Budget airline giant Ryanair has issued a direct and unconventional message to its customers, urging them to ditch third-party booking sites for good. The carrier claims that using platforms like Skyscanner, Kayak, or Kiwi.com can actually cost travellers more money and create a host of unnecessary complications.
The Hidden Costs of Comparison Sites
In a bold social media post, Ryanair stated that these online travel agents (OTAs) often apply sneaky hidden mark-ups on their published fares. What appears to be a deal on a comparison site can frequently be more expensive than booking directly on the airline's own website. The message was clear: "Why would you pay more?"
Beyond the Price: The Booking Nightmare
The financial warning is just the tip of the iceberg. Ryanair highlighted a series of significant risks passengers face when not booking direct:
- No Direct Customer Support: If a flight is cancelled or disrupted, passengers must go through the third-party agent, not Ryanair, causing frustrating delays in rebooking or refunds.
- Incorrect Passenger Details: OTAs are notorious for inputting errors in passenger information, which can lead to hefty correction fees at the airport, sometimes costing more than the flight itself.
- Missing Critical Communications: Important updates about flight changes or gate information may not be passed on efficiently, leaving travellers dangerously out of the loop.
- Invalid Travel Documentation Checks: Ryanair cannot verify the correctness of passport or visa details entered by a third party, increasing the risk of being denied boarding.
Ryanair's Direct Booking Advantage
The airline passionately advocates for its own platform, promising the lowest fares guaranteed and full control over the booking. Passengers who book direct benefit from immediate access to manage their booking, add bags, check-in online, and receive real-time flight updates directly from the operator.
This public warning serves as a crucial reminder for all UK travellers to double-check where they book their flights. While comparison sites are useful for researching schedules and options, the final click to purchase might be safest and cheapest on the airline's own website.
