Ryanair - Cancelled flight

[homerthegrea]

A friend of mine was booked onto a Ryanair flight the other week, everybody was checked in then shortly before boarding were told that there was a problem with the plane and the flight had been cancelled, my friend was offered another seat on a plane going to germany but would then have to pay his own way from Germany or he could wait and catch the flight home the next day - no compensation offered from Ryanair. As he was waiting in the airport he saw his plane which had been cancelled boarding when asked where it was going was informed that the plane was needed to go somewhere else - therfore there was nothing wrong with the plane. Since he has got home he has tried to seek compensation from Ryanair only to be told that as it was a technical problem that had casued the flight cancellation Ryanair are not responsible for compensation.1/ is this right and 2/ is there anything he can do about it.

[delboy3]

The answers are in here somewhere:

http://ec.europa.eu/transport/air/rules/rights /info_en.htm

but most airlines will do their utmost to wriggle their way out of this.

[dzug]

If an airline has technical difficulties and has to cancel a flight then I don't believe there is any compensation.

If it has 2 flights but only one serviceable plane and has to cancel one of them, then it's arguable that it can choose which one to cancel.

Given that it's Ryanair the only avenue open is to sue them in the small claims court.

[joannie10]

I had a bit of a different problem with Ryanair. Flight cancelled due to bad weather and they certainly offer no compensation. Basically you have to use your holiday insurance which really does not cover much expense. I believe this is how it is for any cancelled flight. That is just attrocious though that they cancel a flight and use the plane for another flight then tell you technical difficulties. Sorry I am not on here giving you any answer just sympathising really . Glad you have written cause just confirmed my thoughts I dont want to fly with them again - feel they would leave you stranded at any time (of course many people dont have any probs with them). Perhaps something like Watchdog or for example one of our regional newspapers has The Judge which takes up peoples grievances. Good Luck - but as others say they will no doubt weedle out of it.

[filthiestfis]

I suggest that you visit your local Citizen's Advice Bureau office ASAP. They will be able to assist you with legal matters for free =) Just go!