Ryanair: Frankfurt to Santander

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: Santander, Spain - Parayas (SDR)

Parayas, Santander Airport is near Santander, Spain and is the only airport of Cantabria.

Location: Santander Airport is located 5 km the city on the west side of the bay in the town of Maliaño, in municipal district of Camargo.

Transport:

- Bus: The Santander airport bus stop is located outside the main terminal building next to the Arrivals. Buses run every 30 minutes into the Santander bus station. The airport is only five km from Santander so the journey is relatively quick, about 15 minutes. For specific information check the bus company’s Official Website. Coach operator ALSA offers regular service between the airport and cities in the north of Spain which include Bilbao, Oviedo, Gijón and Laredo. For more information consult Alsa’s Website.

- Taxi: The taxi rank is located opposite of the Arrivals Hall. The taxi drivers know in advance the schedule of flights so they will wait accordingly.

Service: There is a multi shop in the main terminal building and a cafeteria located in the Departures Hall. more...