[claytonender]

I have been on both Easyjet and Ryanair.

We actually had more room on both airlines, as there were spare seats.

I was quite aware of having to pay for luggage and checkin with Ryanair.

As far the airport being miles from anywhere, this was not the case witht he return flight we took with Ryanair. We were going on holiday to Salou, the flight took us into Reus airport, which is the same airport all the holiday companies (such as Airtours and Thomson) fly into, and is only 7 miles from Salou.

I also booked my apartment independently (with a company called Travel Republic, who feature all the hotels and aprtments the tour operators go to, as well as lots more). As Rynair flew to Reus everyday of the week, we could tailor the holiday exactly to how requirements. The totla cost of our 11 night holiday for 2 people (flight + accomodation) was £351.00 + the cost of a taxi from Reus airport to Salou (and return) was about 25 euros each way (no waiting on a coach for everyone to get through baggage reclaim and no going all round the houses dropping people off). A similiar package with Thomson was working out at about £750.00 for 2 people (we went in September 2006).

The flight times were also much more convenient than if we had booked a package holiday with Thomson, as they flew out late at night rather than in the morning. Also Thomson charge extra for inflight meals.

I don't dispute what you say about the rates Ryanair pay their staff, but cutomers are aware of all the 'extras' they might have to pay before they complete their booking.

I agree about Lancsdave about the differernce between charter and scheduled being cramped etc. When I flew to America I did research about seat pitches and found that BMI had one of the longest seat pitches, so I booked with them, even though they were not the cheapest fare available.