Ryanair introduces 'business class'

Ryainair’s business customers will have to make do with the same type of seating as everyone else, but their more expensive tickets will include priority boarding, and one of the so-called ‘premium’ seats on the flight. They are either at the front of the plane, granting a quick exit, or in exit rows, offering more leg room. The airline normally charges £15 on top of a standard ticket to reserve one.

Travellers looking for a catch might point to the terms and conditions for ‘Business Plus’ bookings on Ryanair’s website. While services such as a checked-in bag and a ‘premium’ seat are provided at no extra charge, to get them customers have to make sure they tick the right boxes during the airline’s much-criticised booking process. If they forget or fail to fill in the forms correctly, they will miss out but still be charged the ‘Business Plus’ price, Ryanair warned.

It said: “These services must be selected at the time of booking in order to include them free of charge. If added after booking they are charged.”

Kenny Jacobs, Ryainair’s chief marketing officer, said: "Businesses are becoming smarter with their travel and over 25% of our customers already travel on business, choosing Ryanair for our low fares, industry-leading punctuality and the largest route network in Europe. We now offer even more business routes, connecting Europe’s major cities with additional flights and improved schedules."

“Our commitment to the improvement of our customer experience under our ‘Always Getting Better’ programme continues.”

The programme was launched by chief executive Michael O’Leary earlier this year alongside updates to the Ryanair website and reductions to its steep penalty charges for customers who fail to bring a printed boarding pass to the airport or otherwise transgress.

The move was widely seen as a response to the resurgence of its rival EasyJet, which offers allocated seating as standard and charges less for hold baggage, and has made the business market a priority over the last few years as companies have sought to trim their travel expenses.

In spite of reporting popularity with business travellers, Mr O’Leary for years dismissed suggestions Ryanair should also woo them, insisting that “an airplane is nothing more than a bus with wings on”. It is now adding more business-friendly city airports to its network, however, having previously favoured cheaper out-of-town destinations.

Ryanair said ‘Business Plus’ fares will start at €69.99.

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