This was to be my first time with Ryan. Yes, there had been others in the past but the first time with someone new is always meant to be special, isn’t it? Will they live up to expectations? Will it be a satisfying experience? Well, I was about to find out.
I had heard others tell of their experiences with Ryan – some had enjoyed it, others were more scathing. But I wanted to make up my own mind.
I was lucky that I had won the opportunity to share in the Ryan experience – others have to pay for the privilege although I understand his charges are reasonable. I was sent information regarding our meeting place and I duly turned up at the assigned place and time. But I didn’t get to see him straightaway – oh no, you are met by his assistants who ensure you are meant to be there and who take any bags you may have brought
with you. His assistants were very pleasant and explained that I would have to go to a special area at a specific time in order to meet up with Ryan.
So, at my allotted time I went to my assigned area. Some more waiting and then another assistant called me over and said it was time. With some trepidation, I walked to where he was waiting and climbed on. After some puffing and panting, pushing and shoving, I managed to find a comfortable position. It was a bit cramped, but not too bad. And then I waited for something to happen. But alas, as is so often the case, my anticipation turned to a sense of anti-climax as one of his assistants announced there was a problem with his equipment and he couldn’t get up. Frustration set in. More waiting while he was tended to and at last he was ready. His assistants gave me information about safety and available protection, but I was hoping I wouldn’t need it.
Suddenly, I could feel him getting faster and faster and then I went all light-headed – I can only describe it as feeling like I was flying. After a short while, his assistants reappeared and enquired as to whether I would like anything to eat and drink, although I would have to pay extra as these refreshments weren’t included in the price for the experience. I declined, as I had not yet had time to work up an appetite.
And then, as often happens, it was over almost before it had started. Ryan slowed down and I was brought back down to earth with a bump. His assistants showed me out and I went to collect my bags. No exactly the most satisfying experience I have ever had, but I guess it served its purpose.
But that is not the end of my experience with Ryan – a few days later I tried the experience again. Would it be any different from the first time? Sadly not. Ryan kept me waiting with little explanation for his tardiness – he blamed it on someone else. Much the same as before, he lifted me up only to bring me back down to earth again with a bump. This time the ride was more bumpy, he said it was the atmosphere that was affecting him.
So, my conclusion of Ryan? Well as with so many things, you get what you pay for. Ryan was cheap, of that there is no doubt, but his attitude was a bit cheap as well. His explanations for not being there when he said he would were fairly typical, but I would have appreciated being kept up to date more often – he had enough assistants who could have done that. His assistants were pleasant enough, but I didn’t think they were anything particularly special.
Would I try Ryan again? Probably, but I would know what to expect another time. I don’t think I will ever have a great love affair with Ryan, but I know he is there if I ever need him.
But if you want a quick, low cost experience, then you might want to try Ryan. But don’t expect complete satisfaction – he may be satisfied with what he has offered, but you may not be. But then, what’s new?!
NOTE
I experienced Ryan from Stansted to Dublin and back again. That particular experience lasts around 55 minutes. If you want to find out more about Ryan, he has his own website at www.ryanair.com. Having just checked, this particular experience would cost you £10 each way. Also, I note that he was on time 70% of the time this year – shame he wasn’t when it was my turn.
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Nov 25th, 2001
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