Ryanair Electron charges

Selen

Hello, I've been charged debit card fees for booking flights with my Electron card, even though it should have been free. I've been trying all summer to get these charges refunded but Ryanair denies any responsibility and says it's the bank's fault. I don't think it's my bank's fault because, as soon as I complained to Ryanair, the charges stopped. Still, I want a refund for the previous charges, can I take Ryanair to Court and also ask for damages? This matter is really driving me crazy!
Selene

Quentin

If they owe you money, and not paid you, then, yes, you can sue them via the county court.

But what are the grounds for the damages you are seeking?

PolishBigSpender

Yet another nonsense post.

If you selected Visa instead of Visa Electron, it's entirely your own responsibility. If you bought flights in Euro (and were charged by your bank for doing so) - it's your own responsibility.

I find it impossible to believe that Ryanair were charging for Electron.

Selen

Excuse me, on which grounds is my post defined as "nonsense"? I have used an Electron card, and was charged a debit card fee in four different occasions. Ryanair asked me for a photocopy of my Electron card, and only at that point they stopped charging me at all. I am still owed a refund, but Ryanair refuse to issue it. They say it's my bank's fault. My bank says its' Ryanair's fault. Is that clear enough for you PolishBigSpender or would you require further clarification?

Thank you Quentin for your reply, really appreciated

Selen

Just thought I'd add that I would like to claim damages as this matter has been going on since the beginning of August and I've had to waste considerable time and money to try to resolve it, plus it is quite stressful

Selen

One last clarification, all the charges are clearly stated in my Electron Visa card statement, which I have sent to Ryanair twice (so much so that in my occasion, before I even started the complaint procedure, Ryanair refunded me spontaneously)

Quentin

Selen wrote: »

Just thought I'd add that I would like to claim damages as this matter has been going on since the beginning of August and I've had to waste considerable time and money to try to resolve it, plus it is quite stressful

If you have the paperwork to prove the money you have spent chasing them, then add that amount to your claim, plus whatever you think reasonable to cover your inconvenience.

If they refuse to pay these items, but pay what they owe you, then you will need to decide on your chances of winning the damages only claim in court. Alternatively if you do end up having to sue for the money you are owed you can always include these extras in the summons and see if the court decides in your favour, should they decide to defend the case.

apt

Would Ryanair be in a hurry to pay up even if you won a small claims case? Have you approached your bank? It might be more amenable to deal with than Ryanair. Show the bank your paperwork demonstrating that Ryanair took money wrongly from your account and is blaming the bank. The bank ought to refund you and extract the money from Ryanair.

Selen

Great, thanks for your suggestions, I'll try and take it up with the bank first and then possibly go to Court, I was also advised to write to Michael O'Leary direct (should it make any difference)

Chester85

Selen wrote: »

Great, thanks for your suggestions, I'll try and take it up with the bank first and then possibly go to Court, I was also advised to write to Michael O'Leary direct (should it make any difference)

Are you sure you've clicked the right box on Visa Electron?

In several dummy bookings I've yet to come across this.

Is it adding the charges before you book are retrospectively?

If it's restrospective I'd say its the bank and not Ryanair. Contact the Bank first and see what they say before you go barging into Ryanair with a court order

Ominously the Ryanair website states

As a special offer to Visa Electron card holders, Ryanair, for a limited period only, will not apply a Debit Card charge

A limited period?!

Selen

Hi Chester, thanks for your reply. Yes I am extra sure I clicked on Electron on the Ryanair website, because whenever I booked my flights, there was never any debit card charge in the actual email invoice I got straight after. This debit card fee is only charged when the money comes out of my Electron card account, usually after three or four days. As I said, in one case, Ryanair spontaneously refunded it!

Plus how would you explain the fact that Ryanair asked me to send them a photocopy of my Electron card, and after I did that I wasn't charged the fee anymore?

I have also contacted my bank and sent them a copy of all the correspondence I had with Ryanair, they say it's nothing to do with them, but I've been told they are going to look at the matter in more detail and that they'll get back to me on Monday.