Ryanair: Frankfurt to Bari

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: Frankfurt, Germany - Frankfurt Intl (FRA)

In Brief: Germany's busiest airport, Frankfurt International ranks third within Europe in terms of passenger traffic. Unlike some other of Europe's bigger airports, there is not a separate terminal for low-cost airlines. There are, in fact, not a huge number of budget airlines offering flights in and out of Frankfurt, but those that do are distributed across terminals. Air Berlin, Clickair, and Niki fly to Frankfurt International.

Transportation: The best way between the airport and the Frankfurt main train station is by S-Bahn. A one-way journey costs just €3.55 and takes about 10 minutes.
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Arrival: Bari, Italy - Palese Macchie (BRI)

Bari International Airport or "Aeroporto di Bari," also known as Palese Macchie Airport or "Aeroporto di Palese Macchie" after a nearby neighborhood, is an airport serving the city of Bari in Italy.

Location: Bari International Airport is located approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) northwest from the Bari town center. Bari is located on Italy's southeastern edge, at the top of the county's "heel."

Transport:

- Rail: The Tempesta Bus Company links the airport with the central railway station.

- Bus: The Amtab Bus offers service to and from the Bari city center.

- Taxi: Taxis are available outside the arrivals hall.

Service: In the airport there are gift shops, tobacconist/newsagents, travel agency, ATM machines. and duty-free shop. There are also restaurants, snack bars, vending machines, and bars. Travelers and visitors are also able to see the Chapel that is located near the arrival area, which is devoted to the Madonna di Loreto, and was consecrated by Pope John Paul II, when he visited Bari in February of 1984.
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