Ryanair (Stansted - Eindhoven)

I write this review after my first experience of flying with Ryanair, so I may revisit and edit it if my future experience is different. But for now, my opinion is positive.

6:45 in the morning is not a good departure time when getting to Stansted is so difficult. I had to catch a coach form oxford at 1:40 am and so only had a patchy uncomfortable few hours sleep as I prepared for my day trip – not the best way to begin. But after a healthy dose of coffee at Costa Coffee whilst enjoying the 5 o’clock sunshine in the windows from across the runway, I began to enjoy the experience.

Check-in was quick and easy and personally, the concept of ticket-less flights, booked and paid for online, really suited me. Although we had to walk across the runway and up a staircase to board the plane, I kind of enjoyed that and imagined myself as one of those celebrities – a popstar, politician or sportstar perhaps – who stops and gives a wave before walking on-board and out of view.

The 35 minute flight was too brief for me to even care that Ryanair offer no on-board meal or hospitality. Without seat reservations, I was able to locate myself next to the window and overlooking the wing and engines. I enjoy seeing what’s going on and hearing the noise of the engines. For me, the beauty of flying on a relatively small jet is the chance to experience of the engines and the thrust and shaking of the plane as it accelerates and decelerates at take off and landing.

Ryanair is incredibly cheap and if it wasn’t for all the airport charges and government taxes, my £7.99 flights would have been more incredibly cheap than the eventual £46 total. Ryanair is good value for money and got me to Eindhoven and back for my day trip. Why pay more to fly with BA or KLM?!