Ryanair: Frankfurt to Gdansk

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-Hahn Airport (HHN)

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Arrival: Gdansk, Poland - Gdansk Lech Walesa (GDN)

Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport is named after Lech Walesa, a former Polish president. On the outside wall of the main terminal building, travelers can view a stylized "W" (Walesa’s actual signature) and the logo for the airport.

Location: Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport is located 5 km (3 miles) from the Gdansk city center.

Transport:

- Rail: Train line #510 provides service to Gdynia Glowna (Railway Station).

- Bus: Bus line #110 provides service to Gdansk-Wrzeszcz (Railway Station). Line B provides service to Gdansk Glowny(Railway Station).

- Taxi: A taxi rank is located in front of the main entrance to the passenger terminal.

Service: In the airport there are a few restaurants and cafes, shops, and a currency exchange.
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