The Cheap Flight Game

I refer to Ryanair.com as mind game; a chess-like puzzle requiring patience, agility and deep thought. It is a love-hate relationship. I love the cheap flights. I hate the astronomical taxes, nit-picky baggage restrictions, lack of customer service...and the list goes on. When trying to book a Spain flight there was a glitch on the site that did not allow payment through Visa--it kept showing an error message. I tried several cards. Several different days. Several requests for help..to no avail.

As for the game part--in order to get the best fares you need to a) book early, b) be flexible, c) outsmart the site. Here's what I mean: If you are looking to see three cities in Spain play around and see which one is cheapest to fly into from your current location and try a few different dates. Usually the earlier the flight is in the morning (6:50am) or later in the evening, the cheaper. If you're on a student budget, you will just have to deal with it. Also--beverages are not included so get well hydrated prior to boarding and rumor has it you now have to pay to use the restroom on flights 1hr or less (upsurd, right?!)--so take care of that behorehand as well.

Also many flights have a certain rate listed and once you go through to book it you discover taxes equal to or, often great than, your flight price. Look for the "no taxes" options. Although many cities are listed-they do not always offer regular flights to many locations. Check to be sure they indeed fly where you are going (they may only fly to/from 2 days per week or seasonally). They do not always fly directly to your destination either. For instance, instead of flying directly into Rome they drop you off in Ciampino. Then you must scamper to catch a bus (or it will become full and you will wait an hour), pay 20 euro or more and travel 45 minutes or more to your ultimate destination. Same goes for many major cities.

Also: Always remember to check in and print your boarding pass in advance! This saves you at least 50 euro in fees.

Despite Ryanair's many flaws they still are the cheapest when it comes to air travel in Europe. In Ireland, I flew from Dublin to Cork for 6 euro (11 euro including tax), it took 40 minutes and there were only 6 people on the flight...success! (Not to mention much cheaper and faster than the bus). In some cases, buses are a good idea, just do your research and be open to flexibility. Search early for good deals. Book with friends so you all get on the same flight. Keep track of your travel documents (and never lose your passport!) Ryanair is not the only budget airline, so shop around. But beware when booking through third party sites (I would strongly discourage it) since I know people whose flights have gotten mysteriously cancelled, lost, or "needed to re-confirm credit card and passport info" this way.

Just be smart and travel safe!