no longer the only ones doing it. There is literally no difference on BA these days as they charge for all the same things, apart from onboard catering, but realistically, how long until they do that too?
It's no longer a case of you get what you pay for as they all offer the same thing now, only FR are still cheaper!
Yes well, many voices of moderation and reason, mostly missing the point that it's Ryanair's way of extracting money through manipulation and coercion that enrages me, not the amount involved, all of £11.98 for two booked seats.
And the fact that on departure from Modlin there will be the usual heaving mass of people packed into the small space between the outward passport check and the gate, for anything up to 45 minutes, where it makes no difference whatsoever to have paid for an allocated seat, "Speedy Boarding", or the like.
I have seen people almost in tears trying to force their way through this crowd because they paid for the privilege of "Speedy Boarding", and are faced with a wall of backs of people who have suddenly gone deaf, rather like the sole member of the handling staff who is supposed to supply what is laughingly called "customer service".
We do this trip, Mrs ONB 'n me, several times a year since half our family is in Poland. Hence my intimate knowledge of how awful it is. But the woman will never learn that price isn't everything.
I know all that stuff about Ryanair provides what it says on the tin, you get what you pay for, shut up and be grateful. But why do they have to make it so dreadful? They seem to take pride in treating people badly, just to prove they can.
And the fact that on departure from Modlin there will be the usual heaving mass of people packed into the small space between the outward passport check and the gate, for anything up to 45 minutes, where it makes no difference whatsoever to have paid for an allocated seat, "Speedy Boarding", or the like.
I have seen people almost in tears trying to force their way through this crowd because they paid for the privilege of "Speedy Boarding", and are faced with a wall of backs of people who have suddenly gone deaf, rather like the sole member of the handling staff who is supposed to supply what is laughingly called "customer service".
We do this trip, Mrs ONB 'n me, several times a year since half our family is in Poland. Hence my intimate knowledge of how awful it is. But the woman will never learn that price isn't everything.
I know all that stuff about Ryanair provides what it says on the tin, you get what you pay for, shut up and be grateful. But why do they have to make it so dreadful? They seem to take pride in treating people badly, just to prove they can.
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It's not coercion or manipulation, other than the ticket price no other charges are mandatory, it's up to you.
My last trip with Ryan air was to Rome from UK for a family of 4, total cost all in door to door.... 89. For that I don't expect service, food, entertainment, well really j don't expect anything other than getting from A to B.
That is the same length of time as the train from Edinburgh to London, and that cost almost 300 the last time we did it.
My last trip with Ryan air was to Rome from UK for a family of 4, total cost all in door to door.... 89. For that I don't expect service, food, entertainment, well really j don't expect anything other than getting from A to B.
That is the same length of time as the train from Edinburgh to London, and that cost almost 300 the last time we did it.
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ONB
Far be for me to suggest that people behave badly whilst scrabbling for the lowest price. FR knows it's audience.
They seem to take pride in treating people badly, just to prove they can.
Afterthought....someone said
Well, actually, there are huge swathes of the world's land surface where you will not get any form of mobile phone or internet connection. This applies to very large areas in the less populated regions of Europe, including the UK. Close to home in the UK, I could take you to a large village 2 miles away, near the coast of East Devon, where there is no phone signal on any network within 1 mile of the village centre.
Globally, I would suggest that mobile coverage is 5-10% of land surface. One of the best indicators is probably satellite pictures of the world at night; lit areas probably have coverage, unlit areas do not, as a working hypothesis.
Even the wildly optimistic maps published by the phone networks of UK coverage show areas where there is no signal.
So I think your assertion is quite mistaken. Ryanair probably agrees with me, which is why they have the 7-day rule. In any event, it isn't necessarily the signal that's the problem, it's the need to print a pass which defeats those who are not up to using smart phones, apps etc etc.
There are VERY few places where you will not be able to get signal for 7 days, and I would imagine less than 1% of RyanAir passengers would be afflicted with no signal for 7 days of their holiday
Globally, I would suggest that mobile coverage is 5-10% of land surface. One of the best indicators is probably satellite pictures of the world at night; lit areas probably have coverage, unlit areas do not, as a working hypothesis.
Even the wildly optimistic maps published by the phone networks of UK coverage show areas where there is no signal.
So I think your assertion is quite mistaken. Ryanair probably agrees with me, which is why they have the 7-day rule. In any event, it isn't necessarily the signal that's the problem, it's the need to print a pass which defeats those who are not up to using smart phones, apps etc etc.
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The wife's pre-booked seat on the 737NG was covered in greasy crumbs when she embarked last week. Perhaps another reason for dressing down (or at least, dressing Greaseproof) when you fly FR.
Yes, most places you can get a signal but many of them you can't get a printer. oldnotbold is absolutely correct: just Ryanair squeezing more money out of their flock.
Yes, most places you can get a signal but many of them you can't get a printer. oldnotbold is absolutely correct: just Ryanair squeezing more money out of their flock.
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They are not 'squeezing' money. They are taking the same amount of money (or more or less) than other carriers but it is sliced and diced.
If FR can take you there and back safely and the OVERALL price is reasonable? If no other carrier is available on the route - or you choose not to use another carrier?
The ONLY price is the bottom line. I agree that those of us that grew up with inclusive pricing find the change uncomfortable at times but everybody does it now.
The UK govt is brilliant at slicing and dicing. Things that used to be 'inclusive' are not 'exclusive' e.g.: When you moved house, you sent in your driver's licence to get the new address and it was posted back for free. Now it is charged for. There are countless examples in all walks of life - from the plastic carrier bag onwards.
The UK, like many 'advanced' nations is a very expensive place to live. We want to pay ourselves nicely and have nice house and nice cars and nice holidays. So things cost more - that's the path of 'free market' that the UK has chosen. How we pay for them can also be chosen. I can shoose to use FR but I cannot choose to update my driver's licence - if I fail to do so I pay a HUGE fine.
Perhaps you should drop your wife off at BRS and then drive to Heathrow - meeting up at the other end. Each deals with the costs/convenience as each chooses.
If FR can take you there and back safely and the OVERALL price is reasonable? If no other carrier is available on the route - or you choose not to use another carrier?
The ONLY price is the bottom line. I agree that those of us that grew up with inclusive pricing find the change uncomfortable at times but everybody does it now.
The UK govt is brilliant at slicing and dicing. Things that used to be 'inclusive' are not 'exclusive' e.g.: When you moved house, you sent in your driver's licence to get the new address and it was posted back for free. Now it is charged for. There are countless examples in all walks of life - from the plastic carrier bag onwards.
The UK, like many 'advanced' nations is a very expensive place to live. We want to pay ourselves nicely and have nice house and nice cars and nice holidays. So things cost more - that's the path of 'free market' that the UK has chosen. How we pay for them can also be chosen. I can shoose to use FR but I cannot choose to update my driver's licence - if I fail to do so I pay a HUGE fine.
Perhaps you should drop your wife off at BRS and then drive to Heathrow - meeting up at the other end. Each deals with the costs/convenience as each chooses.
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Printer? Why would you need a printer? Admit I haven't flown Ryanair for eons, but doesn't everyone give you your boarding card on your phone (and watch).
I betcha that even with the extra charges, BoB, etc it was still cheaoer, and much more convienient than London Thiefrow.
I betcha that even with the extra charges, BoB, etc it was still cheaoer, and much more convienient than London Thiefrow.
They are not 'squeezing' money. They are taking the same amount of money (or more or less) than other carriers but it is sliced and diced.
I avoid Ryanair always, but was ultimately forced to venture onto their booking site because my daughter's school trip required participants to book flights individually - but they all had to be on the same Ryanair flight.
With much trepidation and cautiously feeling my way for all the trapdoors - still I found myself apparently paying for insurance. I backtracked but could not find the opt out. So I Googled and found the advice I needed then went back again.
Sure enough there it was. In the insurance option - a drop down menu to select country of residence. And there, alphabetically between Denmark and Finland was "Don't Insure Me".
I had a Victor Meldrew moment, followed shortly after by a serious John McEnroe moment.
I know that Mr O'leary and his legal team are a little thin skinned about the comments they truly deserve. Therefore I shall say just this. The man has no shame. And another thing he shall ever have is any more of my custom.
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Dont Hang Up As far as I am aware - they have never made any secret of what they do. Yes, there are trap doors and yes other carriers have also introduced them. Yes, I also only use FR as a last resort.
BUT there is a reason their 'headline' prices are so low! No company can [say] transport people across 350 miles for £45 each way and make a profit. So they don't do that. They have to charge extra and they have proven that customers will go for [say] '£45 one way' and not '£175 all in'. if FR had not invented this way of doing business - someone else would have done.
BUT there is a reason their 'headline' prices are so low! No company can [say] transport people across 350 miles for £45 each way and make a profit. So they don't do that. They have to charge extra and they have proven that customers will go for [say] '£45 one way' and not '£175 all in'. if FR had not invented this way of doing business - someone else would have done.
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Considering we are talking about Ryanair here, talking about worldwide network coverage is a bit of a leap. Add to that that most of FR's passengers are holiday makers I would say that my statement was bang on.
They have to get within network range on the way to the airport don't they?
If you think of FR as a bus service then you can't be disappointed, you wouldn't expect service with a smile and trolley fillets on a 6 hour coach trip from Plymouth to Edinburgh would you? You would pay your money and expect a seat and nothing else.
They have to get within network range on the way to the airport don't they?
If you think of FR as a bus service then you can't be disappointed, you wouldn't expect service with a smile and trolley fillets on a 6 hour coach trip from Plymouth to Edinburgh would you? You would pay your money and expect a seat and nothing else.
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I've recently used Ryanair to fly to Barcelona for my 8 day holiday. I booked seats, 5A &5B, checked in online for both flights, took 2 cases and they put our carry on in the hold for free (saves dragging it round the airport). They took off on time and landed on time on both flights.
The coffee was poor and expensive, but that's my fault, I could have done without. The legroom was better than ordinary seats on Thomson, Monarch or Thomas Cook and certainly better than Flybe.
Do some people feel so inferior that they need the flight staff to grovel at their feet and smile while they kick them?
Get over it, Ryanair do a fantastic job moving people from their local airport to where they want to go, safely and cheaply on newish planes with no previous owners.
The coffee was poor and expensive, but that's my fault, I could have done without. The legroom was better than ordinary seats on Thomson, Monarch or Thomas Cook and certainly better than Flybe.
Do some people feel so inferior that they need the flight staff to grovel at their feet and smile while they kick them?
Get over it, Ryanair do a fantastic job moving people from their local airport to where they want to go, safely and cheaply on newish planes with no previous owners.