Ryanair: Bristol to Budapest

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: Bristol, United Kingdom - Bristol International (BRS)

In addition to serving as a major base for easyJet and Ryanair, Bristol takes quite a bit of charter air traffic. Once we took both the low-cost and the charter activity into account, we realized that Bristol may be one of our most heavily trafficked airports for budget-oriented flyers. Bristol is also southwest England's biggest airport. Location: Bristol International Airport is located 13 km (8 miles) south of Bristol city center. Transport: - Rail: The closest rail connection to Bristol International Airport is at the Bristol Temple Meads station, seven miles away. The Bristol International Flyer express coach service connects from Bristol Temple Meads to the airport every 15 minutes at peak times. For more rail information consult the Official Website. - Bus: Bristol International Flyer bus shuttle runs to the Bristol city center and takes about 30 minutes. First Group also runs a bus service to the airport with many stops en route. For a specific schedule check the company's Official Website. - Taxi: The Checker Cars company provides service at Bristol International Airport. Bookings can be made on their Website. Service: In the airport there are information desks, a few shops and places to grab a bite to eat, as well as a currency exchange. more...

Arrival: Budapest, Hungary - Ferihegy (BUD)

In Brief: Budapest has followed a recent trend across several big airports in Europe by reserving an entire terminal for low-cost airlines. Wizz Air and Ryanair are the two biggest low-cost airlines at Budapest, though the airport is also served by a huge number of conventional airlines, and is the base for the Hungarian flag carrier Malev. Transportation: The most budget-friendly way to get to or from the airport is by bus. Bus 93 runs from Terminal 1 to the Kőbánya-Kispest metro terminal; bus 200 runs from Terminals 1 and 2 to Kőbánya-Kispest. From the metro station, the journey to Deák Ferenc Square takes just twenty minutes and costs HUF230 (€.90; $1.35). The train link is only slightly more expensive. Twice an hour trains depart from the airport for Budapest's Nyugati train station. The journey takes around 20 minutes and costs HUF300 (€1.20; $1.75).