Ryanair Passenger Forced to Pay £100 for Oversized Straps or Risk Holiday Cancellation
Ryanair, a budget airline well-known for its strict baggage policies, has come under fire after a passenger was reportedly forced to pay an extra £100 for ‘big straps’ on his backpack, or face having his holiday cancelled. John Butler, a 50-year-old sports therapist, was travelling to Lanzarote with his family for a 10-day vacation when the incident occurred.
According to Butler, as he was about to board the plane, Ryanair staff informed him that his and his son’s cabin bags exceeded the airline’s size limit and required a payment of £50 each. Despite placing his bag in the sizer and believing it fit within the dimensions, the staff insisted that the material straps were protruding slightly. When Butler challenged the charge, he claims the staff member threatened to prevent the family from boarding unless the fine was paid.
In a distressing situation, Butler felt compelled to pay the £100 fine for both bags to avoid missing their flight. He requested the staff member’s name for his complaint, but she allegedly refused to provide it, adding to the frustration of the ordeal. Following the incident, the family lodged a formal complaint with Ryanair and demanded a refund for the unexpected charges.
In response to Butler’s complaint, Ryanair defended its actions, asserting that the passenger was correctly charged £50 for each oversized bag that exceeded the permitted size. Despite Butler’s insistence that the bags fit within the provided measuring containers, the airline maintained its stance on the additional fees.
Butler expressed his dissatisfaction with what he perceived as a ‘money-making exercise’ by Ryanair, highlighting the discrepancy in the handling of baggage between outbound and return flights. He criticised the practice of imposing fines on passengers, especially when their luggage clearly fits the airline’s specifications, branding it as unjust and coercive.
After the incident, Butler took to social media to share his concerns and garner support for his complaint against Ryanair. He underscored the distressing experience faced by his family and emphasised his belief that such practices were unethical and amounted to exploitation of passengers’ circumstances.
The airline, on the other hand, refuted any claims of targeting passengers arbitrarily, citing the standard procedures for non-priority fare passengers carrying oversized bags. Despite the back-and-forth between Butler and Ryanair, the issue remains unresolved, with the airline standing firm on its decision to charge the extra fees.
The clash between Ryanair and Butler sheds light on the contentious issue of baggage policies and airline practices, prompting a debate on consumer rights and the responsibilities of carriers towards their passengers. As the story unfolds, it serves as a cautionary tale for travellers and a reminder of the importance of knowing and asserting one’s rights when faced with unforeseen challenges while flying.