Ryanair: Cork to Grenoble

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: Cork, Ireland (ORK)

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Arrival: Grenoble, France - Grenoble-Isère (GNB)

Grenoble-Isère Airport or "Aéroport de Grenoble-Isère," also known as Grenoble - Saint-Geoirs Airport, serves the small town of Grenoble and multiple ski resorts in the area. The airport was originally built for the 1968 Winter Olympics - Rhône-Alpes has hosted the Games on three occasions, in Chamonix, Grenoble and Albertville.

Location: Grenoble-Isère Airport is located 2.5 kilometers north-northwest of Saint-Étienne-de-Saint-Geoirs and 40 kilometers from Grenoble, both communes are in the Isère département of France.

Transport:

- Bus: There is a regular service to the bus station in Grenoble, connecting to services to local ski resorts and other regional centers. Tickets can be bought at a ticket booth in the main terminal.

- Taxi: Travelers are able take taxis to surrounding areas, the taxi stand is located in front of the airport.

Service: Inside the airport there are a few shops including duty free as well as a restaurant/bar. Cash dispensers are also available within the airport. more...