Ryanair slammed for profiteering out of Tsunami (merged)
LUXury is a 13,000 ft runway
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: The Centre of Western Europe
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cargo One has made a point over something that struck me as wrong with this story, namely the cost of 3 one way tickets Gatwick to Dublin. 1100 euros seems extortionate and as has been pointed out, another airline would have cost less.
In a way, those stranded people (assuming the story were to be true) are one of THE main FR target groups. They're distressed and tired, they're unlikely to have immediate access to unbiased fare information, they're in a hurry, they made the mistake of arguing their own case depite the fact that He Who Is His Own Lawyer Has A Fool For Client, and they contacted Ryanair apparently before talking to anyone else. So FR can get away with charging them a lot, plus extra wheelchair charges, weeping relatives supplement, FR press department hourly rates (pro rata tempore), physical ticket counter rental, and God knows what else. Once those slips are signed, all they can expect is a (quite literal) F
O from MOL.But I do agree that EUR 1100 sounds quite expensive, even for FR
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: western europe
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If I take the most expensive fare on the Ryanair web site (January) and add an estimate for airport charges etc I can get 3 singles up to about 500/550 euro's ..... maybe the other 550 euros is for drinks and excess baggage 
The only available flights over Christmas may have been higher in price than January levels?
The only available flights over Christmas may have been higher in price than January levels?
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: one step beyond
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1100 euros is about right, for three pax. What you need to know is that these fares are never available on line, you can't book a ticket online 24 hours (i could be wrong) or maybe sooner. Its when you go to the ticket desk the day of your flight and try to change the time or name etc, its then these so called low fares are rolled out. Read the T&C's, times can be changed but you pay the difference between what you payed in the first place and the lowest fare available at that time, i.e 12 hours before the plane departs. A license to print money, only on the backs of people in an emergency or some other need to get to their destination immediately.
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Manchester
Posts: 891
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What airlines, if any, are assisting in a non profit making way ? I see the UK "Specially chartered" a 747 from BA. If I was an airline boss, I would see my aircraft at the front of the relief line, cost, zilch !!
As to Ryanair, they lost my custom with the wheelchair charge. If you are reading this MOL, I hope you had a lovely XMAS and New Year ! (not)
As to Ryanair, they lost my custom with the wheelchair charge. If you are reading this MOL, I hope you had a lovely XMAS and New Year ! (not)
Rebel PPRuNer
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Toronto, Canada (formerly EICK)
Age: 50
Posts: 2,834
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
MAN777
don't know where you reckon spare 747s are at this time of year that the cost would be "zilch" to an airline.
EI's woes trying to get widebodies to replace the wind damaged 330s is ample evidence of that.
Even if they were spare, they still have to be fuelled, crewed, maintained...
don't know where you reckon spare 747s are at this time of year that the cost would be "zilch" to an airline.
EI's woes trying to get widebodies to replace the wind damaged 330s is ample evidence of that.
Even if they were spare, they still have to be fuelled, crewed, maintained...
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Europe
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
OK even if I'm a person who knows almost nothing about air fares and yield management, I would try anyway to shop for something else if I'm asked to pay EUR 1100 for 3 tickets LGW-DUB.
I've just made a quick check:
now it is 11am UK time, BA website offering me return ticket LGW-DUB-LGW with TODAY departure to DUB at 16.10 for a GBP 124.70 per person incl taxes and return flight some week later. I bet that BA ticketing desk at LGW would offer me the same fare if I go there now. I think that EUR 570 (GBP 375 instead of EUR 1100) difference for 3 persons is a good reason to spend 3-4 hours more waiting for BA departure rather than to catch first RYR flight.
I've just made a quick check:
now it is 11am UK time, BA website offering me return ticket LGW-DUB-LGW with TODAY departure to DUB at 16.10 for a GBP 124.70 per person incl taxes and return flight some week later. I bet that BA ticketing desk at LGW would offer me the same fare if I go there now. I think that EUR 570 (GBP 375 instead of EUR 1100) difference for 3 persons is a good reason to spend 3-4 hours more waiting for BA departure rather than to catch first RYR flight.
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: doncaster
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ryanair slammed
I guess if you are traumatised,as these people may have been,you would not be thinking rationally. Bit like a bereavement really,when you get the first undertaker,regardless of price. Not a bad simile methinks.
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Belfast
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For what its worth, a friend of mine had to return early from Florida to Gatwick and was connecting on to Dublin on Ryanair. A similar situation?
He eventually returned home on a BA flight for what he considered a fairly reasonable sum. Just a few hours wait.
Likewise, a friend missed an easyJet flight and having steeled himself for a large disbursement was only charged a "nominal" £25, to get home on the next flight. I could be wrong, but I believe they offered a seat on the last flight at no charge.
Now, which airlines will these guys be considering first for their next flights.
I suppose the moral is that the price of super low flights is subsidised by those that are gouged. No matter how gullible the public may be, they are going to learn that lesson, sooner or later.
He eventually returned home on a BA flight for what he considered a fairly reasonable sum. Just a few hours wait.
Likewise, a friend missed an easyJet flight and having steeled himself for a large disbursement was only charged a "nominal" £25, to get home on the next flight. I could be wrong, but I believe they offered a seat on the last flight at no charge.
Now, which airlines will these guys be considering first for their next flights.
I suppose the moral is that the price of super low flights is subsidised by those that are gouged. No matter how gullible the public may be, they are going to learn that lesson, sooner or later.
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Manchester
Posts: 891
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mark D
My point was, are any airlines offering their services free or at cost price for relief flights.
It seems to me that the public worldwide are digging deep in their pockets, only to pay for the charter of aircraft and profit.
The Airlines are here because people want to travel, its in their own interest to assist in this relief work.
BA obviously had a spare 747 or they wouldnt have been able to charter it out.
My point was, are any airlines offering their services free or at cost price for relief flights.
It seems to me that the public worldwide are digging deep in their pockets, only to pay for the charter of aircraft and profit.
The Airlines are here because people want to travel, its in their own interest to assist in this relief work.
BA obviously had a spare 747 or they wouldnt have been able to charter it out.
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Coventry
Age: 48
Posts: 1,946
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"BA obviously had a spare 747 or they wouldnt have been able to charter it out."
That wasn't the case, they cancelled a flight back from Tokyo. It may have been fairly empty, but it certainly wasn't spare.
http://www.britishairways.com/travel...lightops_en_gb
Fair enough, BA have a fairly significant presence in this area - Ryanair and Easyjet don't, but at least Easyjet have done the onboard collections - a relatively easy PR win. Apart from the odd cheque to a local school, have FR done much in the way of charitable giving?
As far as FR go, their policy is harsh, but if they made exceptions here, they would then be met with thousands of other refund requests, some "reasonable", but many frivolous (burst tyre on way to airport, heavy traffic etc).
I am amazed at the ever-increasing number of people who are making bookings for connecting flights using no-frills airlines, and not considering the consequences if things go wrong. The fact that Ryanair "exploit" people in "desparate" need is the other side of the coin to the fact that they can offer so many give-away fares - you can't have it both ways.
The majority of people needing to book at short notice are likely to be travelling on business, or are likely to be able to afford to do so, but they will often still pay much less than they would with other airlines.
If you don't like these terms, don't book with Ryanair, or take out travel insurance which covers you for missed connections.
Otherwise, work out the probability of a missed connection x the likely cost of getting emergency tickets, and compare that with the money saved by booking the cheaper fare, and make your decision accordingly.
That wasn't the case, they cancelled a flight back from Tokyo. It may have been fairly empty, but it certainly wasn't spare.
http://www.britishairways.com/travel...lightops_en_gb
Fair enough, BA have a fairly significant presence in this area - Ryanair and Easyjet don't, but at least Easyjet have done the onboard collections - a relatively easy PR win. Apart from the odd cheque to a local school, have FR done much in the way of charitable giving?
As far as FR go, their policy is harsh, but if they made exceptions here, they would then be met with thousands of other refund requests, some "reasonable", but many frivolous (burst tyre on way to airport, heavy traffic etc).
I am amazed at the ever-increasing number of people who are making bookings for connecting flights using no-frills airlines, and not considering the consequences if things go wrong. The fact that Ryanair "exploit" people in "desparate" need is the other side of the coin to the fact that they can offer so many give-away fares - you can't have it both ways.
The majority of people needing to book at short notice are likely to be travelling on business, or are likely to be able to afford to do so, but they will often still pay much less than they would with other airlines.
If you don't like these terms, don't book with Ryanair, or take out travel insurance which covers you for missed connections.
Otherwise, work out the probability of a missed connection x the likely cost of getting emergency tickets, and compare that with the money saved by booking the cheaper fare, and make your decision accordingly.
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Far side of the moon left after the big crater
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
While I sympatise with the Murtagh family and I really do I think it still needs to be appreciated that MOL runs a Low Fares - No Frills airline.... And whilst these people may have come from the affected area they may not have been directly affected themselves... Anyhow that has no relevance here but my point is... Nobody made them pay that money... Nobody stopped them from talking to BA, nobody stopped them from going to find internet access and get a low fare even via CDG if they wanted... They requested a change in their itinary were given the Fare quote by a third person to FR and they accepted it.. MOL is under NO obligation to cut corners for returning Irish Citizens affected directly or indirectly by the Tsunami incident, it's all down to him.. His the CEO he does what he wants.
CaptJ - You would think that these people will travel BA/EZY after the great service rendered for them and for the compassion shown by them but if it is more affordable to fly FR are you telling me they wouldnt do it ? Money isnt exactly falling off trees at the moment and if one carrier can get you there for 50 quid less are you going to take the moral stance and take the higher fare?
With regards to the situation being dealt with by Servisair/Globeground in LGW it was... I can only assume that FR provide AHM's/PHM's/GHM's and so on and so forth and in turn dont promote Handling agents to contact them with "this man lost a leg, can we knock a tenner off?" questions but expect them to follow the rules set down by the airline...
No doubht I am going to be chewed up by the Anti FR gang in the next few minutes but it's only my opinion so be gentle :o)
Now, which airlines will these guys be considering first for their next flights.
With regards to the situation being dealt with by Servisair/Globeground in LGW it was... I can only assume that FR provide AHM's/PHM's/GHM's and so on and so forth and in turn dont promote Handling agents to contact them with "this man lost a leg, can we knock a tenner off?" questions but expect them to follow the rules set down by the airline...
No doubht I am going to be chewed up by the Anti FR gang in the next few minutes but it's only my opinion so be gentle :o)
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Europe
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Flame: When have we ever been wrong about FR and the way they treat pax.
The facts are FR have a policy and do not budge from it. Servisair are the unfortunate group made enforce the FR rules. If they do not, they get dropped and another agent does the work for them. In the world of FR, you don’t listen to the pax problem or the lead up to the unfortunate event. FR are right all the time and if they are wrong then they have the rest of the staff on the team to back them up.
I have spent years working in the business and to this day I am still shocked by their attitudes. Some of the most ignorant and heartless people work there. I must point out that I have never had a problem with the crew onboard but the ticket desk staff are harsh.
I have never seen any airline staff reduce so many people to tears. MOL does not care for these things as it not the reality he lives in.
He and his company are not the only ones like this. Recently at DUB the AA took over the breakdown service. They were called for a guy whose car was dead. His wife was being rushed to hospital with a miscarriage that happened during her flight and he was trying to get the kids and bags sorted. Servisair did the best they could and the young girl waited with him in the car park. The AA arrived but would not start the car till he agreed to the 40Euro charge!!! That’s what the business world is like. Pennies count at end of the day. It’s sad but true.
The facts are FR have a policy and do not budge from it. Servisair are the unfortunate group made enforce the FR rules. If they do not, they get dropped and another agent does the work for them. In the world of FR, you don’t listen to the pax problem or the lead up to the unfortunate event. FR are right all the time and if they are wrong then they have the rest of the staff on the team to back them up.
I have spent years working in the business and to this day I am still shocked by their attitudes. Some of the most ignorant and heartless people work there. I must point out that I have never had a problem with the crew onboard but the ticket desk staff are harsh.
I have never seen any airline staff reduce so many people to tears. MOL does not care for these things as it not the reality he lives in.
He and his company are not the only ones like this. Recently at DUB the AA took over the breakdown service. They were called for a guy whose car was dead. His wife was being rushed to hospital with a miscarriage that happened during her flight and he was trying to get the kids and bags sorted. Servisair did the best they could and the young girl waited with him in the car park. The AA arrived but would not start the car till he agreed to the 40Euro charge!!! That’s what the business world is like. Pennies count at end of the day. It’s sad but true.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: western europe
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
All these stories make me remember a couple being refused a flight to Cork due to not having photo I.D. with them (this was at the early stages of the Lo Co Airline in question introducing this requirement so I guess it was a understandable oversight on behalf of the passengers) .... they had I.D. but without photo's
The couple in question had to wait for an alternative flight/Carrier .... much later as I recall ......
The reason for the urgent trip to Cork? ..... their daughter had just been found "Murdered" in Ireland
.... but rules are rules, I guess
The couple in question had to wait for an alternative flight/Carrier .... much later as I recall ......
The reason for the urgent trip to Cork? ..... their daughter had just been found "Murdered" in Ireland
.... but rules are rules, I guess
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: EIDW
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
St Elmo;
Obviously from your statement you are fully aware of all the facts in this case, especially the instructions issued "on the day" after Servisair staff contacted FR HQ at Dublin in relation to this matter.
I for one, at this moment in time are not aware of the facts, as you so obviously are, so I stand corrected....unless of course, you are bluffing....
Obviously from your statement you are fully aware of all the facts in this case, especially the instructions issued "on the day" after Servisair staff contacted FR HQ at Dublin in relation to this matter.
I for one, at this moment in time are not aware of the facts, as you so obviously are, so I stand corrected....unless of course, you are bluffing....
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Flame you must be very new to the world of Ryanair (or you are one of their apologists, for whom nothing is wrong). You seem to think that the chorus of negativity just reflects bias and prejudice rather than experience (over many years and many events).
We are talking here about an airline that awarded "flights for life" to its 1,000,000th passenger and THEN at a later date went to court to defend their claim that she had never been granted any such entitlement. The CEO in person attended the court to sustain his ridiculous argument and the words of the judge made it clear just what he thought of the CEO. This is but one example.
It is all very nice and proper to "keep an open mind" and "make sure you have the other point of view before deciding", etc. But, after a while, when the evidence mounts such a position just comes across as niaive.
If you want some stuff on how staff are treated try the ITF site "www.ryan-be-fair.org". Do you really think everybody else is just wrong or making this stuff up?
We are talking here about an airline that awarded "flights for life" to its 1,000,000th passenger and THEN at a later date went to court to defend their claim that she had never been granted any such entitlement. The CEO in person attended the court to sustain his ridiculous argument and the words of the judge made it clear just what he thought of the CEO. This is but one example.
It is all very nice and proper to "keep an open mind" and "make sure you have the other point of view before deciding", etc. But, after a while, when the evidence mounts such a position just comes across as niaive.
If you want some stuff on how staff are treated try the ITF site "www.ryan-be-fair.org". Do you really think everybody else is just wrong or making this stuff up?
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: EIDW
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
delwy
If you read my posting correctly...you will see that I stated that no one here is aware of "exactly" what happened at LGW, and I suggested that we wait and see what both Servisair and Fr say on the matter
Neither company have said anything about what happened, as far as I know...yet 99% of people on pprune, as usual, have a "lets bash ryanair" day
Generally speaking that 99% have received their information from the press about this incident...and are quite comfortable to believe every single word of it....If it had have been a press report about a section of the industry that they worked in...I can almost guarantee that these same peole would be able to find a lot of incirrect details in the journalists reports
I am a great believer in making judgement decisions on facts that I know myself, not on rumours and most importantally not on what I read in the papers
If you read my posting correctly...you will see that I stated that no one here is aware of "exactly" what happened at LGW, and I suggested that we wait and see what both Servisair and Fr say on the matter
Neither company have said anything about what happened, as far as I know...yet 99% of people on pprune, as usual, have a "lets bash ryanair" day
Generally speaking that 99% have received their information from the press about this incident...and are quite comfortable to believe every single word of it....If it had have been a press report about a section of the industry that they worked in...I can almost guarantee that these same peole would be able to find a lot of incirrect details in the journalists reports
I am a great believer in making judgement decisions on facts that I know myself, not on rumours and most importantally not on what I read in the papers
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
All so very reasonable .... you keep returning to "open minds" ... and seem obvlious to the history. Why no statement from Ryanair ... do you think there will be one? If there is not, what would that mean?
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: EIDW
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Delwy;
I give up, look....do your own thing in your own bigoted way, I really do not care one iota. If you cannot see my reasoning for asking for the facts to be produced before making ones mind up..so be it
Make up your own mind
I give up, look....do your own thing in your own bigoted way, I really do not care one iota. If you cannot see my reasoning for asking for the facts to be produced before making ones mind up..so be it
Make up your own mind