Ryanair boss promises $125 fares from US if Aer Lingus bid succeeds

A year or two back the Open Skies agreement between US and Europe was flagged as sure to bring down transAtlantic prices. It didn't. Prices are higher than they have been in a decade or two. I would have no objection to anyone new getting into the market, it could only do good. And as to service, I've flown RyanAir. I found their seats quite comfortable, with pretty decent legroom. Better than Continental 737s over here, for example. The service to/from Ireland on carriers like USAir and American is not much better than what you get on RyanAir in Europe. And last time I flew, they were charging seven bucks for a beer or a glass of wine with lunch--don't think RyanAir would charge that. There's another factor we need to keep an eye on. The dumb European Union is trying to bring in another airline tax, to include US carriers landing in Europe. That'll push fares up even more.

I comepletely support Michael O Leary .Dont forget we had a monopoly airline in Ireland before - Aer Lingus ! But for Ryanair we would still be paying exhorbitant rates to travel to Europe and America .It never ceases to amaze me how members of the public trot out rubbishy smart alecky comments that they have picked up from the Sun/Star .I am not interested in travel frills , I want to get to my destination in safety and on time ,and Ryanair delivers on all counts . I have witnessed confrontations at check in desks when passengers feel aggrieved that the cant bring on board as "hand luggage " the equivalent of a fridge or an armchair ! Michael OLeary is a proven successful marketing man who is capable of improving Irelands tourist business ,if he did not have to deal with small minded people, and vested interests .!

Would you believe a word out of this guys mouth? In October his prices to Lanzarote average 220 euro-about $275 each way.....and that trip is exactly half the distance as Ireland to New York so would probably be about $550 each way for a New York Flight.....plus the extras for everything from toilet paper to whatever he thinks of next.

You will probably have to stand all the way. $50.00 for toilet use.

the seat is $125 each way - if you actually want to put it on the plane thats going, that will cost you the other $750 to include insurance, fuel, toilet paper, baggage, and the pilot..... :)

I agree - it would be really nice to have better competition on the US route to Ireland - i've seen my ticket prices rise from 5 years ago from an average of $449 now hitting the $1099 for the exact same time of year on a regular basis - you rarely get tickets home under $500 now so would love someone to shake up United (since they took over Continental the fares are higher) and get us better deals but not sure how i'd feel about Ryan Air flying me to the USA - if they maintain Aer Lingus brand thats one thing but if he implements the cattle mart mentalilty he has with Ryan Air he may get us once to test it but thats about it. I don't want to have to beat people to get my seat or get screwed for trying to bring 2 bags home with gifts!!!

I don't buy it, prices are steep, I think monopolies are a bad idea. A move like this would put that guy, who makes jokes about people standing while flying (at least I thought it was a joke) in charge of all of Irelands airlines? Never put too much power in one persons hands. What are you going to do, just trust him when he says $125 fares? With the price of fuel alone, it dosen't make any sense. Reminds me of Romney's Tax cut for the rich plan.

While the low-cost fares would be welcome, Mr. O'Leary had best pay attention to American law regarding disclosure of fees, etc. The Ryanair tradition of low-balling the fares and making money on one fee after the other is now illegal in the US, at least so far as advertising is concerned. They'll need to reveal the total cost of a trip up-front. Blarney is not good enough.

Anyone with any common sense will know these level of fares are unsustainable and will ultimately be loss making for the airline. Flying a 300 seat aircraft is an expensive business, anyone expecting lovely low fares needs a reality check. Michael O'Leary will never charge these fares, he's just trying to create publicity for his cause as usual, it's just surprising so many are still lapping it up.

With all their hidden fees, the 99 euro will eventually be north of 200 euro but my biggest concern is if they will fill the feul tank.

we need this so badly.

what a deal - but can we pee aND FOR HOW MUCH.

I say let him at it, I like his two brand idea. This is exactly what the folks over at the Gathering need, as they have no answers as to providing reasonable value airfares back to the auld sod for next years.

Who's kidding who? RyanAir has 99 euro flights to alot of places and none of them are 99 euro. That airline has the more added fees and surcharges than any other airline out there. Trust me, the 99 euro one way ticket will be 275 euro before you leave the ticket counter.

NOW Mike O'Leary knows how to run a business: remove the shackles and let the good times roll . . . Just think what his $99 one-way winter fare would do for the Irish economy . . . .