Despite having blocked the sale of its tickets through online travel agencies (OTAs), Ryanair, the renowned Irish low-cost airline, continues its aggressive campaign against these platforms. The airline has recently released a new edition of its report, accusing OTAs of what it calls digital piracy and consumer fraud.
1. Allegations Against eDreams and Other OTAs:
According to Ryanair’s report, eDreams leads the charge in January, allegedly overcharging customers by a staggering 125% – charging €26.99 for a seat that costs just €12 on Ryanair.com. The report doesn’t stop there; it also names other OTAs like Opodo, accused of charging 108% more (€38.31 for a 10 kg bag priced at €18.79), and On the Beach, allegedly overcharging by 63% (€34.99 for a 20 kg bag that costs €21.49).
2. Ryanair’s Stance on OTA Practices:
Elena Cabrera, the country manager for Ryanair, emphasizes that these instances are just a few among hundreds where OTAs are accused of illegally scraping Ryanair’s website – an act she refers to as digital piracy. She claims they use this information to deceive and overcharge trusting consumers for products and services that are free on Ryanair.com.
3. Ryanair’s Call for Government Intervention:
The airline is once again appealing to the British and Irish governments, as well as consumer agencies in the EU, to take action against what it perceives as internet piracy and blatant mis-selling to consumers. Ryanair asserts that these practices are not only unethical but also harm consumer rights and the transparency of pricing in the travel industry.
Conclusion:
Ryanair’s latest report highlights an ongoing conflict between the airline and online travel agencies. The accusations of overcharging and digital piracy have raised concerns about the practices of OTAs and the need for greater regulation in the industry. As the debate continues, consumers are advised to be vigilant about where they purchase their travel services.
