Ryanair boarding knowing departure not likely for 3 hours

Alan_T_2

My ex is taking our daughter away on hols, flying Ryanair from Glasgow Prestwick to Alicante, due to depart around 9.15am. Arrived at airport on time, to find a delay of 90mins on flight.

They've been waiting around in airport, however she has now had a text message that the departure is now not likely until after 1pm, but no news or announcements at airport. She has spoken with airport staff and they have advised that they now don't have a departure slot until around 1.30pm but they will be boarding now in case it is brought forward.

Should they be doing this? Putting people onto a plane, knowing that they will be sitting on the tarmac for over 2.5 hours?

Also where does she stand regarding delays? I assume that this is based upon original time of departure and that the boarding does not impact this. Once on plane, and beyond 2 hours from the original departure time I would expect that they should be providing some food and drinks, is this correct?

Sorry for loads of questions, but any help would really be appreciated.

mcfisco

I've been on a few planes that have pushed back and then just sat there, longest about 90 mins.
I always thought it was to hit punctuality targets, once it's left the gate, the clock stops. Could be wrong though

JPears

As far as compo goes its the actual arrival time that counts. If they have been delayed departure , not boarding by 3hrs + they are entitled to refreshments from Ryanair. They should start complaining and quoting reeg 261/2004 at anybody that will listen. Especially as they have paid a 261/2004 item on their fare!!

Alan_T_2

JPears wrote: »

As far as compo goes its the actual arrival time that counts. If they have been delayed departure , not boarding by 3hrs + they are entitled to refreshments from Ryanair. They should start complaining and quoting reeg 261/2004 at anybody that will listen. Especially as they have paid a 261/2004 item on their fare!!

Thanks for this. Sent it onto her...12.15pm is the 3 hr mark for the flight departure I believe, so realistically they should start providing food and drinks from that point free of charge (I take it should not be buy and reclaim). Her battery on the phone is almost dead now, so will likely lose touch with her fairly soon.

Mark2spark

2 hours is the threshold for when a meal and refreshments need to be provided.
3 hours is the threshold for delay compensation.
But RA are almost certainly going to claim French ATC as the EC, which they'll probably get away with. (for compensation purposes, doesn't exclude the right to a meal & refreshment)

Alan_T_2

Update on this.

3 hours came and gone. Staff on plane are refusing to give out refreshments and say anyone wanting to them needs to pay for them. Apparently this is a Ryanair policy.

Mark2spark

Ask the cabin crew for a copy of EU261 entitlements, and record them answering.

But there's a loophole in RA's favour.
As they are seated and awaiting a departure slot, RA can argue that the serving of meals would effectively put them back on stand, and not ready to depart, and therefore miss a suddenly available slot.

Alan_T_2

Mark2spark wrote: »

Ask the cabin crew for a copy of EU261 entitlements, and record them answering.

But there's a loophole in RA's favour.
As they are seated and awaiting a departure slot, RA can argue that the serving of meals would effectively put them back on stand, and not ready to depart, and therefore miss a suddenly available slot.

Passed that on.

However on the loophole... they are selling food and drinks, so would surely negate that.

Mark2spark

Yes it needs to be recorded that they will *sell* food but not supply it free as per the law (Regulation 261/2004).

Alan_T_2

Mark2spark wrote: »

Yes it needs to be recorded that they will *sell* food but not supply it free as per the law (Regulation 261/2004).

Fed back again, will update if any progress, but not really expecting they'll move on this as the first conversation was that they hadn't heard of the entitlements.

Have emailed over the pdf direct from Ryanair pages that has the details on it.

http://www.ryanair.com/doc/faqs/eu261-en.pdf

k3lvc

Without defending Ryanair they won't have enough food/drink on board for 150+ pax. Sure they'll manage a glass of water (if they've 150 glasses) but splitting a couple of Kit Kats/bags of crisps/sandwiches between that many people could be fun.

Wouldn't surprise me if they offer a £5 refreshment voucher then tell you it can only be spent in the terminal :rotfl:

Having been in a similar situation with BA it's not all sweetness & light with them either