Ryanair to Refund Over €1.5 Million to Italian Consumers for Check-In Issues
On Thursday, the Antitrust Authority in Italy, commonly referred to as Antitrust, announced that Ryanair will refund over one and a half million euros to Italian consumers who faced additional costs due to the airline's strict online check-in policies.
Under the terms of this agreement, Ryanair has committed to refunding €55, which corresponds to the total cost of airport check-in, to all customers who lodged a complaint with the airline regarding this matter between 2021 and 2023. Additionally, any individuals who paid for airport check-in without submitting a complaint will be eligible to receive either a €15 refund or a €20 voucher redeemable on the Ryanair website.
This decision comes after the Authority initiated an investigation into what it believed were potential unfair commercial practices by Ryanair. Concerns were raised about the clarity of the information provided by the airline related to online check-in conditions. Specifically, it was noted that consumers had not been adequately informed about when they could access the online check-in service and the extra costs incurred for failing to check in by the stipulated deadlines.
In response to these findings, Ryanair has pledged to revise its communication regarding online and airport check-in fees. The airline will enhance the clarity of the information on its website, mobile app, and in the emails sent to its customers to ensure that consumers are fully informed about the check-in process and any associated costs moving forward.
This development marks a significant step in consumer rights protection in the travel industry, with the Antitrust Authority taking action to safeguard the interests of airline passengers and promote transparency in airline practices.
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