Ryanair: Porto to Pisa

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: Porto, Portugal - Porto (OPO)

Porto Airport or "Aeroporto Internacional Dr. Francisco de Sa Carneiro", also known as "Aeroporto do Porto" or "Aeroporto de Pedras Rubras", is currently the third-busiest airport in Portugal. It is named after the Portuguese Politician, Francisco de Sa Carneiro. Location: Porto Airport is located 11 km (7 miles) northwest of the city center. Transport: - Rail: The metro rail line E serves the airport regularly and is located just outside the terminal. A trip into the city center takes roughly 30 minutes. - Bus: There are regular local as well as long distance bus connections available at the airport. - Taxi: Taxis are available 24 hours a day and can be found outside the Arrivals Hall. Service: Airport services include an information desk, bank, ATMs, currency exchange, Internet access points as well as multiple shops and places to eat. Other facilities include a pharmacy and post office.

Arrival: Pisa, Italy - Pisa Gal Galilei (PSA)

Galileo Galilei International Airport is named after Galileo Galilei, the famous scientist and native of Pisa. The airport serves Pisa, but also functions as a secondary (or primary, depending on who you ask!) airport for nearby Florence.

Location:

Galileo Galilei International Airport is located 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) south of Pisa in the San Giusto neighborhood.

Transport:

•Rail: Trains run from the railway station next to the terminal, with services to Lucca via Pisa Centrale, Florence (Firenze SMN) via Pisa Centrale, Pontedera and Empoli, as well as a service to Florence via Montecatini and Pistoia.
•Bus: Buses carry passengers to various stops in the city center, and leaves from outside the Arrivals hall and from the Cassa Parcheggi, outside the Departures hall.
•Taxi: The Pisa taxi cooperative known as the CO.TA.PI, and Radio Taxi both run a 24-hour taxi service from the airport. CO.TA.PI has a collective taxi running to the Pisa Centrale railway station and Ospedale Santa Chiara for a flat rate.

Service:

The airport information desk in the Arrivals hall provides tourist and flight info, and one can purchase rail and bus tickets there. The tourist information desk can be found outside the Arrivals Hall. There is a bar on the ground floor, and two restaurants on the first floor. Most of the shops are located in the La Corte shopping area. A tax-free shop is located in Departures.

There is a post office in the airport, and a bank that has an ATM, as well as a currency exchange machine. The airport provides a First Aid Station, and an Air Health Office, which offers vaccinations. Other facilities include a children's play area.