Ryanair

First the positives of our flight with Ryanair - the fare was cheaper than a return train trip to London (as long as you do not check bags or purchase goods on board). The negatives (which mainly focus on Stansted). Absolutely useless ground staff, once the departure gate was eventually flashed up on screen we joined the heaving mass crushed onto the little shuttle to the gate for a mad dash (due to the short notice). Once we arrived at the lounge, we were met with total chaos due to zero management (none visible). Queues were criss crossing each other and people were getting most upset. I asked one of only two staff checking two different flights (no other staff were available) which queue was which, to which she replied, "I don't know it's all over the place back there". Once we got to our desk, the lady checking us did not make eye contact, she simply looked at the pass glanced at our passports and said go through, an opportunity for a security check missed. After walking across the cold wet runway we got to the plane to find out that the back door had only just been opened, so of course earlier boarders had had to use the front door, which of course meant utter chaos on board. Anyway a second security check was missed here as the girl checking our seat passes only looked at one. Come on Ryanair, you seriously need to sort out this appalling issue. Who is to blame? The airport or the carrier? I will not be using Ryanair again.

Stansted to Gothenburg. Flight was on time, and aircraft was not full so had a row of three seats to myself. I only carried hand baggage and did not make any on board purchases. The flight cost £10 plus £5 to pre-book a seat you cannot ask for better value than that. Crew very good.

Although we flew to Malaga with easyJet we returned with Ryanair as the flight time was more convenient and the cost was slightly less, especially as it was in euros, although I declined Ryanair's "kind" offer of their guaranteed exchange rate. (Even with the surcharge imposed for credit card use I paid less than via Ryanair's guaranteed rate). Apart from that possible catch in the booking process, everything else about our Ryanair experience was fine. Boarding was efficiently handled and even a difficulty with our boarding passes - the barcodes could not be read - caused no comment. The cabin crew did sterling work managing to stow everyone's cabin bags in overhead lockers, even telling passengers whose bags had to be located away from their seats where exactly their bags were to be found. There certainly seems to be a more customer-friendly approach from Ryanair these days and we are less apprehensive about being caught out in some minor, but expensive, infringement. Though it's still wise to read all the small print before flying, we are now quite ready to choose Ryanair if flight times and prices suit us. We still find their 'leather' seats less than comfortable after a couple of hours, however.

We have flown Ryanair numerous times over the past 2 years and flights have been near enough the same. Only travelled with hand luggage so straight through security at Stansted. Flight gate displayed on screen about 40 minutes before departure and routine walked straight to the gate. Had book priority boarding and exit seats. Aircraft was clean, bought own food to eat but did buy drinks twice. About 3 drink sales through the 2.5 hour flight, and cabin crew very friendly and efficient. What more could you ask for especially as we paid only £70 each return including priority and extra leg room. I would much rather pay less and fly Ryanair. Flight was punctual, as have en all previous flights with Ryanair.

We were upset that when we booked in at Tenerife and had to pay 80 Euros extra for our luggage to come back. We thought it had been paid for when we booked our flights. Arrived in Tenerife on the Friday and realised we had not got boarding passes to come back. We were lucky enough that where we stayed had a very helpful young lady to do it for us. Altogether Ryanair caused us so much stress. We won't be flying with them again.

I do not mind flying Ryanair as long as it is much cheaper than the competition. Choosing your seat is cheaper than choosing a seat with British Airways. Plane seats are acceptable for short haul flying, the cleanliness could improve. Cabin crew do not bother you, but quick to react if you want something to eat. I ordered a 5 euro lasagne which was adequate for the flight. I avoid their drinks as they are overpriced so bring my own water. What ruins the Ryanair experience the most is flying into Stansted Airport. What a joke of an airport, it is enough to make me avoid flying Ryanair unless they are at least 30 Euros per leg cheaper. Any less than that, and I avoid flying them mainly due to the disgrace that is Stansted Airport.

Manchester to Beziers. First time flown with Ryanair since 1993. Crew both ways worked hard and everybody was served at least once throughout both flights. Flights comfortable and made better that seats did not recline. Check in at both airports was good. The only thing that spoilt two good flights were Ryanair's handling agents at Manchester on return, baggage took over an hour to get to carousel and our bags were off first.

Flew Ryanair from Prestwick to Gran Canaria, paid £25 for the flight, no problems at all. I don't understand why some people are still complaining about printing boarding passes, it quite clear when booking that you have to do it - why wait until getting to the airport and then moan. I don't have a home computer so I just go to my local library to print them, simple,

Flown with Ryanair from Birmingham to Fuerteventura return for the first time on our recent holiday. We were a party of nine, found the staff =friendly and helpful, plane was clean. CI had read reviews and was not sure what to expect, but could not fault our journey both ways.

Barcelona to Las Palmas with Ryanair. Two pax, aged 69/70, one with heart condition, one with mobility problems. Booked Business Plus BCN-LPA. This entitles us to airport (c.f. online) checkin, 1 checked bag each, priority boarding, best seats. Paid the premium to de-stress the trip. On arrival at airport denied all the paid for benefits except reserved seats, made to pay €190 for checkin and bags, and forced to run length of the terminal with bags, through security (stuff confiscated) and check them at the gate. The ground staff were exceptionally rude and totally unhelpful. Apparently the computer contained no record of us paying the Business Plus premium, and showing them the voucher on my tablet computer had no effect.