Online Check-In Will Set You Back $8

Ireland's 'discount' carrier Ryanair has announce it will begin charging passenger $64 each way to check in at the airport, in an effort to drive customers to its online check-in system. Passengers that check in online are still be charged $8 for the privelege of confirming that they intend to be on the airplane, a fee that went into effect in May.

Ryanair said the check-in fee is intentionally high so that passengers don't forget to use the online system a second time.

The online publication Minneapolis Airlines/Airport Examiner reports that Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary says he hopes to save some $80 million by cutting airport counter staff and encouraging people to use the online check-in, a move that's been roundly criticized by the flying public and the media. 

Competing European low-cost carriers EasyJet and Air Berlin have said they have no intention of imposing check-in fees or cutting airport staff. They have both said that having people available at the airport to answer questions is vital to good customer service.

FMI: www.ryanair.com