Why not to fly Ryanair
Oct 24, 2010, 1:00 pm
#76
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: BWIADCA
Posts: 1,902
Oct 24, 2010, 3:41 pm
#77
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 7,605
As for free BOOKING you now need to use a pre-paid Mastercard rather than an Electron card
Jan 26, 2011, 8:41 am
#78
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 1
‘Go for a wee before you get on the plane...’
Simon Binns for Manchester Confidential meets Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s cheeky chief exec
Michael O’Leary certainly made an impression on his flying visit to Manchester this week. The cocksure Ryanair chief executive was full of praise for the new management team at Manchester Airport and couldn’t resist a jibe at some of his rivals.
The four new routes represent a canny deal for Manchester Airport and suggest that Ryanair – for all their bluster otherwise – do actually need a proper presence here. The new airport management team are making strides in the right direction with some good route wins in the last few months. Not to forget the A380.
So, Ryanair and the airport are friends again. It certainly won’t be dull.
Simon Binns sat down with Mr O’Leary for a cup of coffee and a pastry in Terminal 2 – here are the highlights.
For full article go to http://www.manchesterconfidential.co...lane_16770.asp
Simon Binns for Manchester Confidential meets Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s cheeky chief exec
Michael O’Leary certainly made an impression on his flying visit to Manchester this week. The cocksure Ryanair chief executive was full of praise for the new management team at Manchester Airport and couldn’t resist a jibe at some of his rivals.
The four new routes represent a canny deal for Manchester Airport and suggest that Ryanair – for all their bluster otherwise – do actually need a proper presence here. The new airport management team are making strides in the right direction with some good route wins in the last few months. Not to forget the A380.
So, Ryanair and the airport are friends again. It certainly won’t be dull.
Simon Binns sat down with Mr O’Leary for a cup of coffee and a pastry in Terminal 2 – here are the highlights.
For full article go to http://www.manchesterconfidential.co...lane_16770.asp
Jan 26, 2011, 4:11 pm
#79
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
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mcrconfidential,
Welcome to FlyerTalk.
Wasn't really sure where to place your post, but I'm sure that Favorite Travel Items was not it, so moved it to this lively discussion.
EmailKid
Budget Travel moderator
Welcome to FlyerTalk.
Wasn't really sure where to place your post, but I'm sure that Favorite Travel Items was not it, so moved it to this lively discussion.
EmailKid
Budget Travel moderator
Jan 28, 2011, 3:47 pm
#80
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London and Zurich
Programs: AA, BA, Mucci: Sir Roger des Directions Routières, PCR
Posts: 13,609
The headline had nothing to do with the story nor the interview, just an old quote from the archives.
Most of us recognise the kind of nonsense stories that are planted by O'Leary for the sake of earning column inches in the press, and the gullible press are happy to play along. Any 'news' no matter how absurd is good for the airline as it makes potential customers think of them. @:-)
Most of us recognise the kind of nonsense stories that are planted by O'Leary for the sake of earning column inches in the press, and the gullible press are happy to play along. Any 'news' no matter how absurd is good for the airline as it makes potential customers think of them. @:-)
Jan 31, 2011, 8:44 am
#81
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 26
Non-eu citizens beware of ryanair
If you are not an EU citizen traveling in Europe, you should seriously avoid Ryanair.
Consistent personal experience in Spain:
If sometime during your trip to Spain, and you intend to fly Ryanair, ALWAYS be SURE to get a Spanish entry stamp in your passport when you arrive in Spain. I've learned this the hard way.
For example, if you flew to Spain from say, Germany, there is no passport control, and therefore you would not get a Spanish entry stamp in your passport. If this is the case, go to the Spanish customs office and demand a stamp upon arrival in Spain (but only if you intend to fly Ryanair).
If you are not an EU citizen, you will be required to submit your passport for a "visa check" prior to check-in at the Ryanair counter. One of Ryanair's stupidest rules is that non-EU citizens boarding a Ryanair flight from a Spanish airport are required to have a Spanish ENTRY stamp not more than 90 days old in their passport, or else they will refuse boarding without refund or re-booking. A valid stamp from another EU state (e.g., Germany, UK, Belgium, Italy) is not acceptable. It MUST be Spanish. This has nothing to do with the law. It's another silly "rule" exclusive to Ryanair (no other airline does this).
Like most other "rules" on Ryanair, this one designed to capture incremental revenue by enabling them to overbook the flight and, in as many cases as possible, refuse boarding (filling your seat with another paying passenger) without the obligation to refund or find another flight for you, since you "broke the rules". I presume their legal team has assessed that in court they can always claim it was an unintentional misinterpretation of the law.
Unfortunately, if Ryanair bumps you for this, your only option is to go to the EasyJet counter and book another flight at your expense. EasyJet (or any other airline, for that matter) does not implement any such policy. The police also can't help you, since this policy is unique to Ryanair, and has no basis in Spanish or EU law.
If you're not carrying an EU passport (regardless of your visa status) always make sure you get a Spanish stamp in the passport (if you'll be leaving the country on Ryanair). You can do this by finding the customs office at the airport of arrival in Spain. Tell the customs office you will be departing on Ryanair and need a Spanish entry stamp, and they will likely roll their eyes, chuckle, and stamp your passport. They will know. The airport police tend to despise Ryanair because of all the unnecessary problems they routinely cause.
Otherwise, you may need to convince Ryanair's "visa check" people when checking in for your exit flight. If they have no overbookings, they may not even bother to look at your passport since there will be no point in bumping you.
The other alternative is simply to use a different airline. EasyJet is usually only a few quid more expensive than Ryanair. In the long run, it's often worth every penny to use another airline to avoid the usual Ryanair nonsense.
Consistent personal experience in Spain:
If sometime during your trip to Spain, and you intend to fly Ryanair, ALWAYS be SURE to get a Spanish entry stamp in your passport when you arrive in Spain. I've learned this the hard way.
For example, if you flew to Spain from say, Germany, there is no passport control, and therefore you would not get a Spanish entry stamp in your passport. If this is the case, go to the Spanish customs office and demand a stamp upon arrival in Spain (but only if you intend to fly Ryanair).
If you are not an EU citizen, you will be required to submit your passport for a "visa check" prior to check-in at the Ryanair counter. One of Ryanair's stupidest rules is that non-EU citizens boarding a Ryanair flight from a Spanish airport are required to have a Spanish ENTRY stamp not more than 90 days old in their passport, or else they will refuse boarding without refund or re-booking. A valid stamp from another EU state (e.g., Germany, UK, Belgium, Italy) is not acceptable. It MUST be Spanish. This has nothing to do with the law. It's another silly "rule" exclusive to Ryanair (no other airline does this).
Like most other "rules" on Ryanair, this one designed to capture incremental revenue by enabling them to overbook the flight and, in as many cases as possible, refuse boarding (filling your seat with another paying passenger) without the obligation to refund or find another flight for you, since you "broke the rules". I presume their legal team has assessed that in court they can always claim it was an unintentional misinterpretation of the law.
Unfortunately, if Ryanair bumps you for this, your only option is to go to the EasyJet counter and book another flight at your expense. EasyJet (or any other airline, for that matter) does not implement any such policy. The police also can't help you, since this policy is unique to Ryanair, and has no basis in Spanish or EU law.
If you're not carrying an EU passport (regardless of your visa status) always make sure you get a Spanish stamp in the passport (if you'll be leaving the country on Ryanair). You can do this by finding the customs office at the airport of arrival in Spain. Tell the customs office you will be departing on Ryanair and need a Spanish entry stamp, and they will likely roll their eyes, chuckle, and stamp your passport. They will know. The airport police tend to despise Ryanair because of all the unnecessary problems they routinely cause.
Otherwise, you may need to convince Ryanair's "visa check" people when checking in for your exit flight. If they have no overbookings, they may not even bother to look at your passport since there will be no point in bumping you.
The other alternative is simply to use a different airline. EasyJet is usually only a few quid more expensive than Ryanair. In the long run, it's often worth every penny to use another airline to avoid the usual Ryanair nonsense.
Jan 31, 2011, 9:14 am
#82
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: PDX
Programs: Don't think it matters...
Posts: 5,240
If you are not an EU citizen traveling in Europe, you should seriously avoid Ryanair.
Consistent personal experience in Spain:
If sometime during your trip to Spain, and you intend to fly Ryanair, ALWAYS be SURE to get a Spanish entry stamp in your passport when you arrive in Spain. I've learned this the hard way.
For example, if you flew to Spain from say, Germany, there is no passport control, and therefore you would not get a Spanish entry stamp in your passport. If this is the case, go to the Spanish customs office and demand a stamp upon arrival in Spain (but only if you intend to fly Ryanair).
If you are not an EU citizen, you will be required to submit your passport for a "visa check" prior to check-in at the Ryanair counter. One of Ryanair's stupidest rules is that non-EU citizens boarding a Ryanair flight from a Spanish airport are required to have a Spanish ENTRY stamp not more than 90 days old in their passport, or else they will refuse boarding without refund or re-booking. A valid stamp from another EU state (e.g., Germany, UK, Belgium, Italy) is not acceptable. It MUST be Spanish. This has nothing to do with the law. It's another silly "rule" exclusive to Ryanair (no other airline does this).
Like most other "rules" on Ryanair, this one designed to capture incremental revenue by enabling them to overbook the flight and, in as many cases as possible, refuse boarding (filling your seat with another paying passenger) without the obligation to refund or find another flight for you, since you "broke the rules". I presume their legal team has assessed that in court they can always claim it was an unintentional misinterpretation of the law.
Unfortunately, if Ryanair bumps you for this, your only option is to go to the EasyJet counter and book another flight at your expense. EasyJet (or any other airline, for that matter) does not implement any such policy. The police also can't help you, since this policy is unique to Ryanair, and has no basis in Spanish or EU law.
If you're not carrying an EU passport (regardless of your visa status) always make sure you get a Spanish stamp in the passport (if you'll be leaving the country on Ryanair). You can do this by finding the customs office at the airport of arrival in Spain. Tell the customs office you will be departing on Ryanair and need a Spanish entry stamp, and they will likely roll their eyes, chuckle, and stamp your passport. They will know. The airport police tend to despise Ryanair because of all the unnecessary problems they routinely cause.
Otherwise, you may need to convince Ryanair's "visa check" people when checking in for your exit flight. If they have no overbookings, they may not even bother to look at your passport since there will be no point in bumping you.
The other alternative is simply to use a different airline. EasyJet is usually only a few quid more expensive than Ryanair. In the long run, it's often worth every penny to use another airline to avoid the usual Ryanair nonsense.
Consistent personal experience in Spain:
If sometime during your trip to Spain, and you intend to fly Ryanair, ALWAYS be SURE to get a Spanish entry stamp in your passport when you arrive in Spain. I've learned this the hard way.
For example, if you flew to Spain from say, Germany, there is no passport control, and therefore you would not get a Spanish entry stamp in your passport. If this is the case, go to the Spanish customs office and demand a stamp upon arrival in Spain (but only if you intend to fly Ryanair).
If you are not an EU citizen, you will be required to submit your passport for a "visa check" prior to check-in at the Ryanair counter. One of Ryanair's stupidest rules is that non-EU citizens boarding a Ryanair flight from a Spanish airport are required to have a Spanish ENTRY stamp not more than 90 days old in their passport, or else they will refuse boarding without refund or re-booking. A valid stamp from another EU state (e.g., Germany, UK, Belgium, Italy) is not acceptable. It MUST be Spanish. This has nothing to do with the law. It's another silly "rule" exclusive to Ryanair (no other airline does this).
Like most other "rules" on Ryanair, this one designed to capture incremental revenue by enabling them to overbook the flight and, in as many cases as possible, refuse boarding (filling your seat with another paying passenger) without the obligation to refund or find another flight for you, since you "broke the rules". I presume their legal team has assessed that in court they can always claim it was an unintentional misinterpretation of the law.
Unfortunately, if Ryanair bumps you for this, your only option is to go to the EasyJet counter and book another flight at your expense. EasyJet (or any other airline, for that matter) does not implement any such policy. The police also can't help you, since this policy is unique to Ryanair, and has no basis in Spanish or EU law.
If you're not carrying an EU passport (regardless of your visa status) always make sure you get a Spanish stamp in the passport (if you'll be leaving the country on Ryanair). You can do this by finding the customs office at the airport of arrival in Spain. Tell the customs office you will be departing on Ryanair and need a Spanish entry stamp, and they will likely roll their eyes, chuckle, and stamp your passport. They will know. The airport police tend to despise Ryanair because of all the unnecessary problems they routinely cause.
Otherwise, you may need to convince Ryanair's "visa check" people when checking in for your exit flight. If they have no overbookings, they may not even bother to look at your passport since there will be no point in bumping you.
The other alternative is simply to use a different airline. EasyJet is usually only a few quid more expensive than Ryanair. In the long run, it's often worth every penny to use another airline to avoid the usual Ryanair nonsense.
Btw.. am really surprised by this stance from Ryan Air and that the airport authorities are not doing anything
Jan 31, 2011, 9:52 am
#83
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: London
Posts: 1,117
amideislas - I also recall reading about visa-related problems using Ryanair with non-EU passports in another thread, indeed I think it was you who recounted the same sorry tale there.
However, you are jumping to the wrong conclusions - Ryanair do not overbook flights, indeed the whole business model of LCCs such as Ryanair is to keep things as simple as possible and to avoid ancillary costs and complex extra processes - such as having to deal with passengers who have been bumped because of overbooking.
Instead the explanation for your problems is almost certainly that of simple incompetence - and in all likelihood it's not actually the incompetence of Ryanair's own staff, but rather that of the ground handling agent who are contracted by Ryanair to handle the check-in process.
Of course, that doesn't mean Ryanair aren't at fault - they should be managing their contractors better and ensuring they follow the correct procedures. But I suspect the ground handling agent's misinterpretation of these procedures comes about because they know that Ryanair wants their rules to be strictly adhered to - indeed there's likely to be a financial penalty as a result if they mess up. The problem with all this is that whilst the ground handling agent thinks they are strictly interpreting and enforcing Ryanair's rules, they're actually managing to get it wrong.
Getting Ryanair HQ to appreciate and acknowledge that there might be an issue with how one of their ground handling agents, er, handle things could be difficult I guess - but I'd think they would be interested - well at least the relevant people within Ryanair HQ would be interested, however the first line of customer service bods might well not appreciate the significance of it all. Of course, Ryanair are still likely to want to pay as little for ground handling services as they can - and as the saying goes, you pay peanuts....
However, you are jumping to the wrong conclusions - Ryanair do not overbook flights, indeed the whole business model of LCCs such as Ryanair is to keep things as simple as possible and to avoid ancillary costs and complex extra processes - such as having to deal with passengers who have been bumped because of overbooking.
Instead the explanation for your problems is almost certainly that of simple incompetence - and in all likelihood it's not actually the incompetence of Ryanair's own staff, but rather that of the ground handling agent who are contracted by Ryanair to handle the check-in process.
Of course, that doesn't mean Ryanair aren't at fault - they should be managing their contractors better and ensuring they follow the correct procedures. But I suspect the ground handling agent's misinterpretation of these procedures comes about because they know that Ryanair wants their rules to be strictly adhered to - indeed there's likely to be a financial penalty as a result if they mess up. The problem with all this is that whilst the ground handling agent thinks they are strictly interpreting and enforcing Ryanair's rules, they're actually managing to get it wrong.
Getting Ryanair HQ to appreciate and acknowledge that there might be an issue with how one of their ground handling agents, er, handle things could be difficult I guess - but I'd think they would be interested - well at least the relevant people within Ryanair HQ would be interested, however the first line of customer service bods might well not appreciate the significance of it all. Of course, Ryanair are still likely to want to pay as little for ground handling services as they can - and as the saying goes, you pay peanuts....
Last edited by Mizter T; Jan 31, 2011 at 10:01 am
Feb 1, 2011, 1:56 am
#84
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: PDX
Programs: Don't think it matters...
Posts: 5,240
amideislas - I also recall reading about visa-related problems using Ryanair with non-EU passports in another thread, indeed I think it was you who recounted the same sorry tale there.
However, you are jumping to the wrong conclusions - Ryanair do not overbook flights, indeed the whole business model of LCCs such as Ryanair is to keep things as simple as possible and to avoid ancillary costs and complex extra processes - such as having to deal with passengers who have been bumped because of overbooking.
Instead the explanation for your problems is almost certainly that of simple incompetence - and in all likelihood it's not actually the incompetence of Ryanair's own staff, but rather that of the ground handling agent who are contracted by Ryanair to handle the check-in process.
Of course, that doesn't mean Ryanair aren't at fault - they should be managing their contractors better and ensuring they follow the correct procedures. But I suspect the ground handling agent's misinterpretation of these procedures comes about because they know that Ryanair wants their rules to be strictly adhered to - indeed there's likely to be a financial penalty as a result if they mess up. The problem with all this is that whilst the ground handling agent thinks they are strictly interpreting and enforcing Ryanair's rules, they're actually managing to get it wrong.
Getting Ryanair HQ to appreciate and acknowledge that there might be an issue with how one of their ground handling agents, er, handle things could be difficult I guess - but I'd think they would be interested - well at least the relevant people within Ryanair HQ would be interested, however the first line of customer service bods might well not appreciate the significance of it all. Of course, Ryanair are still likely to want to pay as little for ground handling services as they can - and as the saying goes, you pay peanuts....
However, you are jumping to the wrong conclusions - Ryanair do not overbook flights, indeed the whole business model of LCCs such as Ryanair is to keep things as simple as possible and to avoid ancillary costs and complex extra processes - such as having to deal with passengers who have been bumped because of overbooking.
Instead the explanation for your problems is almost certainly that of simple incompetence - and in all likelihood it's not actually the incompetence of Ryanair's own staff, but rather that of the ground handling agent who are contracted by Ryanair to handle the check-in process.
Of course, that doesn't mean Ryanair aren't at fault - they should be managing their contractors better and ensuring they follow the correct procedures. But I suspect the ground handling agent's misinterpretation of these procedures comes about because they know that Ryanair wants their rules to be strictly adhered to - indeed there's likely to be a financial penalty as a result if they mess up. The problem with all this is that whilst the ground handling agent thinks they are strictly interpreting and enforcing Ryanair's rules, they're actually managing to get it wrong.
Getting Ryanair HQ to appreciate and acknowledge that there might be an issue with how one of their ground handling agents, er, handle things could be difficult I guess - but I'd think they would be interested - well at least the relevant people within Ryanair HQ would be interested, however the first line of customer service bods might well not appreciate the significance of it all. Of course, Ryanair are still likely to want to pay as little for ground handling services as they can - and as the saying goes, you pay peanuts....
I read below that a customs stamp will do, but will they stamp just because some lcc folks want it ??
And if anyone knows the email ids of ryanair customer service senior folks, do post the details here.. many fters would be interested to share their experience which can only help the airline improve..
Feb 1, 2011, 6:25 am
#85
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 7,605
Like most other "rules" on Ryanair, this one designed to capture incremental revenue by enabling them to overbook the flight and, in as many cases as possible, refuse boarding (filling your seat with another paying passenger) without the obligation to refund or find another flight for you, since you "broke the rules".
As most of their passengers check-in on-line they are under an obligation to ensure that their passengers have a right to be in the destination country. Thus they require non-EEA passengers to have their documents checked. That is probably because the cost of getting it wrong is high and as Ryanair don't charge for the service it suggests that they are doing it to protect themselves rather than create a new revenue stream.
That in Spain they insist on a Spanish entry stamp suggests a problem with their people in Spain as there have been no reports of it elsewhere within the EU or EEA.
Feb 1, 2011, 12:53 pm
#86
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: PDX
Programs: Don't think it matters...
Posts: 5,240
If this is the case, then somehow this should be brought to the knowledge of their management ( though I doubt that no one has done this yet).. am also surprised that this has not come in the media yet given their penchant for publicizing anything they can -ve about ryan air..
Feb 1, 2011, 1:23 pm
#87
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
It seems like the ulta lccs know that it is easy to generate revenue off stupid people. People continually flock to this airline because its dirt cheap. Fine but then fully expect no customer service, surly and uncaring employees that treat you like a nuisance, and to pay for everything else under the sun. Also, in the case of irregular operations you are on your own. In short, you will get what you paid for. If you think otherwise, you are stupid. And no matter how many people will get on Twitter and Facebook to talk about their horrible ordeal there will be new takers. That is what Ryan Air bases its business model on.
Here in the US, the politicans just love beating up on the airlines. Therefore, the ultra lccs such as Spirit or Allegiant give just enough customer service to stay out of cross hairs and avoid any real outrageous behavior such as wanting paxs to pay for the loo.
Here in the US, the politicans just love beating up on the airlines. Therefore, the ultra lccs such as Spirit or Allegiant give just enough customer service to stay out of cross hairs and avoid any real outrageous behavior such as wanting paxs to pay for the loo.
Feb 1, 2011, 1:24 pm
#88
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 7,605
If this is the case, then somehow this should be brought to the knowledge of their management ( though I doubt that no one has done this yet).. am also surprised that this has not come in the media yet given their penchant for publicizing anything they can -ve about ryan air..
Besides the Daily Mail wouldn't touch it as it involves foreigners
Feb 1, 2011, 5:36 pm
#89
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: London
Posts: 1,117
[...]
Here in the US, the politicans just love beating up on the airlines. Therefore, the ultra lccs such as Spirit or Allegiant give just enough customer service to stay out of cross hairs and avoid any real outrageous behavior such as wanting paxs to pay for the loo.
Here in the US, the politicans just love beating up on the airlines. Therefore, the ultra lccs such as Spirit or Allegiant give just enough customer service to stay out of cross hairs and avoid any real outrageous behavior such as wanting paxs to pay for the loo.
...because when people talk about them, they also think about them - and they think, 'well, Ryanair really are scallyways, this latest thing they want to do is outrageous... but I suppose they do offer cheap flights... and how else can the flights be so cheap unless they pare down every cost... in fact I might just take a look at their website and see if there are any deals on, a little break would be nice...'
Like they say - any publicity is good publicity. Anyhow, whilst we're talking about it, did you know you can fly from London (STN) to Bremen for £8 each way this and next month...?
(TBH I did actually check the above. You need a prepaid Mastercard to avoid getting stung when paying for it, have hand luggage only, and print your own boarding pass - but it's a real enough fare... just probably not where or when you want to go!)
Feb 2, 2011, 1:51 am
#90
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: PDX
Programs: Don't think it matters...
Posts: 5,240
Ryanair don't want to make paxs pay for the loo, or have them on perch seats, or make them load their own luggage into the hold or anything else like that - instead they simply want newspapers to write about them, and for the radio and television to mention them, and for people to talk about them......
Like they say - any publicity is good publicity. Anyhow, whilst we're talking about it, did you know you can fly from London (STN) to Bremen for £8 each way this and next month...?
(TBH I did actually check the above. You need a prepaid Mastercard to avoid getting stung when paying for it, have hand luggage only, and print your own boarding pass - but it's a real enough fare... just probably not where or when you want to go!)
Like they say - any publicity is good publicity. Anyhow, whilst we're talking about it, did you know you can fly from London (STN) to Bremen for £8 each way this and next month...?
(TBH I did actually check the above. You need a prepaid Mastercard to avoid getting stung when paying for it, have hand luggage only, and print your own boarding pass - but it's a real enough fare... just probably not where or when you want to go!)
This makes sense since these kinds of news of problems for foreigners is something the media does not want to carry nowadays in europe..