Ryanair: Toulouse 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: Toulouse, France - Blagnac (TLS)

Toulouse Blagnac International Airport or "Aéroport de Toulouse - Blagnac" is served by carriers such as easyJet, Thomsonfly and Aer Lingus.

Location: Toulouse Blagnac International Airport is located 7 kilometers (4 miles) northwest of Toulouse, just south of Blagnac, both communes of the Haute-Garonne département in the Midi-Pyrénées region of France.

Transport:

- Bus: Shuttle buses leave from Door C for the city center, which takes about 20 minutes. The shuttle's main stops are the bus station, Jean Jaurès, Jeanne d'Arc and Compans Caffarelli.

- Taxi: Taxis leave from a taxi rank located outside Door C.

Services: There are numerous bars, restaurants and shops inside the airport. There is also a bank, currency exchange and an ATM. Internet facilities are available throughout the airport, as well as Wi-Fi access.

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...