OK I know this is going to be a bit of a rant but we had the unfortunate requirement to fly to Tours rather than take the Eurostar to Paris and the TGV to Nevers and that means flying with dreaded Ryan Air.

Now Tours is 3 1/2 hours away from from our house in-fact it’s basically Le Mans and we live near the other race track (Magny Cours) but that’s not the problem as we actually don’t mind the long drive through some of the stunning countryside it’s just the unfortunate fact that the only “airline” that flies there is Ryan Air.

Charges & Piss Taking
When does a £9.99 flight turn into a £159.70 total charge ? Well let me explain :

• London to Tours – £9.99 x 2 = £19.98
• Taxes & “fees” = £53.70
• Total = £73.68

• Tours to London – £0.00 x 2 = £00.00
• Taxes & “fees” = £38.02
• Total = £38.02

• Total £111.70

Taxes/Fees are broken down and outside the taxes both ways there is a £8.74 charge for Insurance/Wheelchair Levy/Aviation Insurance and that’s each way so they’ve added £17.48 onto your £9.99 and “free” flight.

However there is more
We need to take a bag as we are both adults and going for a week we need some clothes. We can fit all the needed items in 1 bag but as this is then over the 15kg limit we MUST check in two bags. That’s a charge of £24 per bag. But hold on I have an idea, let Dawn check in two bags and I’ll internet check in to avoid the charge right? WRONG as I’ve booked my flight with someone who is checking in bags I CANNOT check in online and must check in at the desk forcing me to pay another £8. So it now makes no sense me getting Dawn to check in two bags so I might as well do my own.

It’s now with some relief to see that “priority boarding” at £8 each isn’t added automatically  but hold on what’s this??? £10 for travel insurance, I didn’t chose this did I?? So I’ll remove that as well so finally my £19.98 flights to Tours total £159.70 however if I’d not been paying attention they would have cost £179.70. Surely that’s enough of the charges now, hold on NO there’s more.. £4 fee to authorise my credit or debit card and if i was stupid enough to have a Ryan Air Credit card ( at a 16.9% variable rate ) then my fee would be £20!

So there we have it , our £9.99 flights cost us £159.70

I do blame myself, I should have bought some open returns on the Eurostar just for emergency’s but boy have a I learned a lesson. But there IS hope.

Eurostar
The lesson out of all this is that is you’re willing to be a little flexible or willing to grab some food or a coffee while you wait two hours for a connection then the Eurostar is really the best deal and here’s why.

Looking 1 month ahead (today is the 30th August ) I’m searching for 2 adults, normal class to Paris from London. Leaving at 16:25 on Saturday 4th October it’s £59 for the pair of us ALL FEES INCLUDED and there is within reason NO LUGGAGE charges. We then get the train from Paris to Never at a cost of €63 each (return) . Coming back on Saturday 11th October at 17:34 it’s £59 for the pair of us ALL FEES INCLUDE.

Why Eurostar wins.
Eurostar v Ryan Air on Cost: Winner – Eurostar. Total cost to France is £118 ALL FEES INCLUDED and no hidden fees to sucker you in.
Convenience:  Winner – Eurostar. No luggage restrictions, no cabin restrictions, no waiting to taxi and of course it drops you in Paris not some military airport way out of town.
Travel Experience: Winner – Eurostar. big seats, enough room to move around, power sockets in seats and no restrictions on when you can and cant use your electronics.

Plan ahead and get those deals it’s well worth it.. Trust me from experience

Website : Eurostar
Website : Eurostar cheapest fair finder

Update : Michael O’Leary the Ryan Air chief executive finds it hard to sympathise with this own customers who own holiday homes. Nice one Mike ;)

Michael O’Leary, the carrier’s outspoken chief executive, said that they bought abroad at their own risk.“I have always found it hard to feel sympathy with owners of holiday home owners,” he told the Daily Telegraph.
“We are working hard to make travel affordable for everyone, not just those with homes in Tuscany and Chiantishire. It’s a case of caveat emptor.

Read the Telegraph story here