Ryanair: Cork to Chambery

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.


more...

Departure: Cork, Ireland (ORK)

more...

Arrival: Chambery, France - Chambéry-Savoie (CMF)

Chambéry Airport or "Aéroport de Chambéry-Savoie" is also known as Aix les Bains Airport and provides budget service to mainly Scandinavian countries mainly through the carrier Sterling.

Location: Chambéry Airport is a small international airport near Chambéry, a "commune" in Savoie, France.

Transport:

- Bus: Coach buses to and from the airport are available, travelers can purchase tickets online. They can also be purchased across from the information desk.

- Taxi: The taxi stand is found in front of the terminal building. The fare is usually € 20 to and from the airport and Chambery’s city center. The trip usually takes approximately 10 minutes.

Service: There is a restaurant and bar on the upper level as well a section for arcade games. The shops are located in the departure lounge and across from the airport information desk. An ATM is located near the terminal entrance. more...