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Ryanair removes the airport check-in desk
By now I'm sure everyone has heard of Ryanair, the cheeky European low cost carrier. Their insanely low fares have turned them into the third largest airline in Europe. Of course, in order to offer low fares, you need to cut a few corners. You won't find any free pretzels on Ryanair. In fact, pretty much anything service related is either non existent, or requires an additional fee.
Their latest cost saving measure is to completely remove all airport check-in desks. That's right - the familiar desk at the airport where a smiling airline employee would get you checked in and on your way to the gate is being replaced by the Internet.
Ryanair now expects all their passengers to check-in using the web. Of course, this would not be a huge issue if anyone could use the service, but non-EU passengers on Ryanair are unable to do a web checkin. This means that anyone without a European passport will be forced to use (and pay for) the single baggage drop desk at each Ryanair location.
We've finally reached a point where a super cheap ticket starts to look less and less interesting. What good is a $20 ticket when the cost of checking in at the airport and taking 2 bags with you can add an extra $80? I've long joked that we'll eventually see an airline charge for using the bathroom, but now I'm convinced that we'll actually see that happen some time this year.
(Via: The Telegraph)
Filed under: Airlines, Budget Travel










Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Cidlover Feb 24th 2009 10:45AM
I personally think that airlines are going to start charging for use of the oxygen masks.
But yes, pay-for bathrooms are seeming more realistic. Maybe airlines will just get rid of flight attendants. That will save them a lot of money! If they do, I hope an emergency doesn't happen during my flight!
masanddjs Feb 24th 2009 1:12AM
There are other low cost european carriers besides Ryanair. I urge you to use them.
John Feb 27th 2009 3:01PM
Yes its true, but thier poor treatment of customers is only doing them damage, check this one, interesting analysis;
http://thedesignblog.wordpress.com/2009/02/02/ryanair-losing-by-design/
J