Barcelona Bound: A Ryanair Kind of Day

After a short stay in Tangier, it was time to fly north again — across the Strait of Gibraltar and up to Barcelona to meet my cousin Peta for a few nights. Back on the Ryanair bus today. I’m an airline snob, but their dirt-cheap prices are hard to resist. The rides to or from the airport cost more than the airfare itself — even with extras like luggage and a snack.

I could turn this one-hour flight into a long-form narrative, but honestly, there’s not much to say about Ryanair. They get you to the airport ridiculously early, herd you to board even earlier, then make you stand around on the tarmac waiting for the incoming plane to land and unload — before letting everyone rush on like ants to a honeypot.

Once in the air, the trolley rolls through with pricey snacks — which I indulge in — followed by scratchcards promising a shot at a million euros. I pass on those. The view of Gibraltar on the way sparks memories of my first visit to Spain, when I walked across the runway and then the border. Such an interesting rock — highly recommend a visit if you haven’t been.

Landing in Barcelona, our flight and a few plane-loads of British lads on summer holidays are herded into a packed immigration hall. Only four border officers on duty to process hundreds of passengers. I guess Ryanair doesn’t pay for speedy immigration. The friendly border agent stamps passports at lightning speed to keep the queue moving — no time for interrogations today.

Any Ryanair savings are wiped out by the Uber ride to my hotel — I’m too lazy to bus and walk with a suitcase today. Here I am, back in Barcelona, waiting to see if it can redeem itself on this visit. Will Team Madrid convert to Team Barcelona? Give me a few days — I’ll let you know.Read more