How to request reimbursement and compensation from Ryanair
Traveling can be exciting, but unfortunately, some inconveniences can occur such as cancelled flights, overbooked flights, delayed flights o lost luggage. The good news is that in many situations, the passenger has the right to request a refund and/or compensation.
In the specific case of Ryanair flights, there are specific conditions and special documents to present, and we at Rimborso Al Volo are available to help you better understand the issue and assert your rights, guiding you through all the procedures.
The history of the airline Ryanair
Ryanair is Europe’s leading low-cost airline, operating 1,800 routes and connecting 39 countries, for a total of over 200 destinations. Today, it is probably the most popular airline among European travelers, ranking first in Italy with over 30 million passengers annually.
In 2017, it carried 117 million passengers worldwide, earning first place for this achievement. Its operational base is Stansted Airport in London, with other major bases in Bergamo and Dublin.
Viaggiando però possono capitare degli imprevisti anche con Ryanair e perciò scopriamo insieme come richiedere e ottenere il rimborso e il risarcimento per i voli Ryanair.
Ryanair refund and compensation: differences and case histories
Please be careful not to confuse the two, as there is a difference. A refund refers to the full or partial return of the amount paid (the cost of the ticket and any additional expenses incurred) and is generally granted because it was not possible to take the flight. Compensation, on the other hand, is a sum of money – the amount of which varies and is independent of the ticket price and whether the flight actually took place – to which the passenger is entitled to make up for the inconvenience suffered as a result of the airline’s inefficiency… but don’t worry, as we’ll look at both scenarios in detail.
Ryanair Refund: What is it and when are you entitled to it?
In accordance with Regulation (EC) 261/2004, the passenger has the right to request a refund from Ryanair, i.e. the return of the money paid for the purchase of the flight ticket or for additional expenses incurred, in the event of:
- Exceptional circumstances for which Ryanair cannot be held responsible for disruption or missed departure, such as adverse weather conditions, strikes, health alerts or terrorist or security attacks
Ryanair also includes among the cases:
- Flight delayed by more than 5 hours
- Inability to travel due to serious illness, death or in the event of the death of a close relative within 28 days before departure
Ryanair will allow passengers to choose whether to request a refund or be re-protected on a similar flight.
In the latter case, the passenger will also be entitled to reimbursement of all extra expenses, such as additional hotel nights, meals, trips to another airport not originally planned, etc.
Ryanair compensation: What is it and when are you entitled?
Compensation (or indemnity or monetary compensation) has nothing to do with the refund of the ticket but is a sum of money that is due to the passenger for inconveniences suffered as a result of:
- Flight canceled
- Delayed flight
- Overbooked flight
- Inconveniences related to baggage delivery such as lost luggage o delayed baggage delivery
Compensation is thus compensation payable to the passenger for inefficiency on the part of the airline and is completely independent of the cost of the ticket.
The passenger does NOT have the right to claim any compensation when:
- was notified of the flight cancellation at least 14 days in advance
- travels free of charge or at a reduced fare not available, either directly or indirectly, to the general public (for example, employees of airlines, travel agencies or tour operators);
- he is denied boarding for health or safety reasons or in the event of invalid travel documents;
- unforeseen circumstances arise that are beyond the airline’s control, such as adverse weather conditions, security risks, political instability and other exceptional circumstances
If the passenger is not entitled to compensation from Ryanair due to exceptional circumstances, may they be entitled to a refund?
Yes. If the flight is cancelled due to a strike, adverse weather conditions, or other proven extraordinary circumstances, the airline is required to offer passengers rebooking on the first available flight or a refund of the cancelled flight, as well as cover any necessary additional expenses.
How much is the Ryanair compensation?
As highlighted by the Passenger Rights Charter, the Irish airline is indeed required to compensate the traveller for the following inconveniences:
- flight cancellation, with compensation ranging from €250 to €600
- Denied boarding due to an overbooked flight, with compensation ranging from €250 to €600
- A flight delayed by at least 3 hours, with compensation ranging from €250 to €600. Specifically:
- €250.00 for all journeys of 1,500 km or less
- €400.00 for journeys between 1,500 km and 3,500 km
- €600.00 for journeys over 3,500 km
- damaged baggage, with compensation of up to €1,100;
- delayed baggage delivery, with compensation of up to €1,167;
- lost baggage, with compensation based on the value of the baggage and its contents, up to approximately €1,150.
How to apply for Ryanair refund and/or compensation?
Ryanair can request a refund for a cancelled flight, overbooking, flight delay, or extraordinary circumstances through its website or by completing the customer verification process (if you purchased your ticket through an agency). To obtain compensation for any inconvenience, you will need to complete the appropriate EU261 Ryanair flight compensation form on their website.
However, passengers often proceed only with a refund request, primarily because they are unaware of the conditions under which compensation is applicable or because they are told that the cancellation or delay was due to force majeure. Furthermore, requesting compensation from Ryanair can be difficult and can lead to lengthy waiting times, with no guarantee of receiving compensation. For these reasons it is always recommended to rely on a team of professionals such as that of Rimborso al Volo who will handle all the paperwork for the passenger and verify everything the airline says about any exceptional circumstances to find out if they are actually entitled to compensation as well.
How to get Ryanair refund and/or compensation with the help of Refund On Flight?
We offer a service to obtain financial compensation from Ryanair depending on the flight disruption caused.
By relying on the Rimborso al Volo staff to process your Ryanair refund and compensation request, the process will certainly be quicker than if you made the request independently. If legal action becomes necessary, the team will involve legal experts to enforce your rights to the fullest extent.
Fill out the form and request your Ryanair refund.
FAQ Royal Air Maroc flight disruptions
Ryanair cancelled flight: what am I entitled to?
- Ticket Refund: You can cancel the trip and get a refund of the ticket cost. In case you are offered the voucher instead of the cash refund, know that you can waive that and claim the cash refund.
- Rebooking on an alternate flight: Ryanair will offer you a seat on the first available flight with the same destination.
- Reimbursement of extra expenses: You can claim reimbursement for extra expenses incurred, such as overnight stays, meals and unexpected transportation, keeping all receipts.
- Compensation: If the cancellation is Ryanair's fault and you did not receive adequate notice, you are entitled to compensation of between €250 and €600, depending on the distance of the flight.
Ryanair delayed flight: what am I entitled to?
- Delay of more than 3 hours:
- Compensation: You can claim compensation of €250 for routes up to 1500 km, €400 for routes between 1500 and 3500 km, and €600 for routes over 3500 km, if the delay is Ryanair's fault.
- Delay of more than 5 hours:
- Ticket Refund: You can cancel your trip and get a ticket refund.
- Rebooking on an alternate flight.: Ryanair must offer the option to depart on the first available flight with the same destination.
- Reimbursement of extra expenses: You are entitled to reimbursement of expenses incurred for inconvenience, such as overnight stays and meals.
Ryanair flight cancelled or delayed due to exceptional circumstances: what am I entitled to?
- Ticket Refund: You can cancel your trip and get a ticket refund.
- Reprotection on an alternate flight: Ryanair will offer you an alternative flight with the same destination.
- Reimbursement of additional costs: You may apply for reimbursement of documented expenses such as accommodation, meals and unexpected transport costs.
Ryanair overbooked flight: what am I entitled to?
- Ticket Refund: You can cancel your trip and get a ticket refund.
- Rebooking on an alternate flight.: Ryanair must offer a seat on the first available flight with the same destination.
- Reimbursement of additional costs: You may apply for reimbursement of documented expenses such as accommodation, meals and unexpected transport costs.
- Compensation: You are entitled to compensation ranging from €250 to €600, depending on the route.
Ryanair lost luggage: what am I entitled to?
- Reimbursement of expenses incurred to purchase basic necessities and clothing. Luxury goods are not reimbursable, although they were present inside the luggage.
- Compensation: You are entitled to compensation for the value of your luggage and the goods contained therein, up to a maximum of SDR 1,000 (about €1164).
- Reimbursement of expenses.: Reimbursement for basic necessities purchased as replacements.
- Compensation: Compensation for delayed baggage delivery, with the value increasing according to the number of days of delayed delivery, up to a maximum of SDR 1,000.
Problems on the Flight? Get compensation up to 600€
Get compensation in the event of a delay, cancellation or overbooking occurred within the last 2 years.
