Ryanair- refund options

kfs1991

Hi, 

I was due to travel to Vienna, Austria tomorrow but their government have announced a nationwide lockdown, including a restriction on tourism. All hotels, restaurants and non essential shops are closed. 

Ryanair however are still running the flight. They won't refund me, or offer me a chance to move it for free. My only option is to pay £90 per person to move the flights (this is more than just buying new flights) the initial flights were £138 per person too so I am reluctant to sink any more money. 

Do I have any options here? I have complained directly to Ryanair and got nowhere. I paid using Paypal and have opened a dispute although from what I can tell this isn't covered in their 'buyers protection' 

It seems mad to me that they would encourage people to travel to a country in lockdown, and the trip to me is impossible to undertake. I am assuming this flight will be run near empty just to avoid compensation. 

Any advice appreciated. Many thanks. 

onashoestring

Ryanair is going ahead with the flight because there will be passengers  who are able to travel (residents of Austria who need to return home for example )

Ryanair only have to refund you if they cancel the flight.

It’s not Ryanair’s fault that Austria’s change of law means that you can’t visit as a tourist , neither is it PayPal’s responsibility .

As there has not been a breach of contract , a travel insurance claim  is your only option (assuming you took out a policy that covers this)

Not much consolation but you are not the only one to be caught out in this situation there is a similar thread here :

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6316323/section-75-or-travel-insurance

eDicky

kfs1991 said:

It seems mad to me that they would encourage people to travel to a country in lockdown,

I don't see how they're 'encouraging' anything. Austrian and Slovakian nationals and non-tourist passengers will be using the flight. It's unlucky for you, unless covered by travel insurance.

CKhalvashi

Ryanair will run the flight for the benefit of those who can enter Austria as they are contractually bound to do so.

This will be one for your travel insurance. Airlines do not choose whether there are or aren't lockdowns and don't set immigration law.