Ryanair: Compensation for delayed flight, cancellation, denied boarding
How to claim Ryanair compensation online?
Ryanair is a low-cost Irish airline, founded in 1984 and based at Dublin Airport. Ryanair has established itself as Europe's largest budget carrier by offering customers the lowest fares available to more than 200 destinations. Here, in this article, we’ll talk about air passenger rights, and what do you have a right to in case your Ryanair flight is cancelled, delayed or overbooked.
How to claim Ryanair flight delay compensation?
How to claim Ryanair flight cancellation compensation?
Check your compensation online!
Or continue reading to learn more about your rights.
Here are 5 main topics that we will focus on:
1. How to claim Ryanair flight delay compensation?
2. How to claim Ryanair flight cancellation compensation?
3. How to claim Ryanair denied boarding compensation?
4. What to do if your flight is delayed?
5. What to do if your flight is cancelled?
UK / EU air passenger rights
Air passenger rights are almost identical in the EU, EEA and UK.
That's why we may refer to them simply as European air passenger rights, and use terms like European flight compensation and European flight compensation regulation. We may also use a word "Europe" to refer to this whole region, where the flight compensation regulations EC 261/2004 and UK261 are in effect.
- With European airlines these rules apply to all flights to and from Europe
- With non-European airlines - flights departing from Europe
1. Ryanair compensation: How to claim Ryanair flight delay compensation?
There are two conditions that should be met.
Conditions:
- It must be fault of Ryanair
- Delay must be 3+ hours
If this is what happened with your flight, you may have a right to EU flight delay compensation. If you file a claim for compensation, you may receive up to 600 euro per passenger. There are two options how to claim Ryanair compensation for flight delay.
1. You can do it all on your own.
This is doable but can be extremely time-consuming.
You can contact the airline and ask for the money they owe you. If the flight is from the EU, refer to the Regulation EC 261/2004. Flying from the UK? Refer to the Regulation UK261. Be prepared to fight for your rights. Read this to see some of the most popular ways how airlines try to avoid paying passengers flight compensation.
Contact us for legal help with Ryanair claims.
2. You can hand the case over to us.
This is the best option if you want to have it easy.
You fill in a single form, and that’s all.
In this case, we are your legal representatives.
When working with us, here is all you will have to do:
- Go to this page;
- Fill in the details about yourself and your flight;
- Upload your boarding pass and passport copy;
- Sign the claim online.
That is all from you. We will do the rest.
Learn more about EU flight delay compensation.
- How long does it take?
Compensation claims with Ryanair usually take at least 3 months.
Take this into account — you won’t be getting the money immediately after filing compensation claim. Add at least a couple more months, if the case will be taken to court. The latter is why people choose to work with flight compensation companies. Dealing with courts isn’t fun.
- How far back can you claim flight delay compensation?
When was your Ryanair flight delayed? 2 years ago?
You may still have a right to compensation. In this case, it depends from where was your flight (from what country), as that’s the laws that will apply to your flight. Generally speaking, in Europe you can get flight compensation for flights up to 3 years old. In some countries the law allows you to make claims also for flights that are older than 3 years.
- Does it apply only to citizens of the European Union?
European flight compensation regulation applies to all passengers.
You don't have to be European to have these rights.
In Europe, when it comes to air travel everyone is protected equally.
- How much can you claim?
The longer the flight, the more you can claim for delay.
Mostly the amounts are between 250 to 600 euro per passenger.
These amounts are the same for all passengers travelling on the same flight. No matter the nationality, airline you are flying with, price of the ticket or travel insurance. In the EU and UK, even infants can receive full flight compensation.
2. Ryanair compensation: How to claim Ryanair flight cancellation compensation?
There are two conditions that should be met.
Conditions:
- It must be fault of Ryanair
- It must be a last-minute flight cancellation
If a flight is cancelled not more than 14 days before the planned date of departure, then it’s considered a last-minute cancellation, and you have a right to EU flight cancellation compensation. There are two options how to claim Ryanair compensation for cancellation.
1. You can do it all on your own.
Yes, it’s doable. Though, it can be very time-consuming.
Getting through to the customer service, submitting all the proof the airline is asking for, and then getting the money, mostly it takes at least 2-3 months. And you also have to prove that it really was due to their fault, not something unavoidable and out of the airline's control.
Contact us for legal help with Ryanair claims.
2. You can hand the case over to us.
Are you looking for the shortcut? Here you have it.
File your Ryanair claim for compensation with us.
And we will do the job on your behalf.
When working with us, here is all you will have to do:
- Go to this page;
- Fill in the details about yourself and your flight;
- Upload your boarding pass and passport copy;
- Sign the claim online.
We will do the rest.
Learn more about EU flight cancellation compensation.
- How long does it take?
Ryanair compensation claims take at least 3 months.
In our experience, they do take more time than when working with many other airlines. The main reason it is so, is because very often with Ryanair you have to take a case to court. If you’re dealing with the case on your own, this is up to you to do that. If you work with us — we take Ryanair to court on your behalf.
- How far back can you claim flight cancellation compensation?
When was your Ryanair flight cancelled?1 or 2 years ago?
You may still have a right to Ryanair cancellation compensation.
As long as the laws of the country you were flying from allow that. Generally speaking, in Europe it shouldn’t be a problem. Mostly in Europe you can get flight compensation for flights up to 3 years old. In some countries the law allows you to make claims also for flights that are older than that.
- Does it apply only to citizens of the European Union?
These rules apply to all passengers on the same flight.
When it comes to flight delays, last-minute flight cancellations and boarding denials due to overbooking, you don't have to be European citizen to have these rights. You don’t have to be European to receive European flight compensation.
- How much can you claim?
The amounts are regulated by the above mentioned regulations.
Here is how much you can claim for your flight:
- €250 — if the distance of your flight is up to 1500 kilometres;
- €400 — if the distance is between 1500 to 3500 kilometres;
- €600 — if the distance is more than 3500 kilometres.
These amounts are per passenger.
They are the same for all passengers.
3. How to claim Ryanair denied boarding compensation?
You may get denied boarding even if you have a valid ticket.
It may happen if the airline has sold too many tickets. Whenever you are denied boarding against your will, you have a right to EU denied boarding compensation.
With Ryanair it applies to all their flights to and from Europe.
Compensation amounts are fixed — 250, 400 or 600 euro.
In these situations, mostly you can get both:
- new flight to destination or refund
- denied boarding compensation
It applies only to overbooking. If there are problems with your travel documents or visa, or your passport expires soon, you can’t get denied boarding compensation. You also won’t be entitled to denied boarding compensation if you voluntarily give up your seat, and agree to fly later.
Check your compensation online!
Learn more about EU denied boarding compensation.
3.1 Why does overbooking happen?
Overbooking occurs when airlines, hotels, and other businesses create more demand for their services than they can handle. This happens not only in air travel.
This allows companies to maximize profits by generating extra revenue from people willing to pay for a service that may not be available. In addition, overbooking helps the business minimize any lost income due to last-minute cancellations or no-shows. Airlines know, that there is some percentage of people who don’t show up, and they try to use that.
3.2 Voluntary vs involuntary denied boarding
What’s the difference between voluntary and involuntary denied boarding?
There are situations when you aren’t given any choice. Everything is in order with your travel documents, and you are still denied boarding. This may happen. This is called "involuntary denied boarding". The good thing is that every time it happens, you are entitled to European denied boarding compensation.
You may also decide to volunteer and fly later. Sometimes it just makes sense.
Thanks to perks offered by the airline, it may also be very beneficial for you to agree to fly later. This is called "voluntary denied boarding" (if you decide to volunteer). In this case, you won’t be entitled to denied boarding compensation from Ryanair.
4. What to do if your flight is DELAYED?
Your flight is delayed. What should you do?
Flight delays can be incredibly stressful, so it's important to know how to handle them. Luckily, there are steps you can take to make the most of a difficult situation and get back on track quickly. Here are some tips for handling flight delays with ease — no matter where your journey takes you! With Ryanair all of this applies to all their flights.
4.1 If you are still at home
Are you still at home or hotel?
If check in is going to be delayed, wait for a while.
If check in isn't delayed, go to the airport as normally.
Do you have another flight you may miss?
Usually there are two most likely scenarios. You either have a connecting flight and you are protected by the airline, or self transfer. With Ryanair there is only one possibility — you have self-transfer flights. And if you miss a flight, you have to look for alternatives yourself. Self transfer flights are your responsibility.
4.2 If you are already at the airport
You have already arrived at the airport.
If check in hasn’t started, for now just wait.
Why? Because your flight may also get cancelled at the very last minute. And if it does get cancelled, your ticket won’t be valid anymore. So, for now, just wait until check in starts.
If check in has started, that’s a good sign.
That means most likely your flight is happening.
You can check in and proceed through airport security.
- 3 hour flight delay
Ryanair is a European airline.
And that means you are protected by the EU.
If you have to wait at the airport significantly longer than planned, you may have a right to care from Ryanair. Speaking in numbers, if you have to wait 3+ hours extra, Ryanair has to provide you with two free phone calls or e-mails and also a free meal and drink.
This applies to all Ryanair flights to and from Europe.
All thanks to Regulation EC 261/2004.
- Long delay (Overnight delay)
If the delay is longer, you may also get a hotel room.
Ryanair has to offer you free hotel room and free transfer.
Despite the fact they are a low-cost airline.
Everyone has the right to this type of care.
4.3 If it is the fault of Ryanair
It includes things like technical problems and staff shortage.
You may also be entitled to EU flight delay compensation.
Have you experienced a flight delay?
If you have — file a compensation claim.
4.4 Why do flights get delayed?
Here are some of the top reasons why flights get delayed.
5. What to do if your flight is CANCELLED?
Your flight is cancelled. What should you do?
If your flight is cancelled, can you get another one for free? Or will it cost something? Under what conditions can you ask for compensation or refund from Ryanair?
5.1 If you are still at home
You need to find out what’s happening next.
Contact Ryanair, if they haven’t yet contacted you.
Generally, travelers in the EU and UK are incredibly lucky when it comes to dealing with airlines. According to the law, you have to be provided two options: a new flight or refund. And you can choose whatever meets your needs the best — new flight or refund.
If it’s fault of the airline, you may have a right to compensation.
Yes, sometimes you can get both — refund and compensation.
Scroll back to learn more about compensation.
5.2 If you are already at the airport
Don’t go through the airport security.
There is no point in that. Why? Your ticket isn't valid anymore.
If the flight is cancelled, then it’s cancelled. It isn't happening, and all tickets for it aren’t valid anymore. You have to reach out to Ryanair first, and get an answer from them — what is that that they are offering as a solution. Mostly, it will be a new flight to your destination, maybe a flight with a different airline. Then, you can check in for the new flight they are giving you.
And only then you proceed through the security and to the gate.
- 3 hour flight delay
Ryanair is an airline registered in the EU.
And that means you are protected by the EU.
According the EU and UK regulations, if you have to wait at the airport, you have a right to care from the airline. It includes everything from flight delays to cancellation and boarding denials due to overbooking. The airline has to provide you with two free phone calls or e-mails (or internet access) and also a free meal and drink.
Cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances?
This applies to all flight cancellations of Ryanair.
All thanks to European flight compensation regulations.
- Long delay (Overnight delay)
In this case, you have a right to free accommodation.
Again, even though Ryanair is a low-cost airline, they have to offer that. It’s something all airlines are obliged to offer under certain conditions. The same rules apply also to charter airlines.
Each passenger has the right to free lodging and transportation. However, each case will be evaluated separately. And, if for instance, it would take 2-3 hours to transfer everyone to a hotel while to total waiting time is only 6 hours, then the airline may decide not provide such services. Despite the fact that the waiting is over the night and is extra tiring.
5.3 If it is the fault of Ryanair
That includes things like technical problems and bad planning.
If that causes a cancellation, it is considered fault of the airline.
And you may also be entitled to EU flight cancellation compensation.
Have you experienced a flight cancellation?
If you have — file a compensation claim.
5.4 Why do flights get cancelled?
Here are some of the top reasons why flights get cancelled.
By Europe and EU we mean all EU Member States, the United Kingdom (UK), Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint Martin, the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Remember, whenever your Ryanair flight is delayed, cancelled or you have been denied boarding — you might be entitled to flight compensation. File a claim to get it sorted out right away!