Ryanair: Nottingham to Fuerteventura

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: 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...

Arrival: Fuerteventura, Spain (FUE)

Fuerteventura Airport serves the Spanish island of Fuerteventura and plays a key role in tourism development on the island. Aside from multiple EU and international destinations, the airport also currently links with other Spanish destinations, such as Barcelona, Bilbao, Girona and Seville. The Fuerteventura Airport is known for its month-long art exhibitions located in the check-in area on the lower floor of the terminal building. Since the commencement of the exhibitions, more than 30 artists have been able to showcase their art and work making the journey from the check-in area to the boarding lounge much more interesting and appealing to travelers. Location: Fuerteventura Airport is located in El Matorral, five km from the island capital of Puerto del Rosario. Transport: - Bus: Outside of the arrivals hall, the bus stop is to the left of the building. There are two main bus routes: the number three runs ever half hour and the number ten runs every two hours. Both routes originate in Puerto del Rosario and travel to and from Caleta de Fuste via the Fuerteventura Airport. There is also a route between Puerto del Rosario and Morro Jable. These routes are operated by the local bus company Tiadhe. For specific information on schedules and fares visit their Official Website. - Taxi: Taxis are available in front of the Arrivals Hall. It is possible to book a taxi in advance. Keep in mind that an Airport supplement must be paid in addition to the fare. Service: There are two information desks located in the terminal and a tourist office in the arrivals area. There are several airport shops and cafes on the first floor with a wide variety of goods. A main cafeteria area is also located on the first floor. In the terminal building there is a bank and ATMs. Other airport facilities include a children’s play area and first-aid. more...