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Ryanair
One of the pioneers of low-cost air travel, Ryanair was set up in 1985 by the Ryan family. It flew just one route - Waterford to London Gatwick. Today, led by Michael O'Leary , the ebullient chief executive, the Irish airline has 23 bases around Europe and carries 50 million passengers on more than 550 European routes. Although not always passengers’ favourite airline - Ryanair is not known for its touchy-feely customer relations - it offers frequent fare sales and some very cheap flights. It is one of the world's most profitable carriers. In 2006, it made a (so-far unsuccessful) cash offer for the Irish flag carrier, which it described on its website as "the small regional airline, Aer Lingus".
- Check-in times: between two hours and 40 minutes before take-off. Online check-in is available to passengers travelling with just hand luggage.
- Baggage allowance: one small piece of hand baggage (55x40x20cm and up to 10kg (22lbs)) is allowed without charge. There is a fee for checked luggage - £5 per bag per passenger per one-way flight if booked online or £10 if booked via the call centre or at the airport. The total checked baggage allowance per person is 15kg (33lbs). Excess baggage is charged at £5.50 per kg.
- Change the passenger name or flight: yes, up to four hours prior to departure. Names can be changed by telephoning the call centre; the fee is £70. Flight dates, times and routes are changeable subject to availability, for £20.50 per passenger per one-way flight.
- Child fares: Ryanair does not offer child fares, but infants (0-23 months) can fly for £7 each way. The under twos do not get a baggage allowance.
- Pre-assigned seating: none. Priority boarding can be bought by passengers with just cabin baggage for £2 per passenger/per one way flight. Travellers with young children and those needing special assistance no longer board first.
- In-flight service: drinks and light snacks are available for purchase.
- Legroom: seat pitch: 76cm (30in).
- Air miles: none.
- Airline alliances: none.
- Arrival airports: Ryanair is famous for its use of secondary airports. For example, Frankfurt Hahn airport is about 130km (80 miles) from Frankfurt and Barcelona Girona airport is approximately 145km (90 miles) from Barcelona. Check the destination airport carefully to avoid any shocks (and large taxi fares).
- Departure airports: many Ryanair flights depart from secondary airports in the UK. Many London flights, for example, depart from Stansted, a 45-minute train journey from London. Allow plenty of time to reach your departure airport.
- Website: www.ryanair.com
Telephone numbers: Reservations - 0871 246 0000 10p per minute.
Updated September 2007
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www.ryanair.com
