Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

AP/PA Images

EU says airlines must refund customers for cancelled flights, and vouchers won't do

Under EU rules, travellers have the right to choose between vouchers or cash reimbursement.

LAST UPDATE | 13 May 2020

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION has said airlines must give passengers refunds for cancelled flights, and that vouchers alone won’t do. 

The commission, which has been under pressure to change regulations, said that under EU rules, travellers have the right to choose between vouchers or cash reimbursement for cancelled transport tickets.

“We cannot judge on the economic situation of the individual…this is why we say this is your right, full stop,” executive vice-president of the commission Margrethe Vestager said during this morning’s press conference on resuming travel and rebooting Europe’s tourism sector. 

Vestager said that letters are being sent out to member states “as we speak” to remind them of this right. 

The EU body had been under pressure to change the rules on how airline passengers can be refunded for cancelled flight in order to solve current cash flow constraints of airlines.

The Irish government was among 13 member states who co-signed a letter calling for the commission to temporarily allow airlines to issue vouchers instead of refunds to passengers whose flights have been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Under EU Regulation 261/2014, airlines must reimburse passengers whose flights are cancelled the choice of a refund or a re-routing within seven days.

But the member states – Ireland, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Greece, France, Latvia, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, and Portugal – claimed current rules place airlines in a difficult situation, particularly as many are facing financial difficulties.

The letter follows complaints from customers that Ryanair and Aer Lingus had joined a number of other airlines across the continent in primarily offering vouchers to those whose flights had been cancelled.

Passengers were told they would have to wait until the Covid-19 pandemic had passed before applications for refunds would be considered. 

‘Consumers can be reassured’

The commission has recommended that airlines ensure vouchers become a viable and more attractive alternative to reimbursement for cancelled trips and should be protected against insolvency of the issuer, with a minimum validity period of 12 months, and be refundable after at most one year, if not redeemed. 

“They should also provide passengers sufficient flexibility, should allow the passengers to travel on the same route under the same service conditions or the travellers to book a package travel contract with the same type of services or of equivalent quality. They should also be transferable to another traveller,” the guidelines state. 

“European consumers can be reassured. The commission will not downgrade their EU rights for reimbursement for cancelled travel,” said commissioner for justice and consumers, Didier Reynders. 

“We recommend, however, making vouchers more attractive for those who chose this option. In the meantime, freedom of movement is the right European citizens cherish most. It is important to restore this right as soon as the circumstances allow it.”

Political reaction 

Among those welcoming the news was Green Party MEP Ciarán Cuffe. 

The Dublin representative said he was glad that the European Commission “did not yield” to the pressure from airlines.

“This is a difficult time for airlines, but it’s also an extremely difficult time for customers too and it is only fair that Commissioner Vestager has told airlines that they must play by the rules and issue refunds rather than force customers to accept vouchers,” Cuffe said.

He added that it was crucial airlines and travel companies outline how they’ll refund customers in a timely manner.

Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness said the European Commission had introduced a “strong recommendation” for travellers affected by Covid-19 today. 

“It aims to make vouchers attractive to passengers or travellers without depriving them of their right to reimbursement in money,” she said.

She said the guidelines provide for the safe and gradual restoration of passenger transport by air, rail, road and waterways, adding: “There are a series of recommendations, such as the need to limit contact between passengers and transport workers, and passengers themselves, reducing, where feasible, the density of passengers.”

Fellow Fine Gael MEP Frances Fitzgerald, however, said that Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary “clearly has a point” when he argued against State bailouts for airlines.

The airline has already formally appealed decisions from the European Commission for State aid to be provided to Air France and SAS.

“We will appeal any European Commission state aid decisions that discriminate unlawfully between airlines,” said the low-cost airline.

Fitzgerald said: “Clearly he has a point, competition rules and State aid rules are being broken all over the place. And the whole question is, what is allowable at a time of emergency like this? Or really has this got to be called out and for the commission to seriously examine it and make a decision in relation to it?”

With reporting from Sean Murray

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

View 106 comments
Close
106 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Wayne Quinn
    Favourite Wayne Quinn
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:03 PM

    Cash should be refunded within a fair period of time, say 6 – 8 weeks max. Airlines saying they’ll refund after 12 months isn’t fair on people who are suffering loss earnings due to job losses etc.

    767
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Logan Shepherd
    Favourite Logan Shepherd
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:16 PM

    @Wayne Quinn: Definitely, and to think the governments that sent letters, first thought was for the airline and not the people is wrong imo.

    395
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Aidan
    Favourite Aidan
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:43 PM

    @Wayne Quinn: true but maybe a bit longer a period as they are dealing with an unprecedented amount of refund requests and less office staff due to social distancing. They should also add 10% value on to voucher offers. People would be more willing then to go for vouchers, especially since flights will likely be a lot more expensive in the futures.

    104
    See 11 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nosmo King
    Favourite Nosmo King
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:54 PM

    If Ryanair were to offer vouchers plus 20% and rebooking of the same flights at a later date for the same price you would find that a lot more people would take vouchers thus relieving the pressure on Ryanair. At the moment if my flights are cancelled I don’t know if I may have to pay triple the cost next time I book them.

    56
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nosmo King
    Favourite Nosmo King
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:54 PM

    If Ryanair were to offer vouchers plus 20% and rebooking of the same flights at a later date for the same price you would find that a lot more people would take vouchers thus relieving the pressure on Ryanair. At the moment if my flights are cancelled I don’t know if I may have to pay triple the cost next time I book them.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Conor Egan
    Favourite Conor Egan
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 1:15 PM

    @Wayne Quinn: if you booked on credit card talk to your bank about a charge back. I got my money refunded after Ryanair initially offered me a refund then changed it to a voucher.

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gene O'Keeffe
    Favourite Gene O'Keeffe
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 2:18 PM

    @Aidan: Two months ago I agreed to take a voucher from Aer Lingus. Still waiting.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gene O'Keeffe
    Favourite Gene O'Keeffe
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 2:24 PM

    @Conor Egan: Conor that’s good advice . I had a booking with online travel agency Opodo and flight was cancelled. They wanted to give me a voucher which I didn’t want. I contacted my card supplier and requested a chargeback. Received my refund into my bank account in two days.

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Wayne Quinn
    Favourite Wayne Quinn
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 2:35 PM

    @Conor Egan: yep i did this just last week, was unaware it was possible until recently, so great that you mentioned it so others can also claim this way.

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Aidan Mitchell
    Favourite Aidan Mitchell
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 3:05 PM

    @Wayne Quinn: in fairness to Delta they just reimbursed me full value for 2 flights in June. Money back in my account in 4 days too.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Vin
    Favourite Vin
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 4:36 PM

    @Aidan: That’s not the real reason. The reason is they have limited cash flow and want to spread the refunds over an extended period

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nigel o'Neill
    Favourite Nigel o'Neill
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 5:35 PM

    @Wayne Quinn: correct. Plus technically given even average inflation, your money will be worth less when they are looking to refund you!
    I tried to meet them halfway in relation to 2 sets of flights they cancelled but they refused to allow me to put both vouchers against just One new booking (which was of course a more expensive flight than the original two) in the Autumn. They will only allow you to use one voucher against one new booking.. So in typical Ryanair fashion, they want it every way

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shawn O'Ceallaghan
    Favourite Shawn O'Ceallaghan
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 7:05 PM

    @Wayne Quinn: If I don’t get refund I’ll just request chargeback.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gerard Smith
    Favourite Gerard Smith
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 10:42 PM

    @Nosmo King: Be realistic. If 20% is added to vouchers you can be sure that the price you pay later with your voucher will be 20% higher.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dan
    Favourite Dan
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:03 PM

    Amazing how fast government can work when it is at the behest of millionaires. Fair play to the EU for stopping them in their tracks.

    590
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute milton friedman
    Favourite milton friedman
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:16 PM

    @Dan: the EU are not stopping the government bailouts to Lufthansa and Air France which is against EU rules.

    This has been O’Leary’s central point. I believe customers are entitled to their cash back, but only some airlines can afford to do it (despite having good earnings).

    72
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Getaldine Byrne
    Favourite Getaldine Byrne
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:20 PM

    @Dan: this is when EU membership counts. It’s not all about Trade

    74
    See 3 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute herp
    Favourite herp
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 2:19 PM

    @Getaldine Byrne: Dan is a fg bot, looks like that lunch in the shelbourne didn’t work with o’leary so

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute TL55
    Favourite TL55
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 4:19 PM

    @Getaldine Byrne: Agreed but if France & Germany are bailing out the national airlines why shouldn’t we help Ryanair.

    Note that Aer Lingus is now a subsidiary of an American company.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Somers
    Favourite Paul Somers
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 5:49 PM

    @Dan: airbnb has automatically given full refunds since the beginning to all customers.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Smart
    Favourite James Smart
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:04 PM

    Aerlingus please take note. Your treatment of loyal customers has been a disgrace.

    300
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mairead Jenkins
    Favourite Mairead Jenkins
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:13 PM

    @James Smart: How long have you been waiting for your refund James? I have been waiting 3 weeks and no indication how long it is going to take is available.

    77
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave O'Keeffe
    Favourite Dave O'Keeffe
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:16 PM

    @Mairead Jenkins: I’m somewhere in the process got an email saying my claim was being processed, that was over a month ago

    53
    See 8 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mairead Jenkins
    Favourite Mairead Jenkins
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:23 PM

    @Dave O’Keeffe: Thanks. I have a way to go yet then. And my return flight on the booking was a fully refundable fare anyway!

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Seamus Gallen
    Favourite Seamus Gallen
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:53 PM

    @James Smart: In fairness to Aer Lingus, I got a voucher yesterday for flights cancelled in April. I think it took four weeks. And, they did add on 10%.

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Smart
    Favourite James Smart
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 1:18 PM

    @Mairead Jenkins: 6 or 7 weeks so far on 4 separate bookings.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Feeney
    Favourite John Feeney
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 1:23 PM

    @Mairead Jenkins: I have been waiting for a refund for cancelled LA flight for 6 weeks now. I haven’t even got an email about it, just a case number, called yesterday & was told it would take several months to process.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andy O'B
    Favourite Andy O'B
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 2:36 PM

    @James Smart: in fairness, they don’t have the staff capable of processing all these refunds, so it will take time. It’s not just a click of a button to get a refund.

    O’Leary said they were processing 10 million refunds per month and they usually do 10,000 and now they have reduced staff because if the virus…so unfortunately you will have to wait for a refund. I’m waiting for 6 refunds from 3 different airlines.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gareth Miskelly
    Favourite Gareth Miskelly
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 3:19 PM

    @Mairead Jenkins: I have been waiting 7+ weeks for a refund, just the standard, requests are being dealt with response

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Spartacus Ireland
    Favourite Spartacus Ireland
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 4:17 PM

    @James Smart: Just a suggestion but if you are waiting what you feel is an unreasonable amount of time, write again to the company and if they don’t refund within two weeks go straight the relevant authority with a complaint. Don’t think they’ll bother otherwise and if it’s the law then it’s the law – you’d expect a refund “within a reasonable amount of time” and 12 months isn’t!…
    Shame on our ‘right’ bloody FFG government supporting the airlines on this, especially the cash rich ones. That’ll be my plan once they cancel my booked flights.

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Knowles
    Favourite Paul Knowles
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 7:32 PM

    @James Smart: they cancelled nearly a grands worth of flights on 17th of March and I’m still waiting on a refund

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Thomas Claffey
    Favourite Thomas Claffey
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:12 PM

    Leo should first of all ,be looking after the citizens of Ireland .not looking for the law to be changed to suit airline’s. The refunds we want will be most likely spent in the irish economy.

    166
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rúraíocht
    Favourite Rúraíocht
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 1:40 PM

    @Thomas Claffey: it’s a balance. Protecting industry & national infrastructure is for the benefit of economy & therefore people.

    Too many assume FG Have vested interests.

    Because they seek to protect short to medium term commerce does not mean neglect of people. Exactly the opposite.

    35
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peter Hughes
    Favourite Peter Hughes
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 4:40 PM

    @Rúraíocht: a Ryanair have a 4 billion cash pile so you can jog on….my refund is not going into the pocket of Mike to add more to the billion he us worth already they treat their staff like dirt

    53
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Thomas Claffey
    Favourite Thomas Claffey
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 7:08 PM

    @Rúraíocht: that’s a load of ball..x

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Thomas Claffey
    Favourite Thomas Claffey
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 7:15 PM

    @Rúraíocht: are you waiting on €1300 refund ?? nothing to do with what your saying .they closed seen Quinn insurance because he didnt have enough money to meet claims if everyone insured with him had a claim against them cope yourself self on. Leo trying to change the European commission law end of story!!!

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Róisín Ni Loirgneáin
    Favourite Róisín Ni Loirgneáin
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 1:05 PM

    If my €120 keeps Ryanair in business, I’m happy enough if I never see it again. It’s a mere fraction of all I’ve saved over the years. I’ve had Knock – Luton flights for less than €50 on numerous occasions.
    I’m speaking for myself here. I realise that many people have a lot more at stake than I have. And I’ve still got that voucher should I choose to use it!

    77
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Spartacus Ireland
    Favourite Spartacus Ireland
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 4:19 PM

    @Róisín Ni Loirgneáin: Better off giving it to a charity then, not a business….besides, it ok for you to decide that for yourself.

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Vin
    Favourite Vin
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 4:40 PM

    @Róisín Ni Loirgneáin: ok, now take the €120 and multiply it by 50 million

    14
    See 4 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Declan Bowe
    Favourite Declan Bowe
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 4:56 PM

    @Spartacus Ireland: would u really trust an airline like Ryanair say to pass your refund money on to a charity? I wouldn’t trust any of them to do it, they exist to make money

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tony Mcgrath
    Favourite Tony Mcgrath
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 5:21 PM

    @Róisín Ni Loirgneáin: inform them so I do want a refund ml.wil willingly oblige u

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Lochlainn Marcus
    Favourite Lochlainn Marcus
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 7:19 PM

    @Róisín Ni Loirgneáin: O give over! Are you in bed with Michael or something! They’re proper robbers

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Greeneyes17
    Favourite Greeneyes17
    Report
    May 14th 2020, 6:10 AM

    @Róisín Ni Loirgneáin: this is the most sensible reply I have seen! I totally agree. We get flights for so cheap & it’s because of Ryanair. Wait until airlines fold & see what all the whingers are saying here

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tony O Neill
    Favourite Tony O Neill
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:07 PM

    Ok so. We will give you your money back. But you will be waiting a long time to receive it. If ever.

    63
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Thomas Claffey
    Favourite Thomas Claffey
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:14 PM

    @Tony O Neill: then you take them.to the small claims court.when people start going down that route they will pay up sharply

    53
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peter Cahill
    Favourite Peter Cahill
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:19 PM

    @Thomas Claffey: I raised a small claims court issue with Swords and they told me the case does not meet the criterion

    14
    See 9 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peter Cahill
    Favourite Peter Cahill
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:20 PM

    @Thomas Claffey: Also raised a case with flightrights.ie, who are taking on the case to their credit. Not holding out much hope of any real outcome here though.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Thomas Claffey
    Favourite Thomas Claffey
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:33 PM

    @Peter Cahill: was it to do with airline a refund that by law you are entitled to receive??

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peter Cahill
    Favourite Peter Cahill
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:44 PM

    @Thomas Claffey: EU-261. Acknowledged as a breach by the regulator and taken on as a case. Would be amazed if anything came of it as they are being undermined by the Government now on this starting with Shane Ross mouthing off from the start. No valid reason from small claims court as to why the case does not qualify. Probably unable to handle the volume and scared to entertain. Useless.

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Thomas Claffey
    Favourite Thomas Claffey
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 1:01 PM

    @Peter Cahill: unbelievable as you would think that’s what it was set up for.

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael McGrath
    Favourite Michael McGrath
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 3:32 PM

    @Peter Cahill: Delighted that defunct mouthpiece Ross didnt get his way lobbying the e.u at the behest of Ryanair.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute TL55
    Favourite TL55
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 4:27 PM

    @Thomas Claffey: Not if they don’t have the money. Aer Lingus’s IAS which also owns American Airlines, British Airways & others is said to be in trouble.

    When governments start to reboot economies later in the year airlines should be near the top of the list especially in the EU as the overall economy (EU) relies heavily on tourism

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute TL55
    Favourite TL55
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 4:28 PM

    @TL55: Aer Lingus’s parent IAS

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Marian Mahon
    Favourite Marian Mahon
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 5:38 PM

    @Peter Cahill: Do a chargeback on credit card or visa debit with your Bank.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Yvonne Corrigan
    Favourite Yvonne Corrigan
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 11:26 PM

    @Marian Mahon: I thought was only credit card is it debit card too ?

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute MickN
    Favourite MickN
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 1:07 PM

    FG wanted them to hold the cash and offer just vouchers,it took the EU to tell them to cop on, if ever there was more proof needed FG are a disaster for working people..

    60
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gerard
    Favourite Gerard
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 1:10 PM

    I had several flights cancelled due to this. And I would’ve accepted a voucher, under terms like Aer Lingus: a bonus 10% and a LONG validity of 5 years, even if the flight was still running and you just didn’t want to travel.

    Instead, BA’s offer is 1 year validity of face value, even if the cancellation was involuntary (cause the flight didn’t run). Who in their right mind accepts this? A refund for a booking could be several hundred, or more. It’s not a supermarket voucher — there’s a good chance you won’t have a use for it for some time.

    I understand lots of airlines have cashflow problems at the moment. And since my job isn’t severely affected by the lockdowns, I’m sympathetic — I don’t need the cash immediately. But asking you to help them out by taking a voucher when you’re entitled to cash, but then offering such miserly terms is a joke.

    43
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joe Toner
    Favourite Joe Toner
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:03 PM

    O’Leary will be jumping for joy at this news…..

    38
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Smart
    Favourite James Smart
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:06 PM

    @Joe Toner: In fairness Ryanair have issued vouchers very quickly. A voucher is better than nothing. Aerlingus on the other hand have issued absolutely nothing.

    73
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Katie Mooney
    Favourite Katie Mooney
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:11 PM

    @James Smart: that’s inaccurate. My folks were due to fly with aer Lingus to USA 27/03. Voucher issued with extra 10% value and valid for 5 years

    94
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ger Buckley
    Favourite Ger Buckley
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:54 PM

    @Katie Mooney: it will be worthless if they run out of cash and have to restructure the company

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gerkygirl
    Favourite Gerkygirl
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 1:17 PM

    Has anyone actually received one of these magical vouchers from Aer Lingus? I cancelled a flight with them due to the current restrictions, I followed their procedure, I (imo) kindly said I’ll take a voucher not a refund and then radio silence!? I understand that they’re under pressure and I appreciate that these are unprecedented times, however 7 weeks later and I’ve still heard nothing feels a little bit like a p*ss take now. I’ve been obliging and understanding of their situation but at the end of the day I am still the customer and they need to maybe now show me a gesture of good faith – or maybe I’m wrong!?

    41
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Maureen Laraway
    Favourite Maureen Laraway
    Report
    May 14th 2020, 3:03 AM

    @Gerkygirl: I just got mine today. My flight was for April 29.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gerkygirl
    Favourite Gerkygirl
    Report
    May 14th 2020, 7:01 AM

    @Maureen Laraway: Ah! Thank you for that! My flight was due on the 18th of May. That’s excellent news to hear that someone has actually received their voucher.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peter O Donnell
    Favourite Peter O Donnell
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:11 PM

    Ryanair said around 25 million bookings cancelled so at even €50 each that’s over €1billion to refund. This and the fact they have hedged fuel at much higher prices(along with other airlines) is surely not a great start for the new CEO Eddie Wilson. They should really be cancelling 737 max orders like many others are doing and replace them with knock down prices on 737 800 planes they already fly.

    35
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Whoswho
    Favourite Whoswho
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 1:39 PM

    @Peter O Donnell: Finally good news for ordinary people and large companies didn’t bully boy their way to changing the rules. Ryanair should return peoples money 7 days after cancelling flights!

    40
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Vin
    Favourite Vin
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 1:21 PM

    Give me 10% added value on the voucher. Otherwise why would I give an airline an interest free cash loan

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Hegarty
    Favourite John Hegarty
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:20 PM

    All well and good until they go bust due to cash flow issues, then no one get their money back. At least with vouchers we get something. I am awaiting vouchers currently. I’m now concerned that I will never get them.

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mairead Jenkins
    Favourite Mairead Jenkins
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:27 PM

    @John Hegarty: Aer Lingus won’t go bust. IAG has billions in cash on its balance sheet

    28
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Garland
    Favourite David Garland
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:38 PM

    @Mairead Jenkins: How long do you think those Billions will last when nobody is booking flights for at least a year? Simon Harris came out a few weeks back and said he can’t see people flying anywhere again this year. Airlines make no money in the winter so you’re talking summer 2021 before people start flying again. Those bookings won’t happen until at least next February or March. Not even IAG can sustain that.

    24
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ger Buckley
    Favourite Ger Buckley
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 1:09 PM

    @Mairead Jenkins: Tui announced today its burning cash at a rate of €250 million per month. That’s after reducing costs by 70%. Mind blowing figures.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Garland
    Favourite David Garland
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 1:39 PM

    @Ger Buckley: Difference for TUI is, not only do they own hundreds of Aircraft, they also own Cruise ships, Hotels and whole resorts.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute marcus connolly
    Favourite marcus connolly
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 3:17 PM

    I asked for a cash refund on my cancelled Ryanair flights.
    4 weeks later I received a 1 year valid voucher for my cancelled flight…Not happy.
    Did the government not say vouchers should be valid for 5 years ?
    If Ryanair made the voucher valid for up to 5 years I’d happily keep it.
    But 1 year, No I’ll take my cash refund thank you.

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gerald OBrien
    Favourite Gerald OBrien
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 1:36 PM

    Delighted to hear this. Was facing an uphill battle to get my money back for expensive flights until I read this. Thank you to the EU!

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute flamrock
    Favourite flamrock
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 1:21 PM

    If the ticket is booked with your credit card, dispute the charge,YOU PAID FOR SOMETHING THAT WAS NOT DELIVERED. I was offered a coupon from boac ,that I had to use by Aug 31. 2020 And fly by April 30, I disputed the charge because it was useless to me.its in the process right now.i will get a full refund..now Ryanair mabybe another issue, I’m supposed to fly with them 1 july.we will see.

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rúraíocht
    Favourite Rúraíocht
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 1:33 PM

    Ryan Air spokesman was spouting nonsense earlier this week about administrative challenges in paying. Bet they implement bots to reduce cost but not refunds.

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mach1
    Favourite Mach1
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:44 PM

    Mr O’Leary and Mr Walsh please take note and make an effort to do this ASAP it would do you no harm

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Declan Bowe
    Favourite Declan Bowe
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 4:53 PM

    Good luck with that, try to get a refund from Ryan Air like pulling teeth, painful, uncomfortable, annoying etc

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Mulligan
    Favourite John Mulligan
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 1:32 PM

    That’s a good result.
    If airlines want to offer vouchers, they should add 20% to the value of the cash owed. Since many of the vouchers will never be cashed anyway, they won’t lose much.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gary O CONNOR
    Favourite Gary O CONNOR
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:43 PM

    EU says..
    Nothing happens..
    EU is on verge of collapse..

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sinead Sinead
    Favourite Sinead Sinead
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 4:21 PM

    @Wayne Quinn: well it seems that the law still upholds, so under that law, refunds must be issued within 7 days. Shame on the Irish government to try and bend the law when it suits them. Airlines who apply for a bailout, and retain the cost of the flights, as well as the likely price hike for flights in the future are laughing all the way.

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shane Cormican
    Favourite Shane Cormican
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 1:02 PM

    What about Ticketmaster?

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute flamrock
    Favourite flamrock
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 4:14 PM

    @Shane Cormican: just another crooked, greedy corporation. I refuse to use them period.if I cannot buy tickets at the door I don’t go.

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mary D
    Favourite Mary D
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 5:10 PM

    I am waiting for refund for cancelled flights since March. Ryanair said they’re refunding according to date so I should have received my money by now as they only stopped flying Mid March. They are now advertising flights from July onwards, well capable of taking people’s bookings and cash but when it comes to refunds… It’s mostly cabin crew laid off, not admin staff and why wouldn’t their admin be able to work from home like many I know working for financial institutions whom are doing just that? Greedy Ryanair. Will never use them again.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Walshie
    Favourite Walshie
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:34 PM

    KLM still saying the law doesn’t apply to them.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute The Guy is Here
    Favourite The Guy is Here
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:24 PM

    Still waiting on easyJet to process my refund (I’d settle for a voucher at this stage) 2 months in.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Mulligan
    Favourite John Mulligan
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 6:05 PM

    Airlines should not be allowed to fly until they refund all the money they owe to customers.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Connell
    Favourite John Connell
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 6:54 PM

    Conor Your statement “ If the flight goes ahead you’re not entitled to anything. If it’s cancelled you’re entitled to voucher or refund.”

    I’m not sure if your correct? The DFA ( Department of Foreign Affairs ) issued at directive only to travel if it’s essential. So if the flight goes ahead your not allowed to take it. They also restricted the distance by the 2km radius now 5km. So I think one would be entitled to a full refund? Would you agree?

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sinead Sinead
    Favourite Sinead Sinead
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 9:19 PM

    @John Connell: while I’d like to agree, you bought the flight with the presumption that you would fly, I can’t imagine you would be entitled to a refund if the airline doesn’t cancel the flight, they are still keeping to their side of the bargain. In saying that, I cant understand why there are any passenger flights allowed to go ahead. Why are they allowing potential carriers of the virus circulate, but asking the rest of us to stay at home, I find it very frustrating, we will never eliminate the virus, if there are no restrictions at our borders.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Ryan
    Favourite Paul Ryan
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 4:17 PM

    Let’s look at this in a more holistic way. EU countries are bailing out their own national airlines which in effect is the same as providing them with a massive taxpayers ‘voucher’ . Micheal o Leary has a point in that the old legacy airlines are been bailed out whereas Ryanair gets nothing. So I would have to say the EU is being hypocritical in their approach and unfairly treating some airlines over others which is anticompetitive.
    Not a spokesman for Ryanair as I have my own voucher with them for a cancelled flight!

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Vin
    Favourite Vin
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 4:30 PM

    @Paul Ryan: Those governments are paid back in cash and sometimes equity also. Those bailouts are largely loans.

    But for my €500 cash loan, I’m not given cash as repayment but instead given a voucher. No interest and no equity. And likely the new dates will be more expensive.

    If they want cash they should sell equity in their business and take private loans.

    This is worse than a bailout. Bailouts get refunded in cash

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Vin
    Favourite Vin
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 4:33 PM

    @Paul Ryan: and the vouchers are not even valid for 5 years. Because these wasters don’t want them on their balance sheet when times get better. The greed perpetuates

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sine Macfarlane
    Favourite Sine Macfarlane
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 2:30 PM

    Anyone know if Aer Lingus has started issuing vouchers yet?

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Maureen Laraway
    Favourite Maureen Laraway
    Report
    May 14th 2020, 3:06 AM

    @Sine Macfarlane: Yes, got mine today

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shane Quinn
    Favourite Shane Quinn
    Report
    May 14th 2020, 2:53 AM

    Nearly two months waiting on Aer Lingus to issue my voucher. Called twice only to be cut off saying they can’t help process it any faster and just ignored on Facebook Messenger. The whole process from booking to accepting voucher online, I don’t understand how it can take so long.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pauline Fedigan
    Favourite Pauline Fedigan
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 9:17 PM

    GREAT NEWS

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute kevin mc cormack
    Favourite kevin mc cormack
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 10:01 PM

    Other government’s have bailed out airlines and now these same governments are trying to put the rest out of business to maximise on there investment, its a truly shocking way to behave at a time like this

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jack Inman
    Favourite Jack Inman
    Report
    May 14th 2020, 8:03 AM

    And when airlines go belly up the same people goong bananas about refunds will be goong banans about the thousands of ion cuts

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Luke Redmond
    Favourite Luke Redmond
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 5:59 PM

    If the airlines had to pay out a refund with 6-8 weeks for every cancelled flight due Covid -19 they many would simply fold and a huge chunk of customers won’t get their money anyway.

    Under normal circumstances it’s a perfectly fair rule but under these circumstances it’s completely ridiculous and unrealistic. Hundreds of thousands of jobs would be lost if this was enforced on the airline industry.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ollie kehoe
    Favourite Ollie kehoe
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 12:53 PM

    I have flights booked for September would I be entitled to a refund or voucher???

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Conor Egan
    Favourite Conor Egan
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 1:20 PM

    @Ollie kehoe: it depends. If the flight goes ahead you’re not entitled to anything. If it’s cancelled you’re entitled to voucher or refund.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gerard
    Favourite Gerard
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 1:22 PM

    @Conor Egan: not quite true (though may as well be).

    You’re always entitled to a refund of taxes and airport charges, since the airline doesn’t pay them otherwise. But their refund admin charge often reduces this to near zero. On a €100 I got back €30 from these.

    8
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Conor Egan
    Favourite Conor Egan
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 2:49 PM

    @Gerard: thanks for that. Wasn’t aware you could get taxes and airport charges back.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Arthur Knipe
    Favourite Arthur Knipe
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 1:43 PM

    My flights were cancelled by Ryanair on the 20 March. Had insurance paid on all three flights.. Went online to recover my money, advised to make the claim with Euro assist.. They declined the claim, directing me back to Ryanair. Went on line again, but it advises you that this matter is pending.. Since I made the application for a refund on the 15 March.. I heard M. O’leary on BBC breakfast time, saying all March cancelled flight booking have received reinburstment or giving vouchers.. I’ve received nothing.. Nada.. And he was asking for people to book in July.. Ah come on micky O’leary.. Do you take us as fools..? Settle up what you owe to people before fleecing them again..

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Connell
    Favourite John Connell
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 6:53 PM

    Conor Your statement “ If the flight goes ahead you’re not entitled to anything. If it’s cancelled you’re entitled to voucher or refund.”

    I’m not sure if your correct? The DFA ( Department of Foreign Affairs ) issued at directive only to travel if it’s essential. So if the flight goes ahead your not allowed to take it. They also restricted the distance by the 2km radius now 5km. So I think one would be entitled to a full refund? Would you agree?

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute den o sullivan
    Favourite den o sullivan
    Report
    May 13th 2020, 6:03 PM

    Where is Irish government to get cash to bailout Ryan Air and 15 billion! All rest can afford it

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds