Ryaniar Rip Off

stevio

Hello Martin,

I thought you might find this interesting; it's about our favorite airline, Ryanair! Yesterday, I booked a flight to Malaga from Manchester Airport through Kayak. As you probably know, Ryanair's website is an absolute nightmare when it comes to booking. I was under the impression that I had purchased one 10kg hold bag and two 20kg hold bags (suitcases) in my name. I searched extensively to confirm this, but all the information indicated that I only had two cases registered under my name. Long story short, I ended up purchasing another 20kg hold bag in my wife's name. 

After completing this transaction and returning to Ryanair's site, I could finally see that I had indeed purchased two 20kg bags in my name. Grrr! I contacted customer service immediately, and after several minutes of waiting, they informed me that I could not cancel the extra 20kg bag because they do not offer refunds. I couldn't believe it! If their website were open and transparent, clearly showing what you had purchased, I could understand their no-refund policy. However, this situation is a result of their downright shady practices. This kind of sharp practice is absolutely unacceptable in this day and age!

 Best,
Steve

mr_stripey

generally it is better to book direct with the airline. Never had any problems with Ryanair website, and it is very far from a "nightmare". Everything is clearly presented including baggage options in my experience.

Oh and Martin sold this site for 80 odd million quid over a decade ago.

stevio

We clearly do not possess the same level of insight as you do. I recall that the last time I flew with Ryanair, I encountered a similar issue. Are you suggesting that Martin never reviews this forum, or that no one is able to bring anything to his attention?

mr_stripey

I think you would have had a better experience with Ryanair direct

They offer three main classes of fare

Basic - includes 1 small under seat bag 
Regular - includes 1 small under seat bag PLUS reserved seat and 10kg overhead locker bag
Plus - includes 1 small under seat bag PLUS 20kg checked in bag (but not the 10kg overhead locker bag)

Whichever option is chosen, you can add additional bags if required (for a cost) later in the booking and everything is summarised before check out.

Not familiar with Kayak site but sounds likes your beef should be with them, not Ryanair

stevio

Hi Stripe, I was navigating the Ryanair website and, as I mentioned, I couldn't find out how many 20kg bags we had until I bought another one, at which point it became clear. I have built websites myself, so I am not totally illiterate when it comes to stuff like this. I just know that using their website never seems to be plain sailing. Thank you for taking the time to reply. Muchas gracias!

TadleyBaggie

stevio said:

Are you suggesting that Martin never reviews this forum, or that no one is able to bring anything to his attention?

I’m my time here never seen any evidence that Martin looks at the forum. 

la531983

And the moral of this story is never use a third party site to book flights.

Pollycat

I can't see the "Ryanair rip-off" here.

How can Ryanair rip you off if you buy through a 3rd party website?

stevio

You lot aren't related to Michael O'Leary by anychance?

A lot of people I know use Kayak and I've just pulled this from the MSE website. "but Kayak* is Martin's favourite"

 Kayak only find the best prices then you go to Ryanair or whoever it is you are interested in. It's Ryanair's website that needs looking at. As I said I hunted high and low to find out just exactly how many 20kg bags were to my name and it was not clear at all. That's what made me buy another in my wife’s name. Then Lo and Behold when I came back to Ryanair it was now showing quite clearly that I had indeed 2 20kg bags to my name.

 I have asked around and it's not just me that have had problems with them. I was just talking to someone who is in the travel and accommodation business and he tells me he's had trouble with them and lost money!

 Anyway, this is sharp practice no matter how you look at it. I didn't waste any time contacting customer service and to find out that they wouldn't give me a refund is absolutely appalling!

best,

Steve

PPS Maybe Martin should say he no longer has anything to do with the forum etc every time he pops up asking you to sign up to his email letter. lol

 

mr_stripey

No - I have no interest in Ryanair or any other airline for that matter.

If I'm planning a trip I usually start with Skyscanner to see which airlines fly the route and then compare using each individual airlines site.

I never have, and never would click through the Kayak/Skyscanner site - just go direct to the airlines you know fly the route on the days/times you want.

I generally prefer not to fly with Ryanair but sometimes they are just cheaper. I have used them loads of times in the last 20 years or so and never had any issues with booking.

However for my Christmas trip to Norway, BA actually ended up being cheaper than Ryanair when extra bags etc were factored in. But it is very much a case by case basis. Flight times can make a difference too. 

NoodleDoodleMan

So, if I've read this correctly, you added a 20kg bag at Ryanair's website without knowing if any had been previously added when you booked via Kayak ?