Ryanair: Brussels to Girona

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: Brussels, Belgium - Charleroi (CRL)

Brussels South Charleroi Airport in Wallonia, Belgium has just opened a new terminal in January 2008 which has the capacity to serve of up to 5 million passengers a year and is a host to sever budget carriers. Location: South Charleroi Airport is located 4 miles (7kilometres) north of Charleroi, 46km (28.75 miles) from central Brussels, in Wallonia (Belgium). Transport: - Rail: From any railway station in Belgium, you can reach Charleroi Brussels South airport by asking for a "bulk-Charleroi airport" ticket at the railway station you start from. When you arrive at Charleroi South station, you only need to take the A bus line to reach the airport passenger terminal in a few minutes. The "bulk" ticket price includes both rail and bus rides. Similarly, when you land at the airport, you can buy the same "bulk" ticket at the airport ticket desk. From Charleroi station, you can take a train to any railway station in Belgium. For specific rates and times consult the railway timetable website. - Bus: Shuttles are available to and from South Charleroi Airport and the Charleroi bus station using line A. For specific rates and times consult the bus timetable website. - Taxi: Taxi cabs are always available outside the passenger terminal. Do not hesitate to ask taxi drivers about offering a fixed price to your destination. This will often be an option. Service: Airport amenities include automated teller machines, internet hotspots, telephone booths, massage seats, baggage storage, a restaurant and bar, newsstand and pharmacy.

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Arrival: Girona, Spain - Costa Brava (GRO)

Girona - Costa Brava Airport is an important airport for tourism, and the airport has enjoyed a growth in traffic recently due to the arrival of various low-cost carriers. Girona – Costa Brava Airport is well connected to the Costa Brava, the Pyrenees, and Barcelona (many people use Girona Airport as an alternative airport for Barcelona, though it is 92 km (57.5 miles) to the north). Passengers are able to transfer to Barcelona by bus, taxi or train. Location: Girona - Costa Brava Airport is located 12km south from the city of Girona, next to the small village of Vilobí d'Onyar, in the north-east of Catalonia, Spain. Transport: - Rail: Although there are no Girona Airport Trains available, travelers are able to take the Girona Airport Bus or a Taxi to the train station and transfer from there. Girona Trains run to Barcelona roughly 30 minutes and ticket prices will vary depending on which company you use and what time of day it is. For more specific information about schedules and fares consult the RENFE train Official Website. If you are headed to Barcelona, you can transfer from the train to the Barcelona Metro. For maps, fares, and schedules look at the official website of the Metro. - Bus: As a result of Ryanair passengers traveling to Barcelona via The Girona Airport, buses have increased in response to the large demand. Ryanair now has a bus line that covers the Airport-Girona and Airport-Barcelona routes. The ticket sales office is located on the ground floor, in the Arrivals Hall. There are four buses at Girona Airport and you can find them all at the stop outside of the Girona Airport Arrivals Hall. There are also bus services that connect the airport with the towns on the Costa Brava / Maresme (Tossa de Mar, Lloret de Mar, Blanes, Malgrat de Mar, Santa Susanna, Pineda de Mar and Calella de la Costa) and Costa Brava / North (Figueres, Roses, Pineda, Calella and Tossa de Mar). - Taxi: If there are no taxis at the airport's taxi rank, you can phone for one at Taxi Girona. All taxis must have a complaints book where travelers can detail any disagreement they may have about the service. Taxis at the airport's official taxi rank are equipped with taximeters for journeys to different parts of the province and Barcelona. The taximeter will show the fare, as well as any applicable supplements. Keep in mind that the number of passengers traveling inside the vehicle does not affect the fare. Most taxis hold a maximum of four people and their baggage (1 suitcase and 1 piece of hand baggage per person). If you have many bags, look for a hatchback taxi that has more room or go to the information desk and ask them to order a larger taxi. Service: Although small, Girona Airport has a few shops and restaurants for its travelers. There are various information centers throughout the airport as well. Other services include ATMs, a post box, and lost luggage offices. more...