Review of Ryanair flight Brussels → Cluj-Napoca in Economy

Hi Everybody,

During black friday and cyber-monday, I wanted to have a check on the discounts proposed by different airlines.
Willing to go to Cluj in Romania, I decided to check the different offers.

However, leaving from western Europe, Cluj is only accessible by low-cost airlines.
But, the offers are really outstanding in terms of costs.

From Bruxelles to Cluj, FR offers a flight at 12 €.
And, for the way back to Paris, W6 offers a flight at 12€, plus 25 % discount for the cyber monday : 9€

I can't even understand how these airlines can offer such cheap flights.
But, 19€ for some days in Romania can't be lost.

Especially, on CRL-CLJ, FR purposes to try there new Max8-200 aircraft, which I've never tried yet.

Leave for Charleroi airport at 3 am, with FlibCo bus.
This shuttle offers each 20 min a departure between Bruxelles train station and Charleroi airport.
The price of the shuttle is 18.99 € one way.

Pitch is good, and so early in the morning, each of the traveler will have a full rank.

1h later, we arrive at Charleroi airport.
The airport is splitted into 2 distinct terminals.

T1 for me today

The terminal reminds us we are in a low cost airport.
As an example, the access to the toilet is to be paid.

Ryanair developed an auto-bag check system, which seems not to be convenient for non friendly user of their mobile phone and app.

Security checks are passed in 5 min.
I guess I was lucky as I arrived really early, before any flight left.
Then, compulsory passage through CRL duty-free

Airport FIDS
With no surprise, a lot of Ryanair and Wizzair flights.

Despite the airport looks very low cost typed airport, there is a food court and a waiting area that seems to be convenient.

Symbol of an old time, there is still Air Belgium signal in the terminal.
I was surprised to see there was a lounge in this airport for Air Belgium.

Once at my door, I will find easily a seat to wait.
Once again, by arriving very early, I got the luck to find a seat.
Lors of people will wait for their flight with no seat available.

We understand easily who is the largest operator here.

Our flight will be boarded on time.
I will board the last, not to wait for the opening of our doar to board.

However, even boarding the last, we still had to wait for 10 min before accessing the tarmac.

And here is our plane for today's ride.
But, stormy time in CRL, while boarding.
A rain and a cold weather that reminds us why Ryanair is Ryanair.

Sight on one of our Leap 1B

The very specific Max winglet

Fuselage shot

Doar time

The welcome of our hostess will be awaful.
My seat, the 32 A
Pitch will be very bad for my 1m82

Safety card version Ryanair.
First time for me flying Ryanair, on a flight operated by Ryanair

No real difference with the B737-800 NG of Ryanair

As well as for the mood-lightning

Boarding will be completed in a short time
The plane will be at 2/3 full.

And, here is the special touch of our hostess.
I let my lugage on the bins over our head, as they were empty.
The hostess will come and take them out, precising that I haven't payed for the option.
Stupid move as they were empty ?!?

The neighbour, and of course, it is a Ryanair as well

Pushback will be on time.
Sight on the different operating airlines at CRL

Very short taxi, and take-off on time

Very soon after, the clouds

that we will pass very shortly, I hope to be able to continue my short night…

But, it without taking into consideration the Ryanair spirit
Light turned on to max, an commercial add each 1/4 h
So, let's enjoy the sunshine

Flight will be very bumpy, as well
Approach will start over the boarder between Romania and Hungary.

Approach over Cluj city

Landing 35 min before scheduled time in CLJ
Kiss landing

It's been a while since I haven't come to CLJ
The airport is under operation works, and the arrival of national and international flights is made far away from the terminal

Goodbye with the hostess will be as cold as the welcome in CRL.
Last sight on our aircraft

And Pax Bus to join the terminal, for once really necessary in CLJ

Police inspection will be passed in 5 min
And, welcome to CLJ

Thanks for reading the report

See you soon for the return flight

Papa Sierra Golf 91