Ryanair penalty charges

krisskross

I was stupid enough to make an error on name spelling on a reservation with Ryanair.
It was picked up at check in and I was told there would have to be a name change. This took approximately 1 minute, in fact it took longer to remove the money from my bank card. There was never any question of not being able to fly, they knew it was a simple spelling error and it cost me £45!!
So folks do be careful with your bookings, I certainly will!!

Stonk

There's a lot of talk at the moment about fighting bank charges on the grounds that they are punitive (i.e., intended to punish, rather than representing the cost of doing the work). This would definitely fall into the same category, particularly as you were standing there while it took them 60 seconds to do the work.

If you feel like causing a fuss, you could fire off a letter demanding the money back, threatening that otherwise you will sue them for punitive charges.

Wig

comes under "unfair contract terms act" or similar I believe. Fines and fees have to be proportional to the actual cost/loss incurred by the company.

I'd say this definately counts. You can take them to the small claims court on this basis, and all you will potentially lose is another 25 quid (unless they have raised their prices).

You can bet that Ryan air will fight it but that doesn't mean they will win.

greenwich

Good thinking, Stonk. This should certainly be covered by the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999 (if I had a pound for every time I mention that on this site...). Ryanair being the ******** they are, they will not do the decent thing and you will have the priceless satisfaction of beating them in court.

krisskross

Thanks all for taking the time to respond. I was going to let it go but in light of your comments I will write to them and see what happens

Wig

I can tell you for nothing what will happen if you write to them. You'll be told politely where to stick it. What you have to decide is whether you can be bothered to take them to the small claims court over this https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk it can all be done online.

But you do have to write to them anyway just to give them a month or 2 to give you satisfaction before taking it further.