Ryanair still serious about transatlantic plans — but stays realistic

by Scott Carmichael on

In a recent interview with a Dutch newspaper, Ryanair founder Michael O’Leary sat down to discuss the future of his airline. The fastest growing airline in the world still operates out of a tiny office complex in Dublin, with no intention of moving to the kind of slick all-glass towers his competitors fill.

When asked about the crisis in the aviation world, he laughs – “what crisis”. In 2009, the Irish low cost carrier transported 66 million passengers, up from 58 million in 2008. But better yet – they managed to double their profits. In just under 6000 square feet, the airline takes care of their sales, marketing, HR and web site management. Nobody uses email to discuss anything – they believe that getting up out of your chair and walking to the person in question is far more efficient.

In 2009, the average price of a Ryanair ticket was just 28 euros (about $40). Even with those low prices, the airline can make a profit. The key to their success, according to O’Leary, is to use smaller regional airports and to stick to a very simple principle – your ticket get you a seat and nothing else.

Ryanair has often been the source of jokes, mostly started by the airline itself. When they say they’ll add a coin slot to airplane bathrooms, people laugh, but O’Leary is dead serious. In 2010, they plan to remove some of the bathrooms on their planes, giving them room to add more seats. With just one bathroom and a coin slot, ticket prices can once again go down a little.

O’Leary also revealed that he’ll hand over control of his airline to someone else in two or three years. Despite his success, he dislikes the aviation world claiming “profit margins are slimmer than at the local grocery store”.

When asked about his transatlantic plans, he still insists that the airline is serious – it won’t be part of the current Ryanair, but flying a plane full of people from Europe to the US should be possible for around $15 per ticket. Like in Europe, a transatlantic Ryanair would most likely make use of smaller regional airports. If he ever pulls this off, he admits that he’d need to do it in one big blow – lots of planes, lots of destinations. Given how successful O’Leary has proven to be, I don’t think anyone in the aviation world should ever doubt he can succeed.

Know the airlines’ customer service number – Airplane tip

by Gadling Staff on

Airlines are skilled at canceling flights at a moment’s notice. Whether you’re traveling for business or for pleasure, this can be an enormous hassle — especially of you’re traveling with kids. Before flying out, be sure to program the airlines’ customer service number into your cell phone.

If your flight is canceled, you can call customer service immediately, as you head for the ticket agent line. Starting the rebooking process immediately, gives you a better chance of being re-booked on the flight of your choice.

Bring a beach ball – Airplane tip

by Gadling Staff on

Not just for beaches anymore, bring a beach ball on your next long flight, semi-inflate it, and use it as a foot rest.

The beach ball keeps your feet slightly elevated, which is good for circulation. To massage the soles of your feet, every 30 minutes or so roll the beach ball in small circles using the bottom of your feet.

Wear (or carry) heavier items – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

Airlines find any excuse to charge extra fees. Not only do extra luggage fees now apply, but if the one piece of luggage you are checking is even slightly overweight, you can expect a hefty fee for that, as well. A quick review of your airline’s rules may save you fees prior to boarding. How to avoid fees all together?

  1. Wear your heaviest clothes such boots, coat, or sweater onto the plane.
  2. Carry your extra shoes or coat in your carry-on.
  3. Trade in your heavy-duty luggage (which can weigh up to 18 lbs) for a lighter, but durable, piece of nylon luggage instead.

Applying these tips could free up as much as 25 pounds in your suitcase!

US Airways the latest to increase extra bag fee

by Tom Johansmeyer on

US Airways has joined the ranks of airlines increasing their fees for extra baggage. The low cost carrier is raising its extra baggage fees by $5 each way, which is comparable to the increases levied by Delta, Continental and United. With the new charge, US Airways will be charging $25 for the first bag checked, with a second bag costing you $35 each way. The new fee takes effect on February 1, 2010. If you pay in advance, you can pick up a $2 discount on the first bag and a $3 on the second bag. American Airlines is still charging $20 each way for the first checked bag and $30 for the second one. On JetBlue, the first checked bag is free, and Southwest will let you check two bags sans charge.

The increased fees aren’t terribly surprising. The travel market slump is likely to continue through much of 2010, especially with the job market unlikely to improve until the middle of the year. And, airlines have become accustomed to all the extra cash they pick up from these fees. Since you’re a captive audience, they know you’re likely to pay … what other choice do you have?

So, get ready to cram everything you have into the overhead compartment. You’ll draw the ire of everyone else on the plane, but you’ll have the satisfaction of a few Andy Jacksons sitting in your pocket.