Ryanair travails
Sir, Last week I flew with Ryanair. I fly more than forty times each year, mostly in Europe but also further afield.
I have never, until last week, missed a single flight from hundreds. The reason I'm writing is not only because I feel strongly enough to do so, but also because I think our local people should be made aware of what goes on in relation to Ryanair. It's about their company policies, uncompromising attitudes and attention to ignorance.
My flight, booked last year, was due to fly from Derry at 08:50am one day last week. The check-in closed at 08:10am. Yours truly, having been stuck behind a road traffic accident, managed to make it at 08:11:30 - a mere one minute and thirty seconds late! I explained my plight to the Michael O'Leary clone behind Ryanair customer services, told her that there had been an accident, that I was sorry and that I was flying to Africa later that day from Stanstead.
What followed was an excruciatingly painful high-pitched whining dribble on how not to be late, how to think more of the airport staff and how Ryanair didn't care less. I was informed that the passenger list had been handed to the pilot - an achievement in itself given that the plane from London had yet to land, as far as I could see - and that for a missed departure fee of 50, on top of the 47 already paid, I could fly from Belfast in the early afternoon.
Not only this, but a pregnant girl travelling with her mother showed up a minute after me. They were unceremoniously handled in the same arrogant, rude and brusque manner. These women didn't even have baggage - now there's customer service. As it happens, I heard the girl call her dad and ask for a pickup - she couldn't afford another flight.
So, after a 16.00 taxi back to the city, a slow painful 15.00 bus to Belfast and an outrageous 55.00 for excess baggage, I was kept waiting in the cold for 50 minutes after the Ryanair flight was called before we were all herded onto an unkempt and cold aircraft.
My flight from Derry to London, advertised at 9.99, ended up costing 183! The plane from Belfast had six empty rows, so I wasn't even paying for the last seat.
It's not even the cost, but the attitude, the inflexibility, the greed, the unwillingness and the contempt. Travel to Asia, to America or Africa, for example, and experience the service, the genuine customer care and the very real people involved - the things we as an Irish people were once proud of.
Airporter is a friendly Derry firm that never lets its passengers down. They'll even call if you're late. They have consideration for the unforeseen mishaps - these do happen whilst travelling.
Yours,
Andy Norris
(by email)
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Weather for Derry
Friday 25 May 2012
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Temperature: 14 C to 24 C
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