Airport Extortion

mystic_trev

angel wrote: »

So is this only for Spain? I'm travelling to Dublin on wednesday and I was asked for my details when I checked in online.

No that's different, you are (in effect) providing Passport / ID information that would be needed at checkin.

ManAtHome

Just back from Spain, flew with Monarch booked through Alpharooms - on their site they mentioned that Easyjet as well as Ryanair needed the API. You can "pre-register" with Monarch, but they take the details from your passport at check-in if you don't.

bagand96

Is there anything in the Ryanair T's & C's that explicitly state that if you don't provide the API data before you arrive at the airport then your ticket will be cancelled? (I'm assuming there is?)

Even so this is incredibly sharp practice, even by Ryanair's standards.

hammy_the_hammer wrote: »

i can see why an airline could become draconian with their policy regarding API. however if they're prepared for you to board the same flight that you didn't provide the API for on condition you purchase a new ticket somewhat weakens their position.

A good point. The other airlines can do the API at the airport, and as hammy said, Ryanair proved that they can. Usually I would be in the "you accepted the terms and conditions when you booked etc etc" school of thought. But in this case even I think this practice is outrageous. But again I'd agree with hammy, who knows on your next step. Ryanair don't listen to anyone??

exel1966

symonds wrote: »

You're are right of course, but nevertheless half the passengers on the plane missed it.

They didn't miss it, they chose to ignore it !

There is no doubt though that the charge from Ryanir was extotionate for what probably amounts to a few minutes work per passenger. It's just another way for them to make money just as buying a cup of coffee for £3 on the plane is.
The best way to avoid these extra charges or being caught out is to adhere to the T&C's and not leave yourself liable to such instances.

Nikko5

This is the first time I have actually heard of Ryanair carrying out their "reserved right" to do this, but it *is* there in their T&Cs so I'm afraid you don't have a leg to stand on.........

From: http://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/conditions.php

"The Spanish Government has introduced new measures requiring airlines to provide, before flight departure the Passport or National ID data of all passengers onboard flights arriving to Spain from UK/Ireland/Poland/Slovakia/Malta/Morocco/Switzerland. This information is known as "Advance Passenger Information". Passengers are required to submit this information after they have completed the booking process or at the latest up to 4 hours prior to flight departure via the "My Flight" section on the home page of www.ryanair.com. We reserve the right to cancel your reservation and deny you boarding without refund if you fail to submit this information prior to your arrival to Check-in."

Nikko5

At airports where Ryanair employ 3rd party handling agents rather than their own staff, they will often have a "deal" with that handling agent whereby revenue raised from things like excess baggage etc is split between the handling agent and the airline (as much as 60/40).

At such airports, therefore, the incentive is much greater for the handling agent to impose the absolute strict letter of the law on charges (e.g. charging for 15.1kg luggage and such like).

I'm fairly sure Ryanair do use a 3rd party agent at Bristol (possibly Penauiile Servisair???) which might well explain this seemingly draconian action!

hammy_the_hammer

Nikko5 wrote: »

This is the first time I have actually heard of Ryanair carrying out their "reserved right" to do this, but it *is* there in their T&Cs so I'm afraid you don't have a leg to stand on.........

From: http://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/conditions.php

"The Spanish Government has introduced new measures requiring airlines to provide, before flight departure the Passport or National ID data of all passengers onboard flights arriving to Spain from UK/Ireland/Poland/Slovakia/Malta/Morocco/Switzerland. This information is known as "Advance Passenger Information". Passengers are required to submit this information after they have completed the booking process or at the latest up to 4 hours prior to flight departure via the "My Flight" section on the home page of www.ryanair.com. We reserve the right to cancel your reservation and deny you boarding without refund if you fail to submit this information prior to your arrival to Check-in."

i think everyone would have to grudgingly accept this but i don't see how selling you a new ticket for the same flight sorts out the problem of not providing the API at least 4 hours before the flight.
totally bizarre

Steve_xx

I can understand that Ryanair might wish to levy some charge for failure to supply the information required online during the booking process. However, regardless of their terms and conditions it is not reasonable to cancel the flight and to impose a fresh charge of £220.37 for the OP to continue with their flight.

In imposing the £220.37 fee it would mean that at the airport that the original flight would have to be cancelled, and the cost of it forfeited perhaps, and a new flight would have to be booked and at that point the Advance Passenger Information would still be required. This will cause delays at the check-in points.

Why is it that Ryanair irritates and annoys its customers no end with these swingeing and punitive measures?

symonds

Thanks Steve, I can understand the 'read the T&Cs' argument but can't quite believe how anyone could defend the extra charge to get onto the same plane.

It's easy to tell people that they are silly for missing the small print, but this sort of practice has to be publicised and reported for crossing the line. I've faxed Ryanair and still await a response.

Odds of being successful?!

symonds

Incidentally, the reasons given for this practice on Friday night was that Ryanair had 'changed it's policy regarding API and are now cancelling all tickets that haven't been booked properly'.

So this was supposed to be a new policy for the airline. However the next day a friend made exactly the same 'mistake' and flew Manchester to Girona after Ryanair entered the details for him. So not really a new policy for the airline at all.

This chap is also a successful solicitor, as were quite a few of the guests at the wedding, and they are all interested in helping me with any possible claim / publicity if necessary. I hope the complaints procedure bears the required result and a full refund and apology is offered to myself and the other passengers stitched up on the day.

Still can't quite believe what a stitch up it all was.... :mad: