Skis Go Free with Ryanair! Better Hurry!

As mentioned in yesterday’s blog, Ryanair has an offer to carry ski equipment for free – if you book before 30th September. The offer includes one set of skis/boots/poles or snowboard/boots – subject to space availability. They normally charge £15.50 each way to carry sports equipment so this deal means a considerable saving if you can grab it. They are also offering a limited number of ski flights from as low as £10, which includes airport taxes and charges! According to their website they now have 58 direct routes from the UK to European ski destinations. Website: ryanair.com. Don’t even think about leaving without your skiing/winter sports travel insurance! It simply is not worth the risk. For a quote click on www.travel-insurance.net/ski/ski-insurance.

We have a bit of a love-hate relationship with Ryanair as they are still not complying with the new regulations to advertise inclusive fares. They claim to have a problem changing their booking system online, yet all the other airlines seem to have managed it. I checked on a fare the other day, which showed up at £29.99 each way. By the time I got through the booking process for a round trip for two people and taxes, charges and fees were added the total was £197.68. Then a further charge of £20 was added for one piece of checked luggage (at £5 per person, per bag, each way) making a grand total of £217.68. Considering the fare started temptingly at £119.96 round trip for two people, that’s £100 more on top. If you pay by credit card you can add a further £2, or £0.70 for a debit card. In contrast, budget carrier Eastyjet has changed its system so that you get the full price upfront, inclusive of taxes and charges, so it is refreshing to find that by the time you get through the booking process the total has not changed much. Website: easyjet.com. Yes, the fares are still cheap and it works out the same in the end, of course, but the old system Ryanair uses just leaves you feeling conned.