Ryanair: Rome to Brussels

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: Rome, Italy - Ciampino Airport (CIA)

Rome Ciampino Airport or "Aeroporto di Roma-Ciampino," also known as Giovan Battista Pastine Airport is a joint civilian, commercial and military airport near Rome in Italy. In recent years, low-cost carriers have now boosted Ciampino and it is now one of the busiest and fastest growing airports in Italy. Ciampino is a major base for Ryanair, and also serves multiple easyJet, Centralwings, and Sterling routes. Currently, Ciampino is more or less a low-cost and charter airline airport.

Location: Rome Ciampino Airport is located on the Via Appia Nuova, 15 km from the centre of Rome.

Transport:

- Rail: To get into the heart of Rome from Ciampino, take the CoTral bus for €2. It departs from outside the terminal every half an hour and takes you to Anagnina, the terminus of Metro line A, in 20 minutes. From line A, you can take the subway (for €1) to Stazione Termini, Rome's main train station.

- Bus: Another way to get into the center of Rome from Ciampino airport is on the Terravision express bus. The Terravision bus connects Ciampino airport to Rome's Termini Station. Frequency of service varies according to flight arrivals and departures, but buses typically arrive every 20 minutes or so. Tickets cost €8 one-way and €14 round-trip. Visit the Terravision booking engine to book bus tickets in advance.

- Taxi: Taxis are available at the airport. The official taxis are white and identified by the illuminated Taxi sign on the roof. Ensure the meter is running, and check the approximate price of the journey beforehand.

Service: The Airport has 4 information desks located throughout the 4 passenger terminals. There are a number of excellent restaurants, cafes and bars located throughout the airport. High-end shops and duty free can be found in the airport as well. There are Cash Points in the Arrivals area, and in the General Aviation, as well as a bank.

Arrival: Brussels, Belgium - Charleroi (CRL)

Brussels South Charleroi Airport in Wallonia, Belgium has just opened a new terminal in January 2008 which has the capacity to serve of up to 5 million passengers a year and is a host to sever budget carriers. Location: South Charleroi Airport is located 4 miles (7kilometres) north of Charleroi, 46km (28.75 miles) from central Brussels, in Wallonia (Belgium). Transport: - Rail: From any railway station in Belgium, you can reach Charleroi Brussels South airport by asking for a "bulk-Charleroi airport" ticket at the railway station you start from. When you arrive at Charleroi South station, you only need to take the A bus line to reach the airport passenger terminal in a few minutes. The "bulk" ticket price includes both rail and bus rides. Similarly, when you land at the airport, you can buy the same "bulk" ticket at the airport ticket desk. From Charleroi station, you can take a train to any railway station in Belgium. For specific rates and times consult the railway timetable website. - Bus: Shuttles are available to and from South Charleroi Airport and the Charleroi bus station using line A. For specific rates and times consult the bus timetable website. - Taxi: Taxi cabs are always available outside the passenger terminal. Do not hesitate to ask taxi drivers about offering a fixed price to your destination. This will often be an option. Service: Airport amenities include automated teller machines, internet hotspots, telephone booths, massage seats, baggage storage, a restaurant and bar, newsstand and pharmacy.