Passenger Demands Refund and Apology After Ryanair Baggage Fee Incident
A parent has lodged a complaint against Ryanair, demanding an apology and refund after being fined £100 for his and his son’s carry-on bags. John Butler, a 50-year-old sports therapist from Dublin, was traveling to Lanzarote with his family for a 10-day holiday when the incident occurred.
The Incident
Butler and his family arrived on time at the airport, only to face an unexpected challenge at the boarding gate. When John placed his and his son’s bags into the sizer, the Ryanair staff member informed them that the material straps on their bags were too big, protruding beyond the allowed dimensions.
Credit: Kennedy News and Media
The staff demanded £50 each for the oversized bags, totalling £100. John felt the bags were within acceptable limits, but faced pressure to pay due to the imminent departure.
The Threatening Situation
In a particularly stressful moment, the Ryanair employee allegedly warned Butler’s 12-year-old daughter, threatening that they would miss their holiday if the money was not paid immediately. John tried to confront the staff member, only to have her turn her name badge backward, refusing to identify herself.
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Credit: Kennedy News and Media
Despite the stress and pressure, Butler eventually paid the fine, feeling trapped and upset. Upon returning from the holiday, he brought the same bag back to Ryanair and was surprised when no one questioned its size, leaving him more convinced that the initial charge was unjustified.
Formal Complaint
Since the incident, John has submitted a formal complaint to Ryanair, asking for a refund of the £100 and a formal apology. He believes the entire situation was a form of coercion,designed to generate additional revenue.
Butler stated, “This is just a money-making exercise. It’s wrong. When we came back with the exact same bags, no one even asked a thing. It’s not fair to be treated this way, especially when I was not able to contest the decision at the time.”
Ryanair’s Response
Ryanair has maintained its position, insisting that both Butler and his son were correctly charged as their bags exceeded the permitted dimensions. The airline cited its policies regarding carry-on items, stating that the permitted size is strictly 40cm x 20cm x 25cm.
