FLIEGER67 From Georgia, joined Sep 2003, 4387 posts, RR: 57 Posted (6 years 2 months 1 week 3 days 16 hours ago) and read 4687 times:
Ride the "Ryan" to Murcia via STN
Hello, dear readers,
thank you for your intention to read my report, I will do my best!.
Around the first of March, two free days popped up in my calendar.
Time do do another trip to the south.
As it is my policy not to fly the same airline or visiting the same country twice directly one after the other,
LH and its Miles-and-More offer was out of my view.
No special last-minute arrangements, but acceptable fares to Murcia with a short sidestep to STN.
Wheather forecast was ok, so immediately booked.
(1.)
Wednesday, 07.03.2007
HHN (Frankfurt-Hahn) - STN (London-Stansted)
FR 753 operated by Ryanair B738W EI-DLC
Scheduled: 06.30 // 06.45
Actual: 06.25 // 06.30
Gate: ? Seat: ?
Load factor: Not more than 40 %
Fare: 32,73 EUR
An early departure from Hahn, three hours to drive, two hours early at the airport, so let´s go after a short sleep at 1 am.
No traffic on the motorways, ontime arrived 4.15 am at HHN airport.
Some other pax in front off the announced, but closed desk.
Minutes thereafter a sleepy single guy arrived, check-in started and my bag was off to STN withhin minutes.
No time to wait at security, settled down as comfortabel as it could be at HHN after passport control and waited for the things to going on.
Early boarding at 05.50 am, a walk through the dark light rainy morning.
Early morning at HHN:
This time a clean machine, fitted with the usual dark blue leather seats.
Four FB´s on this service, one young male with the typical Ryanair-robot behaviour, two females, ok, and another real friendly female,
IMO italian, called Gabriela.
A friendly welcome from the flightdeck, captain Thomas Döhler and later inflight from the FO, Lars Weller, both german natives.
Taxi was interesting, we´re passing another FR B738 on the taxiway as we´re entered the runway early, travelled it down and turned
around there, a quick departure follows.
Route: HHN, runway 21, over Belgium to STN, runway 23.
Sunrise between HHN and STN:
I had a nice chat during deboarding with Gabriela, said goodbye and was once again in STN.
I´am not really sure if this was the same airport like I know as STN.
No time to wait at passport control, my bag was on the belt when I arrived.
I asked a FR girl if the desk for MJV is on her list.
She send me to I think 83. I followed the action at STN terminal, lots of people all around.
At around 07.00 am, yes, 3, 5 hours prior to departure the desk was on the screen as open,
no one there, a girl asked me if i want to check in for Murcia, yes, sure and so it goes.
Bag off, no time to wait at security, walked down to the FR gate area and followed the traffic outside,
time goes by quick.
My machine inbound from HHN:
GSS/BA Cargo B747:
Iseland Express/Hello MD90:
Later gate 59 was announced, the plane arrived early, boarding started short thereafter and again a clean machine, fitted with the
dark blue, really cramped, leather seats.
Three female FB´s, one ok, two FR style and the purser a joking middle aged english guy, real good.
He introduced the whole crew by name.
We had a so called "Ground handling error" as there was no refuelling truck available for our flight, so departure with some 15 minutes delay.
Route: STN, runway 23, LON, Brighton, Le Havre, Paris, Andorra, Valencia, Murcia, runway 23. Flight level 37.000 ft.
Channel crossing:
The captain, sorry, dont understand his name and his FO, Ben Watts, IMO both from the UK told us everyting interesting about the flight,
five or six times during the leg. Very good and not expected. For example he told us that he will turn on the seatbelt signs for approach in about ten minutes, so
everyone who want to go the restrooms, will have enough time to do so.
Approach was, let me say, bumpy, not that I felt unsafe, but there was heavy wind in the area and the plane jumped around like a small cessna, great fun.
Back on terra firma hard and heavy, MJV is also a military airport, sorry, no pix.
Just arrived at sunny MJV:
Deboarding at MJV:
Temperatures around 25 degrees welcomed me, a sunny day in southern spain. Only some minutes to wait for my bag.
I've made a strategic fault during my rental car booking.
I've dont noticed that the company had no desk at the airport, AurigaCrownCar managed by Sunny cars, a good fare, 30.-- EUROS all inclusive and 500 AirBerlin Top Bonus points as well.
So i fixed the time to 4 pm but was out at 03.30 pm, that means I had to wait till the agent arrived, also some minutes later than 4 pm.
Car was later ok, a new Ford Fiesta.
On the way to my hotel, the La Laguna Resort and Spa in Rojales, between Murcia and Alicante, booked by HRS for 80,92 Euros B&B,
more than 30 EUROS cheaper than other websites. Not bad for one night.
La Laguna resort:
I visited Elche with the largest palm tree wood in Europe and later the area around the Mar Menor.
Arrival with the rental car shuttle at the airport at 3.30 pm, no time to wait at the check-in desk, my bag was off to HHN again.
MJV is the typical FR airport, surrounded by nothing else than some rural fields.
Only a small one level building, two arrival baggage belts and some check-in counters. No time to wait also at security.
After a Jet2 B733 bound for Leeds an empty apron.
I was surprised as my one inbound from HHN arrived early at around 4 pm.
The usual rush to the desk and as the other pax deboarded we were called for boarding.
Funny, you walk outside to the apron and had to wait there till the plane was ok, a guy waved and we´re guided to the plane.
An empty apron at MJV:
Arrival from HHN:
Ready for boarding:
This time a slightly dirty machine, typical seats, two female FBs ok and two male FR robots.
I hate these nervous FR advertisements all the time.
We´re way to early, that means more than 15 minutes to wait for our departure slot.
Route: MJV, runway 05, no further information, HHN runway 21.
The captain Patrick Wouters and his FO, IMO both from Belgium/Netherlands told us not to much during the flight.
A heavy landing welcomed us back at HHN.
Only some minutes for my bag and on the long way home.
Conclusion:
One new airport (MJV)and all new legs for my log.
Acceptable fares also at short term booking, nice sunny wheather there in the Murcia area. OK so far.
On all flights same native cockpit crews, is this a new FR security action to calm down there last incidents?.
I was shocked when I saw all these vacation appartements there along the coastline, every village surrounded by houses and appartements,
every hill topped with an urbanisacion, sure not my way of living.
Comments and critics always welcome,
Markus (FLIEGER67)
I was quite surprised about the fares you paid, especially on the flight that involved HHN. How can FR make money at HHN if they sell the tickets for around 30.00 EUR only few days before departure - and this in conjunction with the quite light loads? The FR engagement at HHN will always stay a phenomenon for me. Anyways, for you it was a good opportunity to visit Southern Spain for a good price.
767747 From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 1748 posts, RR: 26 Reply 2, posted (6 years 2 months 1 week 3 days 10 hours ago) and read 4410 times:
FLIEGER67 From Georgia, joined Sep 2003, 4387 posts, RR: 57 Reply 3, posted (6 years 2 months 1 week 2 days 13 hours ago) and read 4134 times:
Hello, Christoph and 767747,
thanx for your nice feedback.
I was also surprised when I checked the fares for my possible dates with FR.
The first quarter of 2007 will be not the best for FR especially when you follow all these special fares they offer actually.
But when I think back, the flight to Wroclaw/Breslau at the gate beneath was much better booked!.
Sv2008 From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2006, 622 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (6 years 2 months 1 week 1 day 11 hours ago) and read 3928 times:
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): MJV is the typical FR airport, surrounded by nothing else than some rural fields.
Only a small one level building, two arrival baggage belts and some check-in counters. No time to wait also at security.
Funny, you walk outside to the apron and had to wait there till the plane was ok, a guy waved and we´re guided to the plane.
I being to MJV several times (going again at least once this summer), I think they do that because the terminal is so small. It gets very busy in the summer months.
It is not really rural - MJV is very convenient for many resorts in the area (La Manga, Cartagena, Murcia) the reason so many people go there instead of ALC ). It has great road links with the motorway right outside - Cartagena is only about 20 minutes away, closer than many cities to the airport. Other resorts are only 40mins away. Don't know about La Manga, but it must be around 20minutes or less?
Ryanair737 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 5, posted (6 years 2 months 1 week 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 3913 times:
Nice report Markus, especially as I have flown to MJV quite a few times now, stayed in the exact same hotel for one night and practically have been to all the places you went to! I generally avoid MJV as an airport though - it's just too small, about 2 shops, poor cafe facilities, and when it gets busy it isn't a pleasant experience whatsoever - not enough space. Alicante, 40 mins up the road is a much better alternative and is also a more direct road to where ever you want to go to in the region - unless your off to La Manga of course.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): On all flights same native cockpit crews, is this a new FR security action to calm down there last incidents?
I don't think so, Ryanair out of LPL for example have cockpit crews from all over Europe (UK, Eastern Europe, Ireland etc).
Quoting Sv2008 (Reply 4): It is not really rural - MJV is very convenient for many resorts in the area (La Manga, Cartagena, Murcia) the reason so many people go there instead of ALC ).
I think the reason is they go to MJV instead of ALC is because Ryanair are dirt cheap.
FLIEGER67 From Georgia, joined Sep 2003, 4387 posts, RR: 57 Reply 7, posted (6 years 2 months 1 week 14 hours ago) and read 3782 times:
Hello, Sv2008 and Ryanair737, thanx for your replys.
Sv2008: I remember that I read the report about your last trip to Murcia.
Be sure, that´s my personal opinion and my personal view about MJV airport.
Also sure, the touristic potential around MJV is really huge, easy access to the motorway,
but also no bus connection and high taxi fares. La Manga is not more than 15 minutes.
I was surprised when I mentioned that FR has two daily flights from STN within two hours.
Ryanair737: It was midweek, low season and there was nearly no free seat in the gate area,
it seems it will be crowded during the summer months.
I was in ALC last November and I agree, more spacious, more connections.
FR has only flights to MJV, not ALC, IMO one of the main reasons for the pax to fly to MJV.
Sv2008 From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2006, 622 posts, RR: 0 Reply 9, posted (6 years 2 months 6 days 19 hours ago) and read 3701 times:
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 7): I was surprised when I mentioned that FR has two daily flights from STN within two hours.
And the flight from LTN just an hour later (only one flight a day)!
LTN is only 20 miles away from STN but a lot closer to where i live (20mins instead of 50)
I think FR have something like 7 daily flights from the Uk and Ireland to MJV,
Quote:
also no bus connection and high taxi fares
Yeah but thats typical of many areas in Spain. Most people rent cars - MJV is very cheap to hire a car compared to many places in Europe - so i never had to use public transport or taxis. The area i go to is kinda remote, so a car is essential anyway.
FLIEGER67 From Georgia, joined Sep 2003, 4387 posts, RR: 57 Reply 10, posted (6 years 2 months 6 days 14 hours ago) and read 3653 times:
Hello, Andreas,
thanx for your reply.
Yeah, the Ryan-robots...!.
Sv2008:
Seven daily flights to MJV, thats real impressive.
But no wonder, when we think about that lot of appartment-owners from the UK/Ireland in the area.
About the car, also my opinion, lots of people going from the airport by car.
Airbuseric From Netherlands, joined Jan 2005, 4015 posts, RR: 52 Reply 12, posted (6 years 2 months 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 3546 times:
Hi Markus!
Another good report out of your hands . Typical Ryanair experience though. I only fly them for the joy of flying above the clouds or to go somewhere really cheap, otherwise I nowadays try to avoid them as much as possible. In the past I liked flying FR for getting the chance to jump on the old B737-200's, but those interesting machines are gone now
MJV looks a nice airport to me, with the sun, the palmtrees and nice pavement to the apron That's gives a holiday feeling anyway!
Grüß,
Eric
"The whole world steps aside for the man who knows where he is going"
DALCE From Netherlands, joined Feb 2007, 1581 posts, RR: 7 Reply 13, posted (6 years 2 months 5 days 13 hours ago) and read 3504 times:
Hi Marcus.
Another great story!
MJV looks like a nice airport with lots of GA traffic. Is there only LCC traffic or are there also some "regular" airlines operating?
Thanks again for sharing!
Schoene Grusse,
Joost
flown on : F50,F70,CR1,CR2,CR9,E75,143,AR8,AR1,733,735,736,73G,738,753,744,319,320,321,AB6. Next flights AMS-ZRH-AMS on
Quoting DALCE (Reply 13): Another great story!
MJV looks like a nice airport with lots of GA traffic. Is there only LCC traffic or are there also some "regular" airlines operating?
Thanks again for sharing!
Iberia fly there (Madrid 2x and Barcelona). BA used to from LGW but I don't think they do anymore. Heres a list.
FLIEGER67 From Georgia, joined Sep 2003, 4387 posts, RR: 57 Reply 15, posted (6 years 2 months 4 days 14 hours ago) and read 3369 times:
Hello, guys and thanx all for your replys.
Thomas:
When I view my pix later at home, I thought that might be also anywhere in the carribean, but sure not with Ryanair!.
Eric:
You know, we had absolutely the same opinion about FR.
This time it was ok.
Yes, MJV that was a real holiday feeling.
Joost:
As Sv2008 posted earlier, the only "regular" one during my time at MJV was an delayed IB/Air Nostrum service to MAD.
Everything else LoCo´s and charter flights.
Ndebele From Germany, joined Apr 2001, 2895 posts, RR: 25 Reply 16, posted (6 years 2 months 3 days 3 hours ago) and read 3274 times:
Hi Markus, I enjoyed reading a well-written report by an FR frequent traveller you seem to fly them quite a lot these days. Alright, FR is cheap - but is it really worth getting up at 1am and then driving three hours to HHN?! I'm not too surprised about Ryanair serving MJV ten times a day - MJV seems so be one of the airports mostly used by British tourists.
Your FR impressions made me look forward to my FR flight STN-DUB later this week - actually my first FR flight since 2004.
Regards, Alex.
FLIEGER67 From Georgia, joined Sep 2003, 4387 posts, RR: 57 Reply 17, posted (6 years 2 months 2 days 14 hours ago) and read 3236 times:
Hello, Alex and thanx for your reply.
Quoting Ndebele (Reply 16): but is it really worth getting up at 1am and then driving three hours to HHN?!
That was part of the "adventure", for real, I searched for something cheap and new to my log and that was
an acceptable opinion. BTW to go by my Smart Diesel nightly on the empty motorway, a not to expensive and
less stressfull experience than for example going for a 11 am workday departure from STR with the queues on the B27.
Quoting Ndebele (Reply 16): made me look forward to my FR flight STN-DUB later this week
I hope reading a new Ndebele style report in the near future.
Infodesk From Switzerland, joined May 2006, 1237 posts, RR: 34 Reply 20, posted (6 years 2 months 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 3130 times:
Great report as always!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): As it is my policy not to fly the same airline or visiting the same country twice directly one after the other,
LH and its Miles-and-More offer was out of my view.
Certainly an unusual policy and it makes for interesting reading!
"Do nothing in haste, look well to each step and from the beginning think what may be the end" - Edward Whymper
It's not really. It's not bad as such, but it is far too crowded, I think something like 1.6milllion people a year (and increasing) when it was designed for 100,000 ish.
Facilities are extremely limited, and for such a small airport luggage can take ages (I waited 45mins last time). The ques for some rental cars take another half hour if your unlucky.
The arrival area isn't too bad, but the departure area is. In summer there are loads of people waiting outside because there isn't enough space inside by the check in area. It has been improved recently since I was last there though, but they don't seem to be expanding the terminal anytime soon in a hurry. It is supposed to be replaced by an all new airport near Murcia City I think- anyone know more?
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24888 posts, RR: 60 Reply 23, posted (6 years 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 2968 times:
Hi Marcus , great Trip report and photos. Im glad that I can comment on your trip report as you have always been very kind in your comments to mine.
I like the extra bits of information that you provide about the fare and the load factors. You really thought of everything. I cant wait to read another report from you .
Thanks again
Kind regards
OA260
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
FLIEGER67 From Georgia, joined Sep 2003, 4387 posts, RR: 57 Reply 24, posted (6 years 1 month 4 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 2930 times:
Hello, OA260,
thanx for the nice words.
If nothing goes wrong, I will go tomorrow for the weekend to Sardinia and, maybe write a report next week.
Best regards,
Markus (FLIEGER67)
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you seem to fly them quite a lot these days. Alright, FR is cheap - but is it really worth getting up at 1am and then driving three hours to HHN?! I'm not too surprised about Ryanair serving MJV ten times a day - MJV seems so be one of the airports mostly used by British tourists.
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