Ryanair to close check-in counters

[madamtrashheap]

Interesting move from Ryanair, but will make things a little more awkward for travellers who don't take laptops/blackberries/mobile devices on trips and who haven't been able to access an internet cafe...
news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7903656.stm
hmm, maybe time to open a franchise of airport internet booths!

[Eagle]

MTH, thanks for posting that! I'm sure it will have some bearing on the travel plans of many of our members here.

I wonder how those who don't have access to the net (such as many from this side of the Atlantic) will check-in for their flights? Perhaps they'll install automated Kiosks in the airport, as some of the airlines here have done? The passenger simply enters their confirmation number, and the Kiosk provides them with a Boarding Pass.

I also note that RyanAir is considering allowing Cell Phone use once flights reach an altitude of 10K feet. I sure hope they re-think that policy, as I find listening to cell phone conversations on the ground annoying as it is. In an aircraft, there will be no escape!

Cheers!

[herrbert]

But Ryanair is annoying ... with there lotteries, house-music when the food-trolley arrives. million dollar fees for an extra suitcase, there voice telling you you've just been on another on time flight (no wonder if you calculate 15 minutes extra for flights, than other airlines!!! ) ... oooh ... just don't get me started about Ryanair.

I used online check-in for my last few trips (Lufthansa), and it works perfectly. You can choose your own seat. But if you are flying with check-in luggage I wonder how much time they safe, as they still have to accept your luggage. For most airlines, you can check-in online as far as a day infront, until several days before the actual flight(s). So there should be enough time, on the day before your travel to look for an internet café. (if you are traveling, or not at home.)

Ryanair has however a policy, which makes a lot of people (that do weekendtrips), flying with on-board luggage only. So in a way I can understand their move, as being the next step, to have even less people taking care of you, as less people means you can work cheaper.

[Eagle]

herrbert, I agree with your sentiments about RyanAir, as I've found that flying with them has a certain "annoyance factor", especially with extra costs. As a result of past experiences, I've decided that I will fly with them again if necessary but will look at all other options first (preferably with EasyJet). As you mentioned, it appears that they're trying to cut costs further, at the same time they're trying to squeeze every last Euro out of their passengers. I'm sure the airline business in Europe is especially competitive, but they should remember to keep the customers happy too!

Cheers!

[herrbert]

I have used their flights a few times, and never quite liked it. But you get where you need to be, and that also counts. Also I found that if you calculate all costs, you can in most cases find flights just as competitative.

But their marketing works very good, as everybody that hear cheap flights, will say Ryanair first. So from that point of view it works for them.

If people are happy to fly with Ryanair, I won't hold them back, but I avoid them as much as possible.

The one thing I would fear most is that the competition between these cheap companies, leads to cuts in the safety checks, and maintainance, but I think that at least in the EU, (so Ryanair included as it's an Irish Airline) the possibility to do that are minimal, because of the laws.

[madamtrashheap]

Feb 26, 2009 13:48:45 GMT -5 herrbert said:

If people are happy to fly with Ryanair, I won't hold them back, but I avoid them as much as possible.

I second that! And if I have to fly them (ie best time/route) again then I will, but I'll always look for an alternative.