Ryanair: Reus to Coventry

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: Reus, Spain (REU)

The Reus Airport receives a large amount of passengers headed to the beach resorts of Salou and Cambrils. A few low-fare airlines use the airport in place of service to Barcelona, which is only 90km to the north and can reached by public and private transport. Location: Reus Airport is located 3 km southeast of the city and 13 km from the Tarragona city center. Transport: - Bus: Public transport buses will take travelers from the airport to the Reus bus station which is located 15 minutes from the Reus town center. You can find these buses outside the Arrivals Hall and the journey will take around 25 minutes. This bus also serves as a connection with the Renfe train station. Tickets can be bought on the bus. For more details visit the Reus Transport Website. There is also a bus that can take travelers straight into Barcelona (at the María Cristina square and Sants station). The buses to Barcelona can be found outside the Arrivals Hall and the journey lasts roughly 90 minutes. The timetables for this service will vary throughout the year as the bus schedule is planned to meet the flights that arrive each day. For an up-to-date listing of the schedule and fares consult the bus company’s Official Website. If travelers would like to reach the town of Cambrils as well as the towns on the way (La Pineda, Faro, Salou and Vilaseca), there is a line which covers this route. For details visit the bus company’s Website. - Taxi: If you are traveling with a big group or have children it may be more convenient to book a private transfer to and from Reus Airport. Many of the taxis at the airport rarely have children’s safety seats and the limit of passengers is four. Service: There are a few shops and restaurants located in the airport. Other services include information desks and a first aid facility. more...

Arrival: Coventry, United Kingdom - Coventry (CVT)

Coventry Airport is located in Baginton, England and serves as a main hub for Thomsonfly. Location: Coventry Airport is located about eight km south of Coventry city center. Transport: - Rail: The Coventry Rail Station is about 15 minutes from the airport and is linked by a shuttle train, which stops outside the station. - Bus: A shuttle bus provides service to the Coventry Rail Station, Pool Meadow Bus Station and the Coventry City Center. It departs from the airport every hour. - Taxi: Central Taxi is the main company that serves the airport. Travelers are able to book a taxi online at their Website. Service: There is Wifi internet access available in certain parts of the airport. Airport shops and restaurants offer foreign exchange service. more...