Fun & Famous

why lies want to fly even more

Anyone who loves self-torture and generally has a bit of a dislike for themselves should buy their tickets from Ryanair. For years, the blue-yellow budget airline took me to Pisa, where we traditionally celebrate my father's birthday in July. For not much more than 80 euros, I flew from Eindhoven to Pisa, which is of course really cheap. But the personal suffering that came along with it for free is almost unimaginable. And no, I'm not exaggerating, there is nothing more dreadful than flying with Ryanair.

Aside from the disgusting planes, the ugly interior, the unfriendly stewards, and the downright terrible flight times, I always became furious because you have to pay extra for EVERYTHING. Want to take a suitcase? That'll be 50 bucks. A bottle of water? €7.50. There's a typo on your ticket or your name isn't quite right? That'll cost you €160. Your bag is found to be one centimeter too big? There goes another €60. You didn't print your boarding pass or you forgot it or lost it? Then you get to stand in line and pay SEVENTY EUROS for a new one. Seriously, you can't make this stuff up.

“Hallooooohooo, it's 2016.
Wake the fuck up”

I absolutely hate it when airlines act like it's 2003 and make me print things that I can perfectly use digitally. Not just Ryanair is guilty of this, I've often stood fuming somewhere at an airport because they damn well refused to scan my e-ticket. Hallooooohooo, it's 2016. Wake the fuck up.

Okay, where is this story going, you might wonder. Well, after all my whining and complaining, I now want to take a moment to praise KLM. They actually get it. First of all, their ridiculously good customer service operates delightfully modern mostly via Twitter and Facebook. Have a question, problem, or complaint? Just drop a message there and before you know it, you’re having a very pleasant conversation with someone who helps you with everything.

And recently, there was also the wonderfully exciting news that they are going to collaborate with locals (read all about it here) and now there’s something else to celebrate. Since last week, KLM allows passengers to check in via Facebook Messenger. Ha!

“I just thought it was time for some feathers in the digital and oh so modern behind of our Royal Airline”

You could already choose whether you wanted to receive your ticket via email or SMS, but now there’s a third option: Facebook Messenger. And through the chat, you can ask questions about your flight and you will be kept informed of any changes or delays. And there’s even more, because if you’ve checked in via Messenger, you can also order an Uber through the same chat that will be ready for you right on time at your destination. Really, hallelujah.

And no, I (or Amayzine) am not being paid to say this. I just thought it was time for some feathers in the digital and oh so modern behind of our Royal Airline. And who knows, maybe those fools at Ryanair are reading this too, they’ll know right away how it should be done. Already looking forward to flying again.