- Written by Lucy Hooker & Katie Austin
- BBC News
image source, Getty Images
Ryanair passengers claim the airline has introduced a “scandalous” new surcharge after they were charged when obtaining boarding passes online.
Disgruntled travelers took to social media to voice their displeasure, saying they would have to pay up to £21 to reserve a seat to access an electronic boarding pass.
Alternatively, I could stand in line to receive a paper pass at the airport.
Ryanair has not yet responded to the BBC’s request for comment.
It is unclear so far how many passengers face the new charges, and Ryanair has not clarified the scope of the policy. online email.
However, this charge appears to have been introduced in the last few days.
Meanwhile, the airline has been receiving angry comments from passengers on X (formerly Twitter).
“When and why did they start carrying this on board? Now I have to queue at the airport to get my boarding pass?” said one passenger flying from London to Belfast in the early hours of Monday morning. Told.
Another passenger said: “I can’t believe the new policy of not allowing passengers to create a boarding pass (mobile or printout) unless they have purchased a seat and forcing them to wait in a check-in line (more than 30 meters).” he said. It’s scandalous to do something like that for no other reason than to make a few pounds. ”
One traveler said staff at the airport’s check-in desk told him the new policy was only for the last 20 passengers to check in for the flight, and that the fee had been introduced in recent days. Ta.
Most airlines require passengers to confirm their intention to travel by checking in online. An electronic copy of your boarding pass is usually available for download at the same time. Some passengers may choose to pick up a printed boarding pass at the airport instead. Typically, there is no charge for either of these options.
But Ryanair appears to be asking some passengers to book seats, which usually cost between £7 and £21, before downloading their boarding passes onto their phones or computers before heading to the airport. If you do not reserve a seat, you will have to wait in line at the airport to receive your boarding pass.
Low-cost airlines such as Ryanair have a reputation for charging extra fees, such as having to leave your luggage in the cargo hold, reserve a seat, or request a seat with extra legroom.
Low-cost airlines claim to keep their base fares low compared to traditional airlines, which typically offer meals, baggage, and other extras within the overall price.
Adding additional optional fees is known as “drip pricing” and can significantly increase the total price.
A recent government investigation into the issue found that these hidden fees are common not only with airlines, but also with other travel companies, gyms, restaurants, cinemas and theatres. More than half of companies in the entertainment and hospitality industry have some form of drip pricing. found in research.
The Government recently held a public consultation on the pricing of IV infusions and whether clearer information is needed for consumers.
The consultations concluded in October, but the government has not announced when it will respond.
Ryanair’s pricing strategy has already been in the news in recent months after it charged elderly couples £110 to print their tickets at the airport. They mistakenly downloaded the return ticket instead of the onward ticket.
In the second incident that hit the headlines, Ryanair charged a family 165 yen in check-in fees at the airport for “de-checking” the family even though they showed up at the airport with a printed boarding pass. charged pounds.
Consumer rights expert Martin James said the new charges could be due to an error in Ryanair’s computer or booking system.
He said: “If true, this new allegation creates a kind of false economy for Ryanair, as it would require significantly more staff at the check-in desk to print all the boarding passes. body,” he said.
“However, this latest news story highlights a clearly unfair scenario that has been allowed to continue for too long. Passengers do not have to pay at all to reserve a ‘standard’ seat. .Faster boarding, more legroom, and premium, that’s fine. But you shouldn’t have to pay to sit next to your loved one.”
Have you ever been charged a fee to get your Ryanair boarding pass online? Share your experience by email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
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