No-frills flights to cross Atlantic

Ever since RyanAir was launched in 1985, North Americans have been drooling with jealousy at just how cheap it can be to fly around Europe. Well, it seems they will soon have to drool no longer. On April 14th, RyanAir announced a plan to provide flights to Baltimore, Providence, Rhode Island and New York Long Island for as low as £7. With taxes, fees and surcharges, the price will likely be around £80.

Until recently, the London Heathrow to New York City route has been heavily regulated with only four airlines able to operate: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines and American Airlines. With the “Open Skies” agreement recently concluded, the airways and airports between Europe and America are set to open to any who wish to fly them, beginning next year.

RyanAir won’t be the only one to cash in, although they’ll probably remain among one of the cheapest deals. Low-cost carrier, Zoom, has already announced a new route between Gatwick and New York for £129 including taxes and charges, one way. Unlike the no-frills RyanAir, Zoom has two classes of seating and offers in flight meals.

“You cannot put a sheet of paper between the prices charged by BA, Virgin and the American carriers on the New York route and it is high time that passengers had a better deal. We are offering savings of up to 70 per cent on these flights,” said Mr Boyle, one of the founders of Zoom.

www.ryanair.com