Ryanair: Milan to Nottingham

The carrier: Ryanair

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 1000 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.

Upside

Massive number of destinations. Really cheap fares.

Downside

Numerous extra charges when booking. Customer care isn't a priority. Food prices on board very steep.

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 €15 and the second and third bags are €20 each. Over 15 kg, €15 per kg at the airport. Please note that Ryanair increases the price by €5 in July and August. 

* Please visit Ryanair’s website for more information on its baggage policy.

Seating

Since Ryanair is 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.

Check-in and Ticketing

If you check in at the airport, you will also incur a €5 fee. The fee is €10 at the airport.  Note that American passengers can only check in at the airport.  Online check-in is available from 15 days to 4 hours before departure.  The boarding pass can be printed until 40 minutes before departure.  If you lose your pass then you will have to pay a fee to have a new one reissued.  Bag drop closes 40 minutes before departure, so if you check-in online you must make sure to have your bags in on time.

Tip

Book online whenever possible because fees are significantly reduced.  Also familiarize yourself with Ryanair's table of fees.

Departure: Milan, Italy - Orio Al Serio (BGY)

Orio al Serio International Airport is an airport that serves low-cost traffic flights into Milan.

Location:

Orio al Serio International Airport is located 45 kilometers (27miles) from Milan, and 5 kilometers from Bergamo.

Transport:

•Rail: After arriving at Bergamo railway station by train, passengers should take the ZANI bus shuttle service from Bus Stop 12 to the Orio al Serio airport. For the train schedule visit the Trenitalia Site.
•Bus: The Zani Bus Service can be found at the front entrance of the airport. There are other private bus services available as well. The airport is easily reachable by bus from Bergamo, Milan and Brescia. Schedules for the shuttles can be found on their officials sites. The companies include Airport Bus, Autostradale, and Orio Shuttle.
•Taxi: Taxis are available at the airport.

Service:

There is an Information Office located at the airport. Travelers can enjoy shopping at the fashion boutiques and shops selling a range of good quality gifts and leatherwear, newspaper and tobacco, as well as the duty free shop. There are restaurants and wine bars located throughout the airport.

There is a bank located at the airport, as well as ATMs, and a post office. The Eurochange currency exchange facility is available for all money matters such as buying and selling traveler's checks, traveler's checks refunds, sale of national and international telephone cards, and VAT refund service. There are also First-Aid and baby changing facilities.

Arrival: Nottingham, United Kingdom - East Midlands (EMA)

East Midlands, the main airport for east-central England, is located between Leicester and Nottingham. It's very dependent on budget and charter airlines, with Ryanair, easyJet, bmibaby, Thomsonfly, and Sterling, among others, on deck. Location: The East Midlands Airport is located 21 km (13 miles) southwest of Nottingham. Transport: - Bus: Between the East Midlands Airport and Nottingham Railway Station, the Nottingham Skylink bus operates an approximately 35 minute ride. Between the airport and St. Margaret's Bus Station in Leicester, the Leicester Skylink bus takes 50 minutes. The Derby Airline Shuttle travels between the Derby Railway Station and the airport in under 35 minutes. There are also bus services to Nottingham, Derby and Leicester (with connections to destinations around Great Britain on the Intercity network) from outside the main Arrivals area. - Taxi: The Checker Cars company serves the East Midlands Airport and are found at the taxi rank outside the terminal. For more information consult the company's Official Website. Service: A 24-hour information desk is located in the main terminal. ATMs, telephones, and two currency exchanges can also be found in the main terminal, which is also equipped with Wi-Fi. There are also a few restaurants and shops (including duty-free) as well as an aviation museum. Other facilities include lounges, children's play centers, first-aid, and a prayer room. more...