Hi Guys,

Flew RyanAir (against my instincts) and ended up with a 4 hour 45minute delay from Pisa to Stansted. Initially the reason given was "Operational" and then on the plane, they said the original plane had a fault, and they had to fly a new plane in.

As an aside, there was nobody from (or working for) RyanAir present until 20 minutes before the (twice) rescheduled time, and we only got meal vouchers (€5/person) if we went out through security (which we only heard about from other passengers). But that's all to be expected really.

What are my chances of claiming the €250/person compensation for delays over 3 hours? I've sent them a template letter with copies of the boarding pass, and their own delay confirmation letter. I assuming they're going to write back (if they get back to me at all) with an 'exceptional circumstances' excuse. What's my next step? Contact the CAA? Small Claims Court?

Has anyone ever successfully claimed with RyanAir?

Ryanair make it very difficult to claim against but not impossible. Have a look at blondmark's posts in this thread as a way of combatting the airline's intransigence: http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/...9&postcount=50

There are agencies that specialize in claiming the compensation from airlines on behalf of passengers. I believe they charge a 30% commission, but it might still be worth using them.

An update:

Of course they rejected my claim. The important parts:

..... Blah blah, provided refreshments, etc.

So next steps will be to write back citing the cases where it was ruled that technical problems are not 'Extraordinary Circumstances'. After that I'm not sure. Dealing with the Italian authority seems to be a lost cause from what I've heard. Maybe it's then time to go with a no-win, no-fee agency and see what they can do.

Try this: http://www.flightright.de/en

They also have a calculator that heps assess the chances of your claim.

If you pursue this you will win. Ryanair can call it what the want but aircraft fault is not a a get out.
However, if you do win, they may appeal. All designed to grind you down.
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/...3&postcount=41

Whilst you may have a valid claim there are no guarantees of success in the small claims track.

Thanks everyone. I think I will have to take it to an agency, since I don't have to time to deal with this myself. So some sort of fire & forget, no win, no pay agency that's willing to take it to small claims would be best. Will look into the options, and report my progress.

I had a similar problem with a BA flight between France and the UK. Tbh the compensation I was due wasn't even that much, but the attitude of the staff made me determined to claim.

I tried small claims, but it wound up being such a pain that in the end I took the whole thing to one of the claims management websites (Sky Mediator - I think it's a French company). It took a few months, but I got my money.

I made a claim with FlightRight.de. Will let you know how it works out.

I really think that if you have to take an airline to court to get your compensation, the court should include extra penalties against the airlines. As it is, RyanAir will just deny every claim, and if they have to pay a few in court, then they still come out way ahead.

So either the courts should add punitive damages, or the CAA should fine RyanAir for abusing the system.

hi Raynz

I had the misfortune of being on the same delayed flight from PSA to STN. Did you have any joy in your claim?

Not yet. RyanAir rejected flightright's claim, and in addition said they would communicate with and pay any compensation (which is 0) to only me. Flightright is reviewing to see the next step.

You sure Flightright is no win no fee? I found this on their FAQ.
"Furthermore, flightright may charge in addition to the contingency fee a small service fee. This service fee will be deducted from the collected amount. Only in case we are not successful, we will ask you to pay the service fee directly to us (but not the contingency fee). If our efforts to enforce your claim should not be successful there will be no further costs (except maybe for the above mentioned service fee)."

And they will charge you quite badly if you terminate the claim.

Raynz - Did you get a response from Ryanair in the end?

Nope, still on-going. Case has been passed to lawyers who have filed a claim.

Ryanair keep throwing stalling tactics. Copies of documents etc.