A punter recently wrote a one-liner in to a UK newspaper which said something like, ‘In its latest cost-cutting exercise, Ryanair has announced that the pilot will be chosen at random from amongst the passengers.’

Famous as they are for tawdry penny-saving schemes (pay 2 pee, carry on hand luggage) their latest effort is so tacky  it beggars belief.

Did they really make a group of young Scots stump up GBP200 to fly their dead friend’s suitcase home, despite them having his ticket (and therefore his seat and luggage allowance) on hand?

Yes, they did.

According to Ryanair spokesman Stephen McNamara (who must be as popular as a dentist with halitosis)  Ryanair have now paid the money back. He said:

Ryanair policy ensures that, if a passenger is affected by bereavement, a refund of their fare and fees will be provided upon application to Ryanair’s customer service department. Ryanair requires a copy of the death certificate to be presented in order to process such a refund. However, we have now refunded the fare and baggage charge to the Visa Electron card used at the time of the booking. Ryanair wishes to pass on its condolences to the family and friends of the bereaved at this sad time.

Oh. That’s okay then.

I wonder how much the airline saves each year by cutting customer service and common-sense to the bone?