Airlines Deals

IRISH Ferries has started a battle with the low-cost airlines in a major tug-of-war for customers.

Ireland’s largest ferry company has promised to take on airlines like Ryanair and easyjet their own game by adopting a low-fares model.

In an unprecedented move the ferry company itself as a low-fares carrier — similar to the Ryanair model. And Irish Ferries has also followed the airline’s lead by offering big savings to those who book early.

Its new pricing model gives bigger savings for those who book at least four weeks prior to travel.

Irish Ferries’ British passenger manager Darragh O’Reilly said: “Gone are the traditional days of price vultures waiting until the last minute to book travel to take advantage of our low, low prices. From now on people will have to book in advance to guarantee getting our best price. And indeed if they do try to book at the last minute they will find that our prices have risen just as happens with the low-cost airlines.

“This represents a massive investment in our commitment to the future and the new pricing levels. We are dedicated to offering this pricing model consistently.”

The company said they had taken on board what their passengers were asking for and developed a fluid pricing structure which emulates the best elements of airline systems while retaining the traditional Irish Ferries’ offering.

Customers can choose from several alternative crossings as well as having the choice of a club class seat and individual cabins.

And they said that unlike the airlines all taxes were included in the quoted fare and customers could bring as much baggage as they like.

Mr O’Reilly said: “Exploring Ireland is best done by car.

“You can take yourself out of the city off the beaten track and into some of the most beautiful countryside in the world.”