Ryanair Compensation Claims

Fury today as Ryanair compensation claims continued to fall on deaf ears as the company remained steadfast in its approach to refuse help to those stranded by the volcanic eruption in Iceland. Those seeking Ryanair refunds for cancelled flights will get the price of the ticket and nothing more, something that contravenes EU regulations.

Ryanair Compensation Claims

Head of Ryanair Michael O’Leary has gone on record stating, “we’re definitely calling for a suspension of these ludicrous passenger compensation rules, which entitle passengers, even those paying 20 or 30 euro airfares, to seek reimbursement.” Clearly O’Leary is unaware of the rights of his passengers under EU guidelines that accomodation, meals, drinks and alternate travel routes should be offered.

Initially stating that the Iceland Volcano was simply an “act of God” and therefore not Ryanair’s responsibility, the company has gone against what every other airline has been forced to do and offer compensation and help during the travel chaos.

Ryanair has always driven prices lower and offered a service much used in Europe, but this approach will surely rile passengers and may be damaging to Ryanair’s reputation. There could be hope though as leading figures in the aviation industry, such as British Airways’ Willie Walsh, have called upon the governments of the EU to aid the industry in settling compensation claims.

This would be very welcome for everyone involved with the airline industry still suffering from the economic downturn and the price of oil. Were governments to step in and offer money to the airlines then companies could change and the Ryanair compensation policy could also be ammended and happily pass on the aid to the hundreds of thousands of passengers still trapped abroad.

At the moment, the Ryanair compensation claims will not be listened to causing many travellers to suspect that they have been treated as a commodity, not as people stranded far from home.