Jet2 slam Ryanair over fees
Jet2 slam Ryanair over fees
14.08.09 (UK Airport News)
Jet2 has responded to Ryanair's announcement that it will launch a base at Leeds Bradford Airport next March by releasing a no-holds-barred negative campaign about its rival, highlighting its rival's surcharges. Sporting the slogan 'Don't get robbed', the campaign depicts a cartoon robber carrying a swag bag emblazoned with Ryanair's blue and yellow colours.
The campaign details the differences in the two airline's extra charges, noting that a 22kg baggage allowance costs £7.99 with Jet2 while ‘other airlines’ charge £115. The campaign also compared check-in fees between the two airlines, with Jet2 offering free online check-in and charging £3 for airport check-in. At Ryanair, checking in online costs £5 each way – a fee which rockets to £40 at the airport. The advert warns: ‘Don't be fooled by other airlines. You will be robbed. For a cheap flight with transparent pricing ... book with Jet2.com.’
Philip Meeson, chief executive of Jet2's parent company Dart Group, told the Yorkshire Post he wanted to highlight Ryanair's hidden charges. He said: ‘It's a myth, their low prices. People often find we are competitive and cheaper.
He also questioned Ryanair's tactics of ‘mirroring’ its routes – with Jet2 already serving nine of the 14 new routes Ryanair is launching. He said: ‘They are doing quite a lot of the sunshine destinations that we do. It doesn't seem to have a lot of imagination. It's not great for the environment to have two airlines flying on the same routes from a regional airport.’
Ryanair has not yet responded to the campaign.