It’s time for a new series of Snapshots, the first of which is with everyone’s favourite low-cost carrier – Ryanair.
In case you’ve forgotten how we do travel write-ups on Economy Class and Beyond, we have two major travel writing styles:
- Trip Reports – These are full deep-dive reports taking you into the experience, the small things… as well as the big things!
- Snapshots – These are bite-sized reviews that show you the product in some gentle headlines (and normally, only images shot on the phone)
Today, we’re on the Snapshot. The full in-depth review is… a work in progress. Yes, that’s the polite term.
Booking and Check-in
All pre-flight requirements were completed via the Ryanair App for ease of use and convenience – as well as dodging the up-sales the airline was trying to do. A basic ticket, with a “Priority boarding and two bags” ticket was purchased.
A boarding pass was issued from the app.
To the Airport
A Transport for Wales train was taken from Birmingham City Centre to the airport.
Upon arrival at the airport, it was a case of navigating the ever-changing path to security – as this had changed from when I was last onsite in August.
Security
The security process took around 20 minutes to clear, with queues being actively managed.
Waiting area
Birmingham Airport (like a lot of UK airports) do not display its gates until nearly departure time. The waiting area consists of some seating areas and lots of shopping experiences.
Boarding
Boarding was from Gate 57 in the International Pier at Birmingham Airport. This is a gate that is not airbridge connected – rather passengers are handled by them boarding the aircraft from the ground.
Passengers were queued on the steps in the terminal before being allowed to board.
The Aircraft
It’s a Ryanair Boeing 737-800. This was one of the older aircraft they had in their fleet at around 11 years old.
Seating
This aircraft has the older-style Webber C100 seating, in the usual 3-3 formation with a 29″ seat pitch.
IFE and Connectivity
For inflight entertainment, there was the window. This was best enjoyed at night. There are no screens or onboard connectivity.
Food and Drink
Ryanair has a Buy-On-Board programme via its Runway Retail offering. Given the length of the flight between Birmingham and Dublin, this was skipped.
Landing
The aircraft made a traditional Ryanair-style landing at its home base of Dublin Airport. Whilst the aircraft was early landing, there was a 20-minute wait on a taxiway as the aircraft awaited its gate to be vacated.
Once cleared, the aircraft proceeded to Gate 200 to end the journey.
Immigration and Arrivals
With the aircraft arriving at the 200 Gates, it’s a shorter walk than usual to Irish Immigration.
Upon presentation of my passport at a manned inspection point, I was allowed into the Irish Republic.
From there, it is a short walk through baggage claim and into the arrivals area, to head out for a rideshare to the hotel.
The full trip report is starting in a week or so – look out for it then!
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