Ryanair charges more for food & drinks than its rivals

by Dave on 23/09/09 at 12:52 pm

It may be a low-cost airline, but Ryanair has the highest prices for on-board food or drinks as compared to other major airlines in Britain or Ireland, a survey conducted by Nowfly shows. It has been revealed that the Dublin-based company charges as much as 50% more for a bottle of mine, 35% more for a cup of coffee or tea and 30% more for its sandwiches than rival airlines such as bmi, Flybe, Monarch Airlines, and easyJet.

Another survey conducted by IdeaWorks, a Wisconsin-based market research group, estimates Ryanair’s earnings to around £550 million in ancillary revenue in 2008. This amount includes, apart from the actual ticket prices, check-in fees, charges for in-flight food, baggage fees and the company’s commission received from car rentals, insurance or hotel bookings.

Ryanair-inside

The revenue is expected to go up in next month, when Ryanair announced that it will double its baggage fees.

Here are Ryanair’s fees, starting from online check-in to fees for transporting musical equipment.

An official from Ryanair responded to the two surveys by saying the company gives the “guaranteed

lowest fares in Europe”, possible through ancillary revenue such as check-in fees, commissions from car rentals or hotel accommodation.

The extra fees levied by airlines cause quite a stir after British Airlines decided earlier this month to stop offering meals on board and charge for the transportation of musical instruments. British Airlines now offer only a complimentary breakfast on flights which depart before 10 a.m. (via The Telegraph)

So how much are you willing to pay for drinks or food on-board?

Airline Post