Not even the cheap prices can make up for the absolute worst airline I have ever flown with
Where do I even begin? The flight was late and we were informed about the gate number at the absolute last moment. This added to the already high stress levels of the awful airport (which was btw far from the city, further than most budget airlines would choose to fly to).
As plane was late, and we were forced to wait, cramped together like sardines (please note that this was during pandemic times) in a hot jetway. The gate personnel urging us to pack ourselves even tighter. When we were lead onto the tarmac to board we were forced to wait an additional 15-20min while other planes with their engines on rolled by us. This hurt my ears quite a lot and left my hearing a bit foggy for minutes after. Most other passengers around me held their hands over their ears as well.
Upon boarding the stewardess did not even greet us, and the legroom was abysmal. The stewardess even rolled her eyes at serveral passengers. Every surface was covered in ads, making for a truly tacky decor. There was no vomit bag or menu; only a QR code that was somewhat worn.
You will be offered nothing for free, not even a single cup of water. A small bottle of water will cost you 3€. We all know that’s not the normal retail price with a regular profit added. The stewards patrouled the corridor almost constantly, making getting up to stretch your legs or going to the toilet a virtual game of froggers.
Constant announcements about deals, shopping and even lottery tickets (yes, really) were made when the intercom did not chirp for unknown reasons. This eventually made me so annoyed I stopped listening. I think most of us did, which could be argued is a safety concern. The stewards spoke poor English and most of the announcements were more or less impossible to understand too.
Speaking of safety concerns; the plane was not clean, not by any measure even in pandemic times. I am not sure a proper examination of the plane’s condition was done either as it was only on the ground for minutes and I saw no one exit the plane that was not a passenger.
The landing was as bumpy as I have ever experienced. It actually hurt my back and the aggressive breaking did nothing to help that.
I have flown on most of Europe’s budget airlines and I can safely say that Ryanair is by far the worst. Even AirBaltic is better, which I would recommend to absolutely no one. Other budget airlines, such as Norwegian or even Easyjet offer such excellent service and comfort for marginally higher prices that I cannot see how anyone would choose Ryanair over them unless it was the only option.
Furthermore it is known that Ryanair treat their employees terribly (unfair working hours, some freelance pilots who may come in sick as no sick days are paid, overtime that is not paid etc. Feel free to google more). This is not something I would choose to support. The stewards were not very friendly, but I can understand why and choose not to hold it against them personally.
Don’t give Ryanair your money until they at least provide the bare minimum for their customers and their employees. Even a budget airline should do better than this. There are so many better, also very cheap, options. Do yourself a favor and seek them out.
24 August 2022
Unprompted review