Ryanair: Bologna to Birmingham

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.

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Departure: Bologna, Italy - Guglielmo Marconi (BLQ)

Bologna Airport or "Aeroporto di Bologna," is also named Guglielmo Marconi Airport after Bologna native Guglielmo Marconi, an Italian electrical engineer and Nobel laureate. The airport serves the city of Bologna in north-central Italy. Location: Bologna Airport is approximately 6 kilometers (3.75 miles) northwest of the town center in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, and is about 200 kilometers (125 miles) east of Milan. Transport: - Rail: Bologna central railway station is located about 6 kilometers outside the airport, and has connections to all major destinations in Italy. The station can be reached by a 20 minutes drive by Aerobus, which leaves the airport every 15 minutes. For more information on specific train rates and schedules, consult the Trenitalia Official Site. - Bus: The Aerobus, runs to Bologna central railway station and the city centre every 15 minutes, and departs from Arrivals at the terminal. Fares can be bought on the bus. There is a bus service to and from Modena Airport and the city center, which also leave every 15 minutes, and takes about an hour. For more information on bus transport click here. - Taxi: Taxis are available at the terminal in front of the arrivals hall. They can also be booked in advance through COTABO. Services: In Bologna Aiport, there are information desks in the departures area of both Terminals. A flight information board is located in Terminal A departures as well as various screens throughout the terminal which provide flight information for passengers. Both a telephone information service and a tourist information counter are available as well. The lost property office is located on the ground floor of Terminal A as well as a full service bank, ATM's, a currency exchange (in both terminals), and a post office. A children's play area is located in the self-service and restaurant area on the second floor of Terminal A. Baby-changing facilities are provided in all ladies toilets, and Help-phones are available for assistance with children. Tobacconists, newsstands, are available at the airport, as well as numerous shops. The duty free shops are located within both terminals. Also, there are restaurants and bars located in both terminals, as well as a restaurant on Via Triumvirato outside the terminals, adjacent to car park P3. Guglielmo Marconi Airport also has numerous cultural promotions known as Airport Art Events, which have proved highly successful and popular with travelers passing through the airport.

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Arrival: Birmingham, United Kingdom - Birmingham Intl (BHX)

Birmingham International Airport is one of the UK's busiest hubs. Well serviced by flag carrier and low-cost airlines alike, Birmingham is a major launch pad for bmibaby, flybe, and Thomsonfly. In 2007, the airport won the Airports Council International's award for Best Airport in Europe in its traffic category. Location: Birmingham International Airport 10 km (six miles) southeast of central Birmingham in the borough of Solihull, West Midlands, England. Transport: - Rail: The Air-Rail shuttle service is free and links the airport to the Birmingham International Train Station in a few minutes. Train operators include CrossCountry and Virgin Trains, which offer service between London and Glasgow via Birmingham. For more information consult the railway's Official Website. - Bus: Two bus lines transport passengers between the airport and central Birmingham. Both run an average of once every half-hour and take about 20 minutes. - Taxi: Black cabs are able to carry up to five people with luggage. They can be found at the taxi stand outside the terminals. Service: The airport contains information desks as well as the Visitor Center in terminal 1 for travel information. There are ATMs and currency exchange kiosks in both terminals. Aside from an extensive range of restaurants and shops, there are also postal facilities, 24-hour medical centers, and a prayer room. more...