Ryanair: Valencia to Dusseldorf

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: Valencia, Spain (VLC)

Valencia Airport in Manises ranked eighth among Spanish airports in terms of air traffic and second in the region after Alicante. The airport has flight connections to about 15 European countries with most passengers coming from the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and France. Despite the international connections, the airport handles mainly domestic scheduled flights (close to half the domestic connections are with Madrid). Other destinations of importance, although more seasonal, include Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Seville and Ibiza. Over the years, the airport has become an important business and tourist center as it encourages economic growth in the area. Location:Valencia airport, which is located 8 km west of the capital. Transport: - Bus: There a couple of buses that run to and from Valencia Airport into the center of town. Also, twice daily buses serving the main resorts of the Costa Blanca are available. The Aero-Bus runs directly between the airport and the city center every 20 minutes. Local bus 150 runs between the airport and the central bus station, but it is not as frequent as the Aero-Bus, and it is not a direct service. It is, however, cheaper than the shuttle. - Taxi: Taxis can be found outside of the Arrivals Hall. Be prepared to pay an extra airport supplement fee. A taxi from the airport into the city should cost around €15. Service: The airport has a few information desks in the terminal building as well as a tourist information office. In the terminal, travelers can find several shops, four cafeterias and several restaurants. There are ATMs throughout the airport as well as a currency exchange. Other airport services include a pharmacy, chapel, and First Aid center.

Arrival: Dusseldorf, Germany - Dusseldorf (DUS)

In Brief: Germany's third busiest airport, Duesseldorf is a major Lufthansa hub. It is also an important hub for Air Berlin, and serves a smattering of low-cost and charter airlines in addition. Transportation: The S-Bahn takes just ten minutes to travel between the airport and Duesseldorf's main train station. A one-way fare costs €3.