Ryanair: Brescia to Cagliari

The carrier: Ryanair

Upside
Massive number of destinations. Really cheap fares.

Downside
Numerous extra charges when booking. Customer care isn't a priority (See below). Food prices on board very steep.

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 500 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.

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 €10 and the second and third bags are €20 each. Over 15 kg, €15 per kg at the airport. Check website for details.

Seating
Since Ryanair is a 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.

Note: If you check in at the airport, you will also incur a €5 fee. Note that American passengers can only check in at the airport.


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Departure: Brescia, Italy - Montichiari (VBS)

Brescia Airport, serving the town of Brescia, was named after two Italian judges who fought against the mafia.

Location: Brescia Airport is located 18 kilometers from Brescia's city center in north-central Italy, 50 kilometers from Verona, and 120 kilometers from Milan.

Transport:

- Rail: There is a frequent shuttle bus service to and from Porta Nuova train station (Verona). For more information on trains consult the Official Site of Trenitalia.

- Bus: There are two bus shuttle services to Brescia bus station. One runs on Ryanair's flight timetable and the other service runs 3-4 times a day.

- Taxi: Taxies are located outside the air terminal, arrivals hall.

Service: There is a bank and ATM at the airport as well as a newsstand. There are also three bars located in the airport for refreshments. more...

Arrival: Cagliari, Italy - Elmas (CAG)

Cagliari-Elmas Airport international airport is growing, illustrated by its recent addition of six more loading bridges for passenger boarding.

Location: Cagliari-Elmas Airport is located near the town of Cagliari on the island of Sardinia, Italy.

Transport:

- Bus: The ARST (Azienda Regionale Trasporti) serves as the main transport shuttle to and from the airport.

- Taxi: Taxis are available outside the arrivals area of the terminal. Taxi service in Cagliari is provided by Cagliari Taxi, Taxi Amico, and Radio Taxi "Rossoblù."

Service: Besides the various shops and restaurants which can be found in all the airport's areas, the Departures Hall is provided with a shopping gallery. The various shops allow passengers to choose from a wide selection of products and souvenirs. From the gallery it is possible to access both the panoramic restaurant and the terrace located on the floor above. Other airport facilities include a bank, post office, and a first-aid station. more...