Ryanair- recent experiences?

No recent experience, but every flight I have taken with them has been great. Leave on time, get there on time, great price.

Baggage policies are changing, some last November, more in January. Checking your bag is the way to go. You may also want to spend the 5 euro and get Priority Boarding. The baggage change in January will mean that without priority boarding your larger bag will automatically be gate checked in the hold at no charge, allowing you only the very small personal item in the cabin. If your daybag is larger than the personal item limits, then it goes in the hold. If you get the Priority Boarding, you can take a larger item into the cabin as well as a small personal item.

Double or triple check the information concerning carry on bag and size. I have read confusing postings recently about the priority board with bags and recent changes in luggage requirements. Some are saying that the priority board does not give an advantage to carry on bags. Check it carefully from the source. Mistakes with Ryan Air generally means a big fee.

I've only had good experiences with Ryanair, as long as you know what you are (not) paying for.

We have used them about 4-5 times over the last 5 years or so , no issues .

Last time we used them was a year and half ago , so nothing recent , but their basic service model hasn't changed much , JUST BE SURE to read the rules on luggage , check in times , and boarding passes . They don't give you a break if you screw up .

Last flew Ryanair in June, Bournemouth to Palma, no issues whatsoever. Paid for checked luggage, seats and priority boarding as we were all travelling with children. Comparable with BA now albeit with less arrogant cabin crew.

Sure, the purchasing process might be convoluted but nothing is hidden, you have your purchase options but it's down to you what extras you want to opt for.

I have no reservations with flying Ryanair, if the destination and flight works then go for it.

I flew out of Bologna on Ryanair this spring. Routine. Read and follow all the website instructions closely. That includes size/weight of bags and don't expect flexibility. Arrive at the airport in plenty of time. Check bag in. Go through security; the airport now processes cabin bags through a central checkpoint, which can be crowded and take some time. Up, up and away, no more discomfort than many or most European short hops. Retrieve checked bag. Count money saved.

Thank you, all. Still trying to decide between Ryanair and Alitalia. They look pretty comparable in price after to add 1 checked bag.

Thank you, all. Still trying to decide between Ryanair and Alitalia. They look pretty comparable in price after to add 1 checked bag.

Alitalia are holding on by a very thin thread. They've been bailed out by the Italian taxpayer so many times I wouldn't be surprised if the government refuses this time. There have been expressions of interest from Lufthansa and Easyjet but their interests only apply to certain aspects of the airline so it's unclear whether these would be acceptable for all parties concerned.

I would be very hesitant to book with them and would definitely prefer the more solvent and significantly more secure Ryanair.

Thought you might be interested in this recent article Called the Top 10 Ryan Air fees and how to avoid them:
https://www.tripsavvy.com/ryanair-charges-fees-1644055

Kaye

I looked at the article previously posted, even though it said it was "updated" 12/1/17, much was still outdated. I will be the first to admit that any budget airline is "buyer beware"; but not much more than any airline, and all clearly explained during booking.

Ryanair seems to be having labour disputes and strikes are threatened after the first of the year.

One thing I would look at is how many flights there are that day after yours - in case there's a delay or cancelled flight, what are your chances for getting on a later flight the same day.