Ryanair compensation: How to get money back for delayed & cancelled flights
NOTHING can ruin a holiday as much as a delayed or cancelled flight.
Here we explain Ryanair's compensation rules and how to claim a refund.
Can you get compensation from Ryanair?
It is possible to get compensation for a cancelled or delayed Ryanair flight but this is subject to a strict set of conditions.
If you think you might be eligible for a payment it is worth reading up on Ryanair's eligibility criteria before you start the process.
According to Ryanair: "Most refund applications are unsuccessful due to situations that are outside of Ryanair’s control meaning we are not obliged to pay you a refund".
How can I get compensation for a delayed Ryanair flight?
Unfortunately only flights that arrive over three hours late to their destination are eligible for compensation.
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This eligibility depends on whether you fall under UK passenger rights regulations.
You must depart from a UK airport, or arrive to the UK on a EU or UK airline, or arrive to a EU airport with a UK airline.
If this applies, compensation work as follows:
- £220 for all flights of 1,500km or less
- £350 for intra-EU/UK flights over 1,500km or other flights that range between 1,500km and 3,500km
- £520 for all other flights
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The passenger rights claims form can be found on Ryanair's website.
In the worst case scenario that your flight is delayed by at least five hours you can decide cancel that booking.
This entitles you to a full reimbursement with a return flight to where you departed from at the earliest opportunity.
If this is the case then you need to apply for a refund on Ryanair's online refund application form.
How can I get compensation for a cancelled flight?
Like delay compensation, flight cancellation refunds are also a tricky business.
Your flight must be cancelled less than 14 days before the scheduled departure time to be valid for a refund.
For passengers where this applies, you can change your flight times and dates for free or ask to be re-routed to your final destination.
Re-routing is subject to availability so you might not always be able to depart at the time you intended.
If you don't want to fly with Ryanair after your booking was cancelled, you can apply for a full refund.
This also should include parts of the journey not made or parts of the journey already made if the purpose of your journey has been lost.
You can apply for a refund through Ryanair's site.
How long does Ryanair take to issue compensation?
The window of time it takes for Ryanair to establish the reason for a flight cancellation or delay is 24-96 hours.
Many don't know that if you've booked directly through Ryanair you will get your refund added to their Ryanair wallet rather than your original payment method.
Withdrawing money from a Ryanair wallet to the original payment method can take up to five days.
Those who book a flight through a online travel agent have it much worse as it will take longer to get the refund processed.
To start the application, you will have to complete a customer verification form on the Ryanair website.
Reasons why Ryanair may not give a refund
Sometimes cancelled flights and delays are due to reasons beyond Ryanair's control.
If this is the case, they are not entitled to give you a refund.
Such exceptional circumstances include:
- Adverse weather conditions
- De-icing
- Lighting
- Airport and runway closures
- Strike action
- Air traffic control issues
- Bird strikes
- Any foreign object debris
- Security and medical emergencies
- Any external handling difficulties
Another reason you may not get your money back is if the flight arrives at it's final destination with less than a three hour delay.
That being said Ryanair does fall under certain passenger right regulations and care entitlements.
What else can Ryanair offer if your flight is cancelled or delayed?
Traveller's whose flight has been delayed for more than two hours (flight up to 1,500km) or three hours or more (intra-EU flights over 1,500km or for flights between 1,500km or 3,500km) or cancelled can be offered free services.
This is if you fall under UK passenger rights regulations.
These compliments may be:
- Meal and refreshment vouchers depending on the waiting time and whether it would further delay a departure
- Two forms of communication such as calls, fax or emails
- A hotel if the delay or cancellation leaves your stranded overnight or if you need to stay somewhere longer than intended
- Any transport between an airport and accommodation if the delay or cancellation extends to the next day
If Ryanair cannot arrange this care then you can send them reasonable receipt of expenses and they might reimburse you - this applies to things such as hotels, transport and food.
Passengers who wish to change their flight to a new time or date can do so for free - this is only if it is applicable to the situation.
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