Ryanair Priority Boarding, Liverpool/Faro

Jontyf

I am trying to decide whether to get priority boarding for our trip from l/pool - faro on July 27th. I initially thought 'nah, it's a total scam', and I didn't need it last time I flew Ryanair a few years ago. BUT, this time I'm going in peak season and I've also never flown from Liverpool. I've read that if a bus takes you from the gate to the plane, then priority boarding is a waste of money, but apparantly Ryanair don't normally use a bus at Liverpool. I don't know the situation at Faro. The flight from Liverpool is at 7am but we are planning to get there at least 2 hours early as we will have a case to check-in. The flight from Faro is about 11pm.

I am reading totally conflicting things on this subject and would like to gather some thoughts. There will be me wife and I plus our 6 year old son so PB will cost £30 return. We would hate to be split up, but then again it would be maddening to spend £30 and find it was totally unecessary! If PB guaranteed seats together it would be a no-brainer, but it doesn't. So PB or not PB?? Help!!

babyfruitella

Personally, I wouldn't bother. Just get to the gate early to ensure you one of the first to board.

lfc84

you may or may not be on a bus to the aircraft. you'll find out on the day. its 50/50

Bob_the_Saver

babyfruitella wrote: »

Personally, I wouldn't bother. Just get to the gate early to ensure you one of the first to board.

Listen to what babyfruitella says, she/he/it (sorry don't know) is 100% correct.

antenna

The plane will have 60 rows of 3 seats together,most greedy boarders travel in 2s and 3s so 60 greedy boarders in front of you will take up 30 rows........that leaves 30 rows empty........if another 40 people get on in front of you they could take up 18/22 rows........so if you get to the gate and there are up to 90/100 in front of you,you will get a clear row of 3 seats together.......so all you have to do is be in the queue with no more than 90 people in total in front of you........simples.
It's not rocket science..........but the airline would prefer you not to know this.

Doshwaster

antenna wrote: »

It's not rocket science..........but the airline would prefer you not to know this.

Priority Boarding is simply a waste of money. It's just an extra way the airlines have of extracting more money from unsavy travellers.

grittygran

every time we have travelled Ryan the PB has been announced then totally ignored as the mass rush overwhelms the staff who shrug and board first come etc. That being said there are usually plenty of seats and having a six year old will prob. enable you to join the 'peeps with small kids queue' which tends to get on first. Like it says on the tin ...no frills and in my view not worth the extra outlay as there are no guarantees it will be of any use. Also once on the plane the p'panic' subsides and there will be plenty of nice people who will swap if you are seperated

antenna

There is NO peeps with small kids queue..........that was on the Titanic.....showing your age now.

Louisdf

No buses at Liverpool, however there is nothing to stop ordinary passengers pushing past PB's when walking to the gate from the stairs..

BTW EVERY time I've flown from Liverpool with Ryanair, EVERYONE is asked to place their hand luggage in the cage. So make sure it fits before you get to the gate as you will be asked to step aside to organise your luggage/ pay £40/46, whilst others will be allowed to board before you. Hand luggage isn't weighed at the gate but may be weighed whilst checking in hold luggage before security.

Louisdf

antenna wrote: »

The plane will have 60 rows of 3 seats together,most greedy boarders travel in 2s and 3s so 60 greedy boarders in front of you will take up 30 rows........that leaves 30 rows empty........if another 40 people get on in front of you they could take up 18/22 rows........so if you get to the gate and there are up to 90/100 in front of you,you will get a clear row of 3 seats together.......so all you have to do is be in the queue with no more than 90 people in total in front of you........simples.
It's not rocket science..........but the airline would prefer you not to know this.

Yes but if the flight isn't full then Ryanair will block off several rows of seats at the front and back of the aircraft.

http://www.ryanair.com/en/questions/why-do-ryanair-block-off-seats-at-the-front-and-back-of-the-aircraft

Also, if you are one of the last passengers, you will likely face problems finding space for hand luggage in the overhead lockers. So you will either have to place it between your knees for the entire flight (not comfortable!) or have it placed in the hold and face the possibility laptops/valuables being damaged, and have to wait around to collect it from the baggage belt at the end of the flight.

Superbiatch

Louisdf wrote: »

BTW EVERY time I've flown from Liverpool with Ryanair, EVERYONE is asked to place their hand luggage in the cage. So make sure it fits before you get to the gate as you will be asked to step aside to organise your luggage/ pay £40/46, whilst others will be allowed to board before you. Hand luggage isn't weighed at the gate but may be weighed whilst checking in hold luggage before security.

Check it fits in the one at check in, then try it at the gate - I bet you find the one at the gate is slightly smaller My colleague told me about this just last week, although I've never had any problems as I am a regular traveller and make sure my bag is correct size.

I wouldn't bother with priority boarding, nobody takes any notice just get there early. I'm doing the same flight a month later and won't bother with PB, however I will be at the airport 3 hours beforehand and as soon as the gate is announced, heading there (as speedily as possible) to ensure me and OH sit together.