Ryanair has recently addressed reports claiming that passengers are required to pay a fee to download their boarding passes, describing them as false. The low-cost airline stated that passengers have never been asked to pay for this service. However, complaints have surfaced on social media, with travellers expressing frustration about the alleged new fee for accessing boarding passes online.
One option presented to passengers was to purchase a seat, with prices ranging from £7 to £21, in order to download their electronic boarding pass. Alternatively, they could obtain a paper boarding pass at the airport. Ryanair clarified that passengers can opt for a reserved seat for an additional fee if they wish, but they can also choose a randomly allocated seat free of charge.
Passengers who selected the random seat option found themselves having to collect a paper boarding pass at the airport, leading to further dissatisfaction. The airline has been directly addressed on various social media platforms, with passengers expressing frustration over the inconvenience of queuing to obtain their boarding pass.
Neil Buckley, who recently flew with Ryanair to Riga, voiced his annoyance about having to pay £15.50 for reserved seats, which amounted to 10% of the ticket price. He said that if passengers desired a digital boarding pass, they were required to purchase a reserved seat. Many travellers have found this policy to be unfair and exorbitant.
It should be noted that most airlines allow passengers to check in online without incurring any additional charges. Ryanair’s request for passengers to book a seat before being able to download their boarding pass has been met with criticism. The practice of adding optional fees, commonly known as “drip pricing,” has become a widespread issue not only among airlines but also in other industries such as entertainment and hospitality.
Ryanair’s pricing strategy has drawn attention in recent months due to instances in which passengers were charged significant fees, such as £110 to print tickets at the airport and £165 for check-in when they arrived with printed boarding passes. Consumer rights expert Martyn James suggests that the latest reports may indicate a flaw in Ryanair’s computer or booking systems.
Ryanair’s charging policy has sparked debate about the fairness of paying for a standard seat and the impact it has on passengers’ ability to sit together. Many argue that passengers should not be required to pay extra to sit next to their loved ones.
