Ryanair verify mononymous ID charges

Redhotmoons

Hi there,

My partner booked a flight through a third party, Ryanair then charger her ~£5 or so to verify her ID online. She is mononymous (just has a first name) so the verification didn't work, was charged nonetheless. The call centre told her to go to the check-in which subsequently charged her £55.

Presumably she is entitled to compensation through ryanair?

Thanks!

eskbanker

Why do you presume an entitlement to compensation from Ryanair?

Redhotmoons

Since they're the ones who charged her and it is their system that was unable to mononymous names.

eskbanker

Redhotmoons said:

Since they're the ones who charged her and it is their system that was unable to mononymous names.

Yes, but why do you feel that equates to an entitlement to compensation?

Redhotmoons

Ah sorry I mixed my words 😁 I mean a refund of the at least the check-in fee of £55.

DullGreyGuy

Redhotmoons said:

Ah sorry I mixed my words 😁 I mean a refund of the at least the check-in fee of £55.

There is the potential argument that the £5 fee should be refunded if there was no indication that the system is unable to deal with those missing a surname before paying. 

Waiving the check in fee is a harder one to argue given there is no obligation on them to allow online check in 

eskbanker

Redhotmoons said:

Ah sorry I mixed my words 😁 I mean a refund of the at least the check-in fee of £55.

There's no harm in asking, but still not sure there's actually any entitlement as such, if they're effectively saying that their online systems can't accommodate mononymous people, and that the only option is to use their chargeable process?  I can see the argument that this could be considered unfair, but unlikely to be unlawful as such....

eDicky

I have an Indonesian friend with a single name, not uncommon, whenever two are required he just enters the name twice.

If the £55 was airport check-in fee you could politely request refund because online check-in was impossible due to the mononymity.

Caz3121

different airlines have different rules for those with only one name, some will say use the same name in both fields, some may require NLN (no last name) or N/A. The usual guidance is to contact the airline in advance of booking to get the information.
There is also no benefit booking Ryanair flights via third parties, just complicates things further.