Are Ryanair using technology to cheat us with currency conversion?

DNK260

I am trying to book a single flight from Lisbon to Manchester.

Once I chose my flight, extras and seats, the price is 157.45 Euros, but it tell me that this will be "dynamically" converted to £147.35. There is an option to opt out of "dynamic conversion" although you have to look for it.

I have a Clarity card which gives me a much better rate than that so I want to pay in Euros, but when I uncheck the automatic conversion box, the amount due changes from Euros to, surprise surprise, £147.35.

I've tried to speak to them on their online chat system, but they're no help and so slow.

I registered using a different email address and tried to book. As soon as their site recognised I had a UK credit card, the same thing happened. It must be deliberate.

Even though it's only £9.00 or so, it's blatant cheating. I'd be very surprised if it wasn't against the law.
I've no option but to book the flight, but I'm very angry about this and I've sent them a formal complaint.

eDicky

On April 14th I booked a Ryanair flight to the UK in euros, using the Ryanair app, paid in euros with my Tandem (UK) credit card. It was converted by Tandem at the MasterCard rate, I believe I had to opt out of DCC. It may now be 'updated' or different with the website and it wouldn't surprise me at all if they are now defeating the option of declining DCC in the way you describe. But try the app, if it's not too late.

jpsartre

DNK260 wrote: »

I have a Clarity card which gives me a much better rate than that so I want to pay in Euros, but when I uncheck the automatic conversion box, the amount due changes from Euros to, surprise surprise, £147.35.

Looks like a glitch on the website. Normally when you opt out of the dynamic conversion you get to pay in the original currency, in your case Euros. I have done this many times in the past.

benjus

Just tried doing a dummy booking up to the payment page.

I did notice that it was a bit glitchy - the first time I unchecked the conversion box it didn't do anything, and also switching cards made it default to on again. But after a few tries I got it to list the final price in Euros.

DNK260

The online chat person gave me the details of where I could complain. I did so and received the following reply;

Dear Customer,

Thank you for contacting Ryanair.

In order to receive a quick resolution for your query, please contact our Reservation Call Centre or Live Chat Service.

You may contact our Reservation Call Centre via the phone numbers to be found here:

/gb/en/useful-info/help-centre/faq-overview/contact-us/where-are-you-calling-from

To chat with one of our agents on Live Chat, please use the following link:


The availability of the Live Chat Service is as follows:
Mon - Fri, 7:00 - 22:00 CET
Sat, 10:00 - 19:00 CET
Sun, 11:00 - 19:00 CET

Should you have further questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

Yours sincerely,
Thomas
The Customer Service Team

For and on Behalf of
Ryanair DAC

So, I either pay 13p a minute to speak to them, or go back to the chat service who sent me to them in the first place!

Voyager2002

DNK260 wrote: »

The online chat person gave me the details of where I could complain. I did so and received the following reply;

Dear Customer,

Thank you for contacting Ryanair.

In order to receive a quick resolution for your query, please contact our Reservation Call Centre or Live Chat Service.

You may contact our Reservation Call Centre via the phone numbers to be found here:

/gb/en/useful-info/help-centre/faq-overview/contact-us/where-are-you-calling-from

To chat with one of our agents on Live Chat, please use the following link:


The availability of the Live Chat Service is as follows:
Mon - Fri, 7:00 - 22:00 CET
Sat, 10:00 - 19:00 CET
Sun, 11:00 - 19:00 CET

Should you have further questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

Yours sincerely,
Thomas
The Customer Service Team

For and on Behalf of
Ryanair DAC

So, I either pay 13p a minute to speak to them, or go back to the chat service who sent me to them in the first place!

Customer service costs money, and so is not Ryanair's strong point!

eDicky

DNK260 wrote: »

So, I either pay 13p a minute to speak to them

Instead of calling their 087 number use +44 (0)330 1007838

stunews

It seems the site doesn't allow you to opt out of currency conversion. I booked a flight home last week and found out yesterday that the transaction didn't go through.

I recreated the issue last night trying to book the same flight (3x the price). You get a payment confirmation page with conflicting messages. There's another 'checkout' button there but when you click this you get taken to another payment page where my valid payment details are rejected. I suspect this is because I've chosen to opt out of Dynamic Currency Conversion. I still haven't managed to book.

We're held hostage because my other half is from Brno and Ryanair are the only operator out of there....

jpsartre

stunews wrote: »

It seems the site doesn't allow you to opt out of currency conversion.

Of course it does, I do this on a regular basis.

steve1500

Easiest solution don't fly Ryan Air

stunews

jpsartre have you tried in the last two weeks? It allows you to uncheck the checkbox, but the transaction doesn't go through when you try and pay.

steve1500 Ryanair are the only firm to fly out of Brno, so your easy solution isn't a solution.