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How to Claim Ryanair Compensation?

How to claim Ryanair compensation?

How to claim flight delay compensation?

Claiming compensation from Ryanair may require different approaches depending on the specific scenario. In certain circumstances, you could have multiple alternatives, including managing the claim by yourself or assigning it to someone more experienced in this field. However, in some instances, you might be the only one who could process the claim.

It’s also essential to differentiate between a refund and compensation, as they are not the same. Depending on the incident, you might be eligible for a refund, compensation, or both.

How to Claim Ryanair Compensation?

The way to seek compensation from Ryanair would vary based on what kind of compensation you’re pursuing. Here are some of the commonly encountered situations:

1. UK/EU Flight Compensation: Ryanair

Bear in mind that issues such as technical glitches in the plane and Ryanair staff strikes are seen as the accountability of the airline, not extraordinary events.

1.1 Long Flight Delay

To qualify for flight delay compensation from Ryanair, these conditions must be met:

  • The delay should be 3 or more hours long (at the arrival time);
  • The delay should be caused by the airline’s mistake;
  • The flight should be operating within/to/from Europe.

When you need to submit a compensation claim with Ryanair, reach out to their customer support center via their website, and fill in a claim form. Make sure to mention Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and be consistent in your communication.

You also have the option to file a claim with our partners.

Read more:

By Europe and EU here on this page (and on this website in general) we mean all EU Member States, the United Kingdom (UK), Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint Martin (French Antilles), the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.

1.2 Flight Cancellation

To be eligible for compensation for a cancelled flight from Ryanair, the following must be true:

  • The flight was cancelled at the last minute (up to 14 days before the flight);
  • The cancellation was Ryanair’s responsibility (not due to bad weather or other exceptional circumstances);
  • The flight was to/within/from Europe.

Get in touch with Ryanair’s customer service center via their website to submit a claim. Be sure to cite Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and remind them of your rights to avoid claim denial from the airline.

Or register a claim with our partners.

Read more:

1.3 Denied Boarding / Overbooking

To qualify for denied boarding compensation, the following conditions must be met:

  • You were denied boarding involuntarily due to overbooking;
  • The denial of boarding was the airline’s fault (e.g., overbooking), not due to issues with your passport, visa, etc.;
  • The flight was operating from/within/to Europe.

It’s worth noting that passengers without proper travel documents, such as valid visas, are not entitled to compensation. Passengers who agree to alternative arrangements, such as taking a later flight, may also not be eligible for compensation.

How to claim denied boarding compensation?

Reach out to Ryanair’s customer service center via their website.

Cite Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.

Or file a claim with our partners. See the link below.

Read more: Ryanair Denied Boarding Compensation

1.4 Missed Connection Flight

If your initial flight gets delayed or cancelled, making you miss your connecting flight and causing your arrival at your final destination to be delayed, you won’t be entitled to compensation under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. Yes – you won’t be entitled to compensation.

Why? Because Ryanair doesn’t sell connecting flights.

Ryanair sells only point to point flights.

Read more: Ryanair Missed Connection Compensation

1.5 Downgrading

If your flight was downgraded without your agreement, you are entitled to a compensation from the airline. The amount of compensation is based on the distance of your flight and varies from 30% to 75% of the ticket cost. The airline must compensate you immediately.

If they fail to do as required, you should contact the airline and lodge a claim. Take note that you are not required to accept any vouchers or coupons offered by the airline. If you face any issues, cite Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.

However, with Ryanair this doesn’t apply at the moment.

Because Ryanair don’t have Business or First class.

Read more: Ryanair Flight Downgrade Compensation

Luggage carousel at the airport

2. Ryanair Baggage Compensation

When it comes to compensation for luggage issues, there are two potential avenues to explore.

You may either approach your insurance provider to manage the claim, or you can initiate the claim process directly via Ryanair’s website. It should be noted that flight compensation companies typically do not deal with luggage claims.

2.1 Damaged Baggage

In the unfortunate event that your luggage gets damaged, here are the steps to follow.

Step by step:

  1. Lodge a damage report at the airport within 7 days of bag retrieval;
  2. Supply necessary details;
  3. Obtain compensation of up to €1300.

Read more: Ryanair Damaged Baggage Compensation

2.2 Delayed Baggage

If your luggage is delayed, do this:

  1. Report your missing luggage at the airport;
  2. Secure the Property Irregularity Report or PIR with a personal reference number;
  3. Monitor your bag’s status online using your reference number;
  4. Receive reimbursement for your incurred expenses (essential items you were compelled to purchase due to the delay).

Read more: Ryanair Delayed Baggage Compensation

2.3 Lost Baggage

On rare occasions, your luggage may not arrive at all.

Should this be the case, here’s your course of action:

  1. Report your missing luggage at the airport;
  2. Secure the Property Irregularity Report with a personal reference number;
  3. Monitor your bag’s status online, using your reference number;
  4. If your bag remains unfound after 21 days, provide a list of items that were in your bag, to secure compensation of up to €1300;
  5. In addition to compensation, you can lodge a claim for any additional costs.

Read more: Ryanair Lost Baggage Compensation

Euro banknotes

3. Ryanair Refund For Cancellation

In the event that your flight with Ryanair is cancelled, you can opt to receive a refund of the amount you paid for the flight. However, you might also be eligible for compensation depending on the situation. To claim your refund or compensation, it is crucial to contact Ryanair without delay. Follow up after a couple of weeks if required.

You can read more about this process in the linked article.

Read more: Ryanair Refund For Cancellation

3.1 What If You Cancel a Ryanair Flight?

If you decide to cancel your Ryanair flight, the refund procedure is quite straightforward.

Initially, you need to cancel your reservation; this can be executed online via the Ryanair website or through their customer service. Following the cancellation, a refund request must be lodged. The amount refunded is largely dependent on the fare conditions of your ticket.

Bear in mind, not all tickets are refundable. If you obtained a non-refundable ticket, you may not receive a refund, or you could face substantial cancellation charges. It’s crucial to thoroughly comprehend the fare rules before acquiring a ticket.

It’s also important to remember that, while you might be eligible for a refund, you will not receive compensation for cancelling your own flight. Compensation under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 only applies when the cancellation is made by the airline, not when the passenger decides to cancel.

Therefore, in conclusion, while you may receive a refund for your ticket based on the fare conditions, you cannot obtain compensation for self-cancelled flights.

Ryanair airplane

Do Not Agree to Ryanair Vouchers

When you are entitled to European flight compensation or a refund from Ryanair, it is vital to understand that you are not obliged to accept Ryanair vouchers as a form of compensation. You have the right to request a cash refund instead.

When interacting with Ryanair customer service, you should always mention Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and clearly express your unwillingness to accept vouchers as compensation. If the customer service representative does not offer a cash refund, request further assistance from a higher authority or manager.

Yes – it’s your right to receive your compensation or refund from Ryanair without needing to accept vouchers as payment.

Claiming Ryanair Flight Compensation On Your Own

Embarking on the process of claiming compensation from Ryanair on your own requires tenacity and thorough understanding of passenger rights. Airlines can sometimes try to evade compensatory payments by inflating problems or mischaracterizing technical hitches as extraordinary events (this isn’t true – technical complications are not extraordinary circumstances). They may also propose vouchers as an alternative to compensation.

Such maneuvers are not exclusive to Ryanair, but are common among airlines globally.

In essence, if you choose to file a Ryanair compensation claim independently:

  1. Ascertain your entitlement to compensation. Based on EC Regulation No. 261/2004, determine if your situation grants you the right to flight compensation or a refund.
  2. Retain all pertinent documents. This includes boarding passes, tickets, receipts, and any other proof of your flight and expenses.
  3. Reach out to Ryanair. Present your claim directly to Ryanair’s customer service. You can do this via email, phone, or through their website.
  4. Maintain persistence. If the initial response is not satisfactory, don’t relent. Keep following up with the airline and insist on your right to compensation.
  5. Reject vouchers. Remember, you are entitled to monetary compensation. Don’t agree to vouchers if offered.
  6. Escalate when necessary. If the airline declines to reward you with compensation, consider escalating the situation to a National Enforcement Body or initiating a legal action.

Following these guidelines, you can navigate the complexity of filing a flight compensation claim on your own. However, it’s essential to remember that the process can be intricate and professional assistance is always available.

Legal Proceedings – Ryanair

When Ryanair dismisses your compensation claim, you might have to consider initiating legal proceedings against the airline. Yet, before resorting to court, you can escalate your claim to NEB, which could potentially help you avoid court proceedings. An endorsement by NEB can boost your position and increase your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome, even if the airline continuously refuses to pay compensation.

If, after utilizing all your resources, the airline persistently denies your compensation claim, filing a lawsuit against Ryanair could be your subsequent move. It’s important to consider this step as a last resort after all other options for mediation and escalation have been exhausted. Note that legal actions can be demanding, both in terms of finances and time.

Thus, it’s crucial to be ready and fully aware of what you’re getting into. However, if your claim aligns with the provisions of EC Regulation No. 261/2004, and you possess the necessary documentation to support it, a court may indeed be your final destination.

What is your experience with Ryanair compensation claims? Have you ever received compensation from Ryanair? Share your experience, or questions, in the comments.