Ryanair, one of Europe's largest low-cost airlines, has gained a reputation for its affordable fares and no-frills approach to air travel. However, like any other airline, Ryanair occasionally faces situations where it may need to cancel a booking due to various reasons, such as technical issues, operational disruptions, or changes in flight schedules. In this article, we will explore what happens when Ryanair cancels a booking and what options are available to affected passengers.
Ryanair cancel booking policy
When Ryanair cancels a booking, the airline has a responsibility to inform the affected passengers as soon as possible. Ryanair typically notifies passengers via email or SMS using the contact details provided during the booking process. Passengers are advised to regularly check their email and mobile phone for any updates or notifications from Ryanair.
In case of a flight cancellation, Ryanair's policy may vary depending on the reason for the cancellation. If the cancellation is due to reasons within Ryanair's control, such as operational issues or scheduling changes, Ryanair will typically offer affected passengers the following options:
Refund: Passengers have the right to a full refund of the ticket price, including any ancillary fees, within seven days of the cancellation. The refund will be processed to the original form of payment used for the booking.
Rebooking: Passengers may choose to be rebooked on the next available Ryanair flight to their destination at no additional cost. Ryanair will make efforts to accommodate passengers on the next available flight, but availability may be limited, especially during peak travel periods.
Rerouting: If there are no suitable alternative Ryanair flights available, passengers may request rerouting on another airline's flight to their destination. Ryanair may agree to reimburse the cost of the alternative flight, subject to its approval and the availability of such an option.
It's important to note that Ryanair's policy may differ depending on the specific circumstances of the cancellation, and passengers should refer to the information provided by Ryanair in their notification for the exact options available to them.
Passenger Rights and Compensation
In addition to the options mentioned above, passengers whose flights are canceled by Ryanair may also have certain rights and may be entitled to compensation under the European Union's Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, commonly known as the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation. This regulation applies to all flights departing from an EU airport or operated by an EU airline, including Ryanair, and provides specific protections for passengers in case of flight cancellations, delays, or denied boarding.
According to the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation, if a Ryanair flight is canceled and the passenger is not notified at least 14 days in advance, or if the passenger is offered an alternative flight with a different arrival time that is not acceptable, the passenger may be entitled to compensation. The amount of compensation depends on the distance of the flight and the length of the delay caused by the cancellation. However, Ryanair may not be required to pay compensation if the cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances beyond its control, such as severe weather, strikes, or security issues.
Passengers who believe they may be entitled to compensation under the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation should contact Ryanair directly or seek legal advice for further assistance. It's important to note that the process for claiming compensation may vary depending on the specific circumstances and the applicable laws and regulations.
