Flying Ryanair to Rome - Is Ryanair Safe???

Hannaho

Hi! I'm flying Ryanair to Rome with my children in early March. I'm a little bit of a nervous flyer, and normally only fly Aer Lingus - I flew Ryanair about 20 years ago, but not since. I have a nephew who works in the airline business - not in Ryanair or Aer Lingus, and says he would never fly his family with Ryanair - the talks about quick turn around times, exhausted and inexperienced pilots (compared to Aer Lingus and other airlines), and stressful work culture there as ominous signs. We're going with the Travel Department, and there wasn't an option to fly Aer Lingus - what do people think - do others have these concerns also?

fleet

Far, far safer than your regular drive to the supermarket. Your weekly shopping is a suicide run by comparison.

I'm sure someone will come along with some stats. If not I'll post some when I'm in front of a computer.

Would never fly with anyone other than Ryanair. Never had a problem with them. They operate a sleek, lean business. Make your own mind up about things rather than relying on biased second hand opinions.

toadfly

I don't think most people would share your concerns. I find Ryanair brilliant and use them when flying in Europe almost always. Would fly with them over Aer Lingus regional in a heartbeat. The planes are good and big, I never had any issues and fly several times a year with them.

ted1

Hannaho wrote: »

Hi! I'm flying Ryanair to Rome with my children in early March. I'm a little bit of a nervous flyer, and normally only fly Aer Lingus - I flew Ryanair about 20 years ago, but not since. I have a nephew who works in the airline business - not in Ryanair or Aer Lingus, and says he would never fly his family with Ryanair - the talks about quick turn around times, exhausted and inexperienced pilots (compared to Aer Lingus and other airlines), and stressful work culture there as ominous signs. We're going with the Travel Department, and there wasn't an option to fly Aer Lingus - what do people think - do others have these concerns also?

Your nephew is clueless.

professore

Ryanair are the biggest airline in Europe and have never had a crash - that's a very impressive safety record.

testicle

Your nephew is talking out his ass.

wirelessdude01

Does your nephew work for one of their competitors by any chance?

Bigus

Ryanair have the newest fleet of planes which are all tried as trusted 737 boeings, your friend is ill informed with out of date views on modern efficient practices , I prefer to fly Ryanair than airlingus mainly because of their more modern and therefore inherently safer fleet.

Princess Consuela Bananahammock

Hannaho wrote: »

Hi! I'm flying Ryanair to Rome with my children in early March. I'm a little bit of a nervous flyer, and normally only fly Aer Lingus - I flew Ryanair about 20 years ago, but not since. I have a nephew who works in the airline business - not in Ryanair or Aer Lingus, and says he would never fly his family with Ryanair - the talks about quick turn around times, exhausted and inexperienced pilots (compared to Aer Lingus and other airlines), and stressful work culture there as ominous signs. We're going with the Travel Department, and there wasn't an option to fly Aer Lingus - what do people think - do others have these concerns also?

Ask your nephew "if all this is true, then how come Ryanair aren't in involved in accidents all the time?" and let me know what he says.

ted1

Princess Consuela Bananahammock wrote: »

Ask your nephew "if all this is true, then how come Ryanair aren't in involved in accidents all the time?" and let me know what he says.

Especially considering they flew over 10.1 million passengers in one month alone. That's more than Aer Lingus do in a year

faceman

You never need to worry about airlines safety if you are flying established airlines in the Western world. Aviation safety is so highly scrutinised, it really does live up to the cliche of the "safest form of transport"

One only has to visit the Aviation Herald website to see how rare newsworthy incidents are.

Ryanair have an exemplary safety record. I'm be more worried about if the standard of tea and coffee on board meets your expectations.

fits

Another here who would choose ryanair in preference to aer lingus.

mulbot

Never had a prob with Ryanair,i only ever try to book with them, ,and pilots can't be anymore exhausted than other airlines as all airline pilots are only allowed to fly a certain amount of hours per week regardless of who they fly for

faceman

Btw I'm also a nervous flier. I've read plenty of books to help the fear and most are awful. I highly recommend Allan Carr's book, The Easy Way to Enjoy Flying". Really helped me.

gutteruu

I've been on loads of Ryanair flights and they haven't killed me once.

faceman

faceman wrote: »

Btw I'm also a nervous flier. I've read plenty of books to help the fear and most are awful. I highly recommend Allan Carr's book, The Easy Way to Enjoy Flying". Really helped me.

Bach Rescue Remedy worked great for nervous fliers in my family.

jgorres

professore wrote: »

Ryanair are the biggest airline in Europe and have never had a crash - that's a very impressive safety record.

The fact that I am 53 years old proofs that I am immortal.

annoyedgal

faceman wrote:

Btw I'm also a nervous flier. I've read plenty of books to help the fear and most are awful. I highly recommend Allan Carr's book, The Easy Way to Enjoy Flying". Really helped me.

Thanks for this recommendation! Going to read this, have become a nervous flyer for some reason and last two flights caused me a lot of anxiety. Want to nip it in the bud. Loved his book for smoking too!

Alex Meier

They're predicted to carry over 100 million passengers this year alone.

Yamanoto

The only potentially disconcerting thing for a nervous flyer like the OP is that FR B737's tend to hit the tarmac with more of a thump than you'll experience aboard an EI A320. I'm guessing that's just down to a difference in the planes structure & engineering though & certainly isn't about FR flight crew being careless or cavalier.

tricky D

Yamanoto wrote: »

The only potentially disconcerting thing for a nervous flyer like the OP is that FR B737's tend to hit the tarmac with more of a thump than you'll experience aboard an EI A320. I'm guessing that's just down to a difference in the planes structure & engineering though & certainly isn't about FR flight crew being careless or cavalier.

That's called a positive landing and is perfectly safe and within limits. It allows for better and safer use of runway and braking action, and may help avoid hydroplaning.

http://www.pprune.org/archive/index.php/t-333439.html

As for their safety record, they have had one incident resulting in hull loss and a handful of minor injuries. This was due to a bird strike on both engines and the pilots handling the situation was exemplary. It could have happened to any airline; Ryanair were just unlucky that day and it had zero to do with any of their policies, procedures or aircraft.

Perfectly safe to fly with.

Wanderer2010

Are Ryanair seats comfortable for someone who is tall? Just wondering, as I may be booking with them soon for a trip in October. I usually book exit rows for comfort, does Ryanair allow that or is it a free for all with regard seating?

theteal

Wanderer2010 wrote: »

Are Ryanair seats comfortable for someone who is tall? Just wondering, as I may be booking with them soon for a trip in October. I usually book exit rows for comfort, does Ryanair allow that or is it a free for all with regard seating?

If you're especially tall, pre-book your seats - front row or over-wing

Wanderer2010

Wanderer2010 wrote: »

Are Ryanair seats comfortable for someone who is tall? Just wondering, as I may be booking with them soon for a trip in October. I usually book exit rows for comfort, does Ryanair allow that or is it a free for all with regard seating?

How tall are you? My OH is 6'1" and is always ok. You can pay extra to choose a seat, but we never do.

Wanderer2010

Im 6 foot 3 and most airlines economy has my legs pinned to the back of the seat ahead (worst being Air Canada Rouge, dont ever EVER go economy with them if you are over 5ft 6inches!). I will look out for prebooking front or wing seats with Ryanair. I wasnt sure what the system was, I heard off a few people you just run to the first seat you get when boarding but if prebooking is available then I presume they honor that.

Wanderer2010

Wanderer2010 wrote: »

Im 6 foot 3 and most airlines economy has my legs pinned to the back of the seat ahead (worst being Air Canada Rouge, dont ever EVER go economy with them if you are over 5ft 6inches!). I will look out for prebooking front or wing seats with Ryanair. I wasnt sure what the system was, I heard off a few people you just run to the first seat you get when boarding but if prebooking is available then I presume they honor that.

It used be a mad rush, but not any more since Michael O'Leary decided to be nice to us poor travellers! You get allocated a seat free of charge, but in order to get what you want, you can pay as you check in online. Also, you are allowed 2 carry on bags now, but if the plane is fully booked they may insist on you checking it on free of charge at the gate.

VG31

When people start queueing when the plane isn't even in sight don't join them, there's no advantage to it since you have pre booked your seats.

2Mad2BeMad

Wanderer2010 wrote: »

Im 6 foot 3 and most airlines economy has my legs pinned to the back of the seat ahead (worst being Air Canada Rouge, dont ever EVER go economy with them if you are over 5ft 6inches!). I will look out for prebooking front or wing seats with Ryanair. I wasnt sure what the system was, I heard off a few people you just run to the first seat you get when boarding but if prebooking is available then I presume they honor that.

I am 6ft 5
ever since I was 13, and was always flying with ryanair
I suggest you definitely pre book seats.

Its been 5 years since I was on a flight with them, I think they have changed the way they board now and that everyone is asigned as seat.
Although don't quote me on it.
But definitely pre book you're seat if you need the room. It looks like I do be doing the splits while sitting in their seats.

Seriously I don't get why they just don't put abit more of a gap between seats, I mean adding an extra 2 inchs between every seat could increase comfort for every.
And I know 6ft 5 is tall but its not like its hugh, theirs loads of people my height.

Stopitwillya

Hannaho wrote: »

Hi! I'm flying Ryanair to Rome with my children in early March. I'm a little bit of a nervous flyer, and normally only fly Aer Lingus - I flew Ryanair about 20 years ago, but not since. I have a nephew who works in the airline business - not in Ryanair or Aer Lingus, and says he would never fly his family with Ryanair - the talks about quick turn around times, exhausted and inexperienced pilots (compared to Aer Lingus and other airlines), and stressful work culture there as ominous signs. We're going with the Travel Department, and there wasn't an option to fly Aer Lingus - what do people think - do others have these concerns also?

It is safe.

AndyBoBandy

2Mad2BeMad wrote: »

Seriously I don't get why they just don't put abit more of a gap between seats, I mean adding an extra 2 inchs between every seat could increase comfort for every.
And I know 6ft 5 is tall but its not like its hugh, theirs loads of people my height.

form a commercial point of view, this would result in the loss of at least 6 seats, 6 fare paying passengers!, something they won't want to do.

grimm2005

Wanderer2010 wrote: »

Are Ryanair seats comfortable for someone who is tall? Just wondering, as I may be booking with them soon for a trip in October. I usually book exit rows for comfort, does Ryanair allow that or is it a free for all with regard seating?

I'm 6ft6" and I get on grand. A bit cramped but that's to be expected. As most ryanair flights are maximum 3 hours, I just put up with the slight discomfort. I have booked an exit row once, going to Budapest which was €10 but keep in mind, if not all the seats are sold and there's some empty exit row seats, you can just get up and move to one once you're in the air.

mfceiling

We fly ryanair almost every year. This year they were €200 more expensive than aer lingus so now we have to fly with them.

I'm disappointed tbh because ryanair have the most modern fleet of planes in Europe. Aer lingus will be grand but I've flown ryanair for 10 years or more and they've been perfect.

Stojkovic

Hannaho wrote: »

Hi! I'm flying Ryanair to Rome with my children in early March. I'm a little bit of a nervous flyer, and normally only fly Aer Lingus - I flew Ryanair about 20 years ago, but not since. I have a nephew who works in the airline business - not in Ryanair or Aer Lingus, and says he would never fly his family with Ryanair - the talks about quick turn around times, exhausted and inexperienced pilots (compared to Aer Lingus and other airlines), and stressful work culture there as ominous signs. We're going with the Travel Department, and there wasn't an option to fly Aer Lingus - what do people think - do others have these concerns also?

How many Ryanair planes have crashed and burned ?

Gatica

Found the title of the thread odd, millions have flown with them, and I'm certain western airlines are quite safe...

If your concern is about flying with kids, I've recently heard from a few parent friends that they've made lots of effort to make the airlines family-friendly.

blackbird 49

I have flown with Ryanair many times and never had any problems it's even better now that you are actually allocated your seat, People do complain but I find if you abide by the rules there are usually no problems, I'm not fussy if the price is right I don't mind which airline I travel with.

Wanderer78

perfectly safe op. enjoy your holiday.

K.Flyer

VG31 wrote: »

When people start queueing when the plane isn't even in sight don't join them, there's no advantage to it since you have pre booked your seats.

The advantage to getting on the plane sooner rather than later means your hand luggage will be over your seat. Because RyanAir have a lot more more seats than over-head spaces, there will be no over head lockers left on a Full Flight for the last passengers to get on.

VG31

K.Flyer wrote: »

The advantage to getting on the plane sooner rather than later means your hand luggage will be over your seat. Because RyanAir have a lot more more seats than over-head spaces, there will be no over head lockers left on a Full Flight for the last passengers to get on.

You can ask for your bag to be put in the hold then. That's what I usually do if my bag can't fit under the seat in front of me.

miamee

K.Flyer wrote: »

The advantage to getting on the plane sooner rather than later means your hand luggage will be over your seat. Because RyanAir have a lot more more seats than over-head spaces, there will be no over head lockers left on a Full Flight for the last passengers to get on.

VG31 wrote: »

You can ask for your bag to be put in the hold then. That's what I usually do if my bag can't fit under the seat in front of me.

They seem more vigilant about counting the bags as people are queuing up...if you're near the back of the queue on a full flight, they'll ask do you want to check it into the hold free of charge and label it for you there. You usually take it as far as the tarmac, someone will take it from you/tell you where to leave it and it's placed directly into the hold from there. I've had it left both on the tarmac at the destination or sent out onto the baggage carousel with everyone else's luggage so I guess that bit varies from airport to airport.
I understand some people just won't want to leave their bags out of their sight and therefpre want to get on sooner rather than later bu tit doesn't bother me at all, especially now you can have a smaller bag with your book or tablet or whatever.

catbear

I'm six foot four and I love traveling with Ryanair because little c**ts can't collapse their seat onto my knees!
Actually their Rome airport is actually near the city than the international airport, I think there's even a new metro link to that Airport.

RoboRat

Ryainair probably have the safest planes out there, they buy them new, service them regularly and then sell them (my Dad was worked with lufthansa for decades so he knows what he is talking about).

In regards to the legroom issue, here is a little tip that I have learned from regularly flying. Wait until the sheeple who get up and queue have been processed and try and be the last or one of the last people getting on the plane. This way, you just ask the steward/ess can you take the over wing seat - they have to have somebody in it and you get nice legroom without having to pay extra for it :-)

catbear

RoboRat wrote: »

In regards to the legroom issue, here is a little tip that I have learned from regularly flying. Wait until the sheeple who get up and queue have been processed and try and be the last or one of the last people getting on the plane. This way, you just ask the steward/ess can you take the over wing seat - they have to have somebody in it and you get nice legroom without having to pay extra for it :-)

Before they assigned seats I used to wait for the queue to board and stroll up and take the front seat with lots of leg room as they always kept it free till the end to help boarding.
Got the over wing seat on the last ryanair flight by waiting till everyone had boarded too!