Ryanair bans Covid refund passengers from boarding new flights

Ryanair has been accused of barring passengers who pursued chargebacks against the airline during the pandemic from taking new flights this year – unless they return their refunds. An investigation by MoneySavingExpert (MSE) has found that holidaymakers who sought refunds from their credit card provider have faced last-minute demands of up to GBP600 if they want to board a Ryanair plane. During the lockdowns, Ryanair carried on flying many of its routes even though most tourists were in effect barred by government rules from travelling. The airline refused to refund affected passengers unable to travel, leading many to successfully seek chargebacks from their credit card company, in particular American Express. Three of those passengers, who went on to make new bookings with Ryanair to travel this year, have been told they can only fly Ryanair again if they return the sum reclaimed. One passenger was given this ultimatum just hours before they were due to fly. MSE said in at least two instances Ryanair’s fraud department had demanded the refunds of between GBP400 and GBP630. MSE said it has seen dozens of similar cases on its consumer forum and on social media. Ryanair has defended its stance, claiming it has always been a “no-refunds airline” when the flight went ahead and that its terms and conditions allow its position. In May last year MSE reported that some Ryanair staff had threatened to blacklist passengers who used chargeback to get a refund, something the airline denied at the time.<br/>