18 February 2009

Ryanair hits back at agents over Costa tie-up

Ryanair has hit back at agents who have criticised the airline over its tie-up with Costa Cruises.
The low-cost airline said it refutes the "ill-informed and biased comments" made by agents about the deal.

In a response sent to Travelmole, Ryanair stated: "These travel agents ignore the following facts, (which are as per AEA published stats), which prove that Ryanair is Europe’s most punctual airline, completes more scheduled flights than any other airline and misplaces fewer bags that any other major European scheduled airline.

It said:

- 88% of Ryanair’s flights arrive on time, while just 72% of British Airways flights arrive on time.

- 99.5% of Ryanair flights operate, compared to just 96% of British Airways flights.

- Ryanair misplaces just 0.5 bags per 1,000 passengers, while British Airway carelessly loses 19 bags per 1,000 passengers.

The statement added: "In response to Jeremy Scott’s question "Why would anybody want to be associated with Ryanair?" the answer is simple - Ryanair will carry 67 million passengers this year, Ryanair is the only major European airline to continue to grow during this recession, Ryanair guarantees the lowest fares and can make even cruise holidays affordable.

"Travel agents such as Jeremy are simply smarting that Ryanair does not deal with travel agents; if we did you can be sure such agents would be queuing up to be associated with Ryanair.

"In response to the question "What does it tell first time cruisers about the quality of Costa?". Simple - it tells them they can now take advantage of a quality cruise holiday and Europe’s guaranteed lowest airfares to a greater choice of destinations while at the same time flying with Europe’s most punctual airline.

"In relation to comments about baggage, all Ryanair passengers can avail of Ryanair’s generous FREE 10KG baggage allowance and can opt to purchase an additional 15KG of hold baggage for just £9.50 (one way, £19 return). This combined 25KG allowance per passenger will more than accommodate the needs of cruise passengers who will have no requirement to "pack light" as suggested."

By Bev Fearis

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Your Comments (5)

Another good one bites the dust

The loss of agents like this shows what trouble the industry is in . It will become far worse once the summer bookings dry up

By Martin Owens, Friday, February 20, 2009
Stay at home holidays are fabulous for all.

We are small, local agency that sell ourselves on having first hand knowledge of our cottages. Pedominately in the Cotswolds often with late deals and special offers. Self-catering holidays are particularly attractive when on a budget, as many people are at the moment. Once the cottage is paid for families can have a 'cheap and cheerful' meal in, prepare a lunch picnic or breakfast at 'home'. We find familes take games, dvds etc with them for in-house entertainment as well as taking advantage of '2 for 1's' that are offered at some attractions. The countryside is stunning and the walks are relaxing and free! Our accommodation is great for the kids and quite often dogs too. Definitely the way forward in the present climate. Our overseas customers are finding the UK a good deal with the pound as it is, so good for the economy.

By Jeremy Scott, Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Personal Experience

My comments are based on personal experience of rude staff, lack of customer care (I am still waiitng for a cancellation confirmation for an insurance claim in July depsite have had my credit card debited). The proof is in the experience. The flights are punctual and I never check bags. Just not an enjoyable experience but it does what is says on the tin, gets you from A to B, although B may not be quite as near where you think it is! A cruise is all about a pleaseant on board experience with excellent service in a pleasant environment...if you wanted functional sea transport from A to B then take a ferry. All products have a place in the market but some products don't sit together...a bit like a Big Mac at a Gordon Ramsay restaurant.

By kenneth garrity, Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Furthermore "ill informed"

In response to Ryanairs comments: Ryanair has hit back at agents who have criticised the airline over its tie-up with Costa Cruises. The low-cost airline said it refutes the 'ill-informed and biased comments' made by agents about the deal. I am not ill informed I work in the Cruise Industry and sell cruises day in and day out offering my customers the best options for flights whther that be BA / easyJet or any other airline but what we offer is the opersonal service and p[eace of mind as we ATYOL package our cruise that we are responsible for ensuring getting them to the cruise even under extreme circumstances.. we work with almost all airlines worldwide well the ones which offer Good Standards of customer service & resolutions when needed....

By Martin Owens, Tuesday, February 17, 2009
10Kg Hand Baggage Plus 15kg

Many customers who travel are older so carrtying 10kg is ridiculous I know we carried 10kg on and it nearly broke our shoulder & we are big strapping blokes 10kg is the equivalent of 4.5 bags of potatoes to carry through the airport a heck of a weight for anyone I wouldn't want my parents or grandparents doing this, also with Ryanair if there flights are delayed or cancelled as this happens with all airlines what will the procedure be as we have been stranded with Ryanair and told we can get the next available flight ... 2 days later as they were all booked up ... the cruise will have left will it be the customers responsibility to get to the connnecting port, what happens if this is not a Ryanair Destination... will they be bonding the holidays so passengers are protected under ATOL & ABTA regulations allowing Security & Peace of mind for the passengers .. I don't think so....

By Martin Owens, Tuesday, February 17, 2009