Budget airline giant Ryanair has issued a crucial alert to British travellers about a new verification procedure that could leave passengers facing unexpected charges of £/€55.
The airline is implementing a mandatory 'Know Your Customer' process for all bookings made through online travel agents or third-party websites. This move aims to combat overcharging and ensure passengers receive important travel information directly from the airline.
What You Need to Verify
Passengers who book through third-party platforms will now receive an email from Ryanair requesting verification of their personal details. This includes:
- Full name as it appears on travel documents
- Email address
- Date of birth
Failure to complete this verification within the specified timeframe will result in a £/€55 admin fee being applied to manage the verification process manually.
Why Ryanair is Implementing This Change
The airline states that this measure is necessary to protect customers from being overcharged by screen-scraping online travel agents. A Ryanair spokesperson explained: "We're taking this action to ensure passengers receive their booking confirmation directly from Ryanair, containing all necessary travel information and any potential flight changes."
This verification process is designed to give the airline direct communication with passengers, rather than relying on third-party intermediaries who may not pass on crucial updates about schedule changes or cancellations.
How to Avoid the Fee
Travellers can completely avoid this verification requirement and potential charge by booking directly through Ryanair's official website or mobile app. The airline emphasises that direct bookings provide:
- Lower fares with no hidden charges
- Direct communication about flight changes
- Easy management of bookings online
- Access to all ancillary services
For passengers who have already booked through third-party sites, it's essential to check your email carefully for verification requests and respond promptly to avoid the £/€55 penalty.
