Flying Ryanair to Rome - Is Ryanair Safe???

Hannaho · 08-08-2015 08:49AM #1

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 · 08-08-2015 08:53AM

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.

08-08-2015 08:53AM

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 · 08-08-2015 08:54AM

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 · 08-08-2015 08:56AM

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 · 08-08-2015 08:57AM

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

testicle · 08-08-2015 08:58AM

Your nephew is talking out his ass.

wirelessdude01 · 08-08-2015 09:00AM

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

Bigus · 08-08-2015 09:01AM

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 · 08-08-2015 09:03AM

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 · 08-08-2015 09:04AM

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 · 08-08-2015 09:04AM

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 · 08-08-2015 09:04AM

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

mulbot · 08-08-2015 09:05AM

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 · 08-08-2015 09:07AM

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 · 08-08-2015 09:12AM

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

08-08-2015 09:12AM

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 · 08-08-2015 09:12AM

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 · 08-08-2015 09:21AM

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 · 08-08-2015 09:23AM

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

Yamanoto · 08-08-2015 11:24AM

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 · 08-08-2015 12:19PM

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 · 08-08-2015 04:14PM

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 · 08-08-2015 04:21PM

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

08-08-2015 04:23PM

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 · 08-08-2015 04:34PM

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.

08-08-2015 04:39PM

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 · 08-08-2015 04:41PM

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 · 08-08-2015 04:43PM

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 · 08-08-2015 05:32PM

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 · 09-08-2015 09:08AM

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.

Flying Ryanair to Rome - Is Ryanair Safe???

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