Now, you have to take your time when booking a ticket with Ryanair. They're offering so many ancillary revenue options one might get lost in the wilderness. But if you decide upfront what you want (and what you don't want), it's only a matter of keeping an eye on the ticket price to make sure it matches with your choices of preference (and budget).
Even though Charleroi Airport is a 1 hour drive from my place, and I have to pass the Brussels Ring, the longer travel time – compared to a journey to Brussels Airport – is compensated with the very fast landside-to-airside walk. Same thing upon arrival in Charleroi: in less than 10 minutes you change airplane seat to your car seat. This beats Brussels Airport by far! I hate the very long walk to Terminal A (and the long walk back to the main building upon arrival).
When it comes to my destination, Madrid, Ryanair is flying to the same airport as Iberia and Brussels Airlines. No difference at all, except for the terminal.
Yet, I feel their boarding process is inefficient (or both of my flights had a delay, didn't pay attention to it). It didn't start 30 minutes before scheduled departure time causing cabin crew was a bit stressed to get people seated and to avoid any further delay. Their priority boarding is a real cash-cow. Get in time at the gate and you're among the first ones to get on board. That's the cheapest option.
The alternative is to pay 10 euro extra per leg for a reserved seat (front row and exit-row), reserved space in the overhead bin for your bag and priority boarding access. I paid for that option, mainly because I didn't want to worry about "where will I sit on the plane?".
Once in-flight there is no difference at all between Ryanair and the majority of traditional airlines in Economy Class. They have a wide selection of drinks and snacks for sale, they sell perfume, cigarettes and Ryanair lottery tickets (I wonder who's buying the latter). They do quite a few announcements, true, but it doesn't feel disturbing on a 2-hour flight.
My only remaining fears are what if a flight gets heavily delayed or cancelled. How is their service at that point? Do you have to find things out yourself or are they applying European Union regulations?
Next time I travel within Europe, and subject to my destination, Ryanair will be my 2nd choice for sure. I'd rather pay for services I really use than paying for a number of services I might possibly use.
PS: I traveled with hand-luggage only. Their 10kg weight restriction is a good help when packing your bag: you surely only take with you what you really need...
