Ryanair: Basel to Dublin

The carrier: Ryanair

About

The big daddy of them all, Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair maintains the most awe-inspiring route map and tends to add new destinations (and cancel unprofitable routes) at blistering, breakneck speed. Founded in 1985, Ryanair was Europe's original low fares airline and is still Europe's largest low fares carrier. At current count, Ryanair operates well over 1000 routes, from Inverness to Brindisi; Tampere to Tenerife.

It's easy to have lots of opinions about Ryanair; we certainly do. It's a big monster of an airline. We've been pleased as punch on Ryanair, psyched to take advantage of insanely cheap fares, and we've also been annoyed beyond belief with the airline, distressed by enormous surcharges on too-heavy luggage and staff who appear to be completely clueless.

With Ryanair more than with the other airlines we describe here, it pays to be informed about potential penalties and pitfalls.

Upside

Massive number of destinations. Really cheap fares.

Downside

Numerous extra charges when booking. Customer care isn't a priority. Food prices on board very steep.

Baggage

* Carry-on: One piece of luggage not to exceed 10 kg.
* Checked: Up to 3 bags with a combined weight of 15 kg. If booked on-line using Ryanair, the first bag is €15 and the second and third bags are €20 each. Over 15 kg, €15 per kg at the airport. Please note that Ryanair increases the price by €5 in July and August. 

* Please visit Ryanair’s website for more information on its baggage policy.

Seating

Since Ryanair is free for all when it comes to landing seats, it can sometimes be worth it to pay the €5 for priority boarding. In advance, book priority boarding status online, if you hold an EU passport.

Check-in and Ticketing

If you check in at the airport, you will also incur a €5 fee. The fee is €10 at the airport.  Note that American passengers can only check in at the airport.  Online check-in is available from 15 days to 4 hours before departure.  The boarding pass can be printed until 40 minutes before departure.  If you lose your pass then you will have to pay a fee to have a new one reissued.  Bag drop closes 40 minutes before departure, so if you check-in online you must make sure to have your bags in on time.

Tip

Book online whenever possible because fees are significantly reduced.  Also familiarize yourself with Ryanair's table of fees.

Departure: Basel, Switzerland - EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL)

EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg is located near the border of Switzerland, France and Germany, but is officially located in France (on the administrative territory of Saint-Louis). The airport is split into two halves, one serving the French side (known as Schengen) and the other serving the Swiss side. Transport: - Bus: BVB provides service to Basel on the Swiss side. Distribus connects the airport and the St. Louis stations (which provide a rail link to Mulhouse, France). The Freiburger Reisedienst provides bus services to and from the airport and Freiburg, Germany. - Taxi: Taxi stands are located in front of the Arrivals hall, both on the French and Swiss sides. Service: There is an airport information desk located between the French and Swiss sides. Other services include ATMs, Wi-Fi Internet access, currency exchange, a bank, children's play areas, restaurants, bars, and shops (including duty-free). more...

Arrival: Dublin, Ireland (DUB)

In Brief: Dublin Airport is located 10 km (about 6 miles) north of the city. It's a major base for both Aer Lingus and Ryanair, and also handles several Centralwings routes. In terms of sheer numbers, it's one of the most budget airline-friendly airports around. Transportation: Public buses cost between €1.60 and €1.90 to traverse the distance between central Dublin and the airport, depending on how far the journey in question is. Airlink buses, which travel to Dublin's Central Bus Station, cost €6.