Vgravity

Looking at a positioning flight to PRG. B2B not possible for my flights, so it's an overnight at a hotel.

Which means I can choose between flying BA from LHR for £89, or with Ryanair from STN for £23 including seat selection at the back of the plane.

Only a very small hand luggage item.

I work in the City so STN Express an option.

How bad can FR be as I forego the Flounge, exit rows, priority boarding, am last off the plane etc?

I'm tempered just for the experience and cost saving!

also - any recommendations for PRG hotels?

Mike P

FR isn't too bad for a relatively short hop like PRG. I'd want an extra leg room seat however as I'm tall. Whether you can cope with STN if you are used to the pleasantry of Cathay First lounge at T3 is another question however.

I'm going to PRG over the forthcoming Bank Holiday weekend and have booked to stay here: http://www.questenberk.cz/

windowontheAside

Ryanair normally load from the front and back of the plane, so being at the back means you'll be first off.

It's really not that bad at all. I do it from time to time and the punctuality of their flights is very good. Everything else is functional - yes, maybe a bit less tasteful in some respects from BA, but there's not really much difference these days.

lost_in_translation

£66 extra is a lot to pay for BA's ET product, would be worth it to be able to B2B but if you're staying overnight anyway I might just go for Ryanair (and I say this as a total snob).

Holiday Inn next to the airport is modern and quite well regarded if it's just a quick overnight and you're not looking to go into Prague itself (as is the Courtyard).

pauldb

It can't be that bad but why pay money to ensure you're at the back - pay more to be at the front and recover most of your lost benefits, or take a chance on allocated seating.

Or is there any RFS availability on BA: creeps under the 4500avios threshold + £17.50.

bhbloke

The joys of the Stansted Express would be enough to convince me to pay the extra and fly from a different airport! (In fact, I use the National Express coach from outside Liverpool St on the odd occasion I've had to get to that that awful airport, far more preferable to that terrible train)

lost_in_translation

Ah, I hadn't considered PRG was T3, this might swing it for the BA flight for me.

OnslowSW7

For all the reasons discussed ad nauseum on this board, I have diversified my flying to a bunch of other carriers where the cost is lower and the schedule works better- mainly United, Qatar, American. But the biggest revelation was when I took an FR flight to Belfast recently as at 9 quid each way I thought it was worth a go.

Sure you will miss the status perks of priority boarding and a seat at the front, but you can buy these and still make a sensible saving. I didnt and survived. My primary observation from the experience was the behaviour of my fellow passengers- and here I risk a DYKWIA moment. They are very different to what you find on the BA shuttle- noisier, little respect for personal space and boundaries, and I guess dont travel enough to appreciate the subtle etiquette of flying- eg when you land, waiting for those in front to move before pushing your way to the exit in a free for all fashion...

All that said- I'd do it again if the price/timing/route works out to my favour

PDXNRTLHR

I was very happy to take a Ryanair flight when positioning for an ex-EU last year. I snagged a "business" fare (exit row, priority boarding, checked bag), and for the hour long flight it was fine.

YacozA

£66 savings is pretty good, even if you buy the most expensive STN Express walk-up ticket.

I'd pay for exit row (I think about £15) and spend the rest of the £££ in PRG.

GaxxyFlyer

Remember that LCY now has a Prague flight (starting soon) and there's lots of redemption availability. Not a bad choice if you're in the city.

If your trip is after the start date of the LCY of course...

ahmetdouas

I was impressed with STN when I was there last month. It is much better than when I last went in 2016. The only snag I found was the very long security line, but I guess this is to be expected in July with all the holidaygoers. It took about 30 mins, while LHR takes around 10-15.

FlyerTalker39574

Don't forget fast track security with a first class stansted express train ticket.

Gomac

On balance here I would stick with BA. By the time you've factored in the Stansted Express plus a coffee at the airport at an exit row seat there's only £30-40 max in it. Take into account fast track through T3, you can have a meal in the Cathay 1st lounge and a few glasses of Champagne plus a few TPs and avios.

What's the need in being a GCH if you don't make the most of it on dirt cheap shorthaul Y fares !

rt112

If you're venturing into Prague the Hilton (not the Old Town one) is quite nice and reasonably priced, except when there is a conference. The executive lounge has a good selection of food and drink, and if you're Gold/Diamond you'll very likely get a room upgrade.