Ryanair: Zaragoza 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: Zaragoza, Spain (ZAZ)

Zaragoza Airport is a joint civil-military airport. The airport is also used by NASA as a contingency landing site for the Space Shuttle in the case of an emergency landing. The airport has recently made plans to carry out improvements on infrastructures in order to modernize and adapt the airport. As a result, in February, a new passenger terminal has been opened, which will make it possible to absorb the increase in passenger traffic forecasted in the near future.

Location

Zaragoza airport is located southwest of the city, approximately 10 km from the city center.

Transport

• Bus: There is bus service to and from the airport and the city center. These buses, which run in conjunction with the flight schedule, can be found just outside the terminal building.

• Taxi: Taxis at the airport can be found outside the doors of the Arrival Halls. Generally there will be no wait to find one because the taxi drivers know when the schedule of incoming flights. The taxis at Zaragoza Airport can be found by the doors in the arrivals hall

Service

Although small, Zaragoza airport contains three information points for travelers. There is also a shop, restaurant, and an ATM available.

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.