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?
Good Irish comedian on Michael Mcintyres Comedy Roadshow tonight (Sat) on BBC 1. He talked about a business dinner that he spoke at, with the Ryanair boss present, and how he upset him with some savage jokes about the airline. If you can get BBC 1 om IPlayer, worth watching.
Stephen McNamara’s public relations skills are terrible. Take a look at his shocking answers to my questions to him recently: Questions to Ryanair.
If his seniors really think he is doing the company’s reputation any good, they are more deluded than he is.
Hi Col,
iPlayer doesn’t work for me but I am guessing it is only a matter of time before I can pick up a clip for that on Youtube.
Hi Damian,
Until Ryanair play fair with their price publication people cannot really compare which airline will get them there cheaper. Thanks for pointing the article out to me. Everyone should read it before choosing an airline.