Ryanair legal threat prompts OTA climbdown
Online travel agent eDreams has amended its display on Google after Ryanair launched legal proceedings against both companies in Ireland.
The OTA has changed its display in Google’s paid advertising space for one of its subdomains to read ‘Ryanair.flights.edreams’ instead of ‘Ryanair: Cheap Flights’.
Ryanair had argued that the original wording misled customers into believing they were booking direct with the airline rather than via a third party, which charges a booking fee.
As the eDreams’ subdomain, which has blue and yellow branding similar to Ryanair’s, appears on Google ahead of the airline’s own site when users type ‘Ryanair flights’ into the search engine, Ryanair argued that customers were being duped.
It announced yesterday that it had started legal proceedings against both eDreams and Google in the High Court in Ireland, claiming the OTA is tricking customers and the search engine is turning a blind eye.
The airline has since welcomed the changes made by eDreams, but insisted its legal action will continue.
Ryanair’s CMO Kenny Jacobs said: "We note and welcome this small but immediate impact our legal action has had.
"This issue cannot be ignored any longer, with thousands of consumers being deceived into booking false fares with hidden fees and we have reiterated our calls for more transparent online advertising from both eDreams and Google.
"While this is a step in the right direction, our campaign will continue until these deceptive practices are fully eradicated. We have no issue with Google charging advertisers on its paid search function, but this must be done in an open and transparent manner and in line with Google’s own code of conduct.
"Consumers can rest assured that we will continue to fight on their behalf."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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