Ryanair

[Retire1day]

I applied for a refund for four people with Ryanair weeks ago. Just had an email stating they have given me a voucher. Quite annoying really, another flight with easyJet in May, July, August etc and no one wanting to give your money back even when they are cancelling the flights

[Retire1day]

This is what they are saying now:
You can request a cash refund however bear in mind we will place your request in the cash refund queue until the COVID-19 emergency has passed.
We highly recommend using the refund voucher as these are readily available and you can book flights on all Ryanair Group airlines in over 200 destinations in Europe and the Middle East.

[Retire1day]

More or less, you can't get your money back.

[Carl]

Given that the situation is unprecedented and despite people being frustrated with Ryanair's handling of the situation, what more could they have done in reality ?

- Ryanair will say they have been proactive and kept their customers informed at all times. They have acknowledged that there will be delays in cash refunds, and advised it is quicker to use the refund voucher

- The more people take opt for the refund voucher, then in theory the cash refund queue will get shorter and you will get your refund quicker

- Ryanair have already said cash refunds cannot be provided for security reasons whilst their "payment agents" work from home. So the earliest any cash refunds will be provided is once the 'lockdown' is lifted - which if the "payment agents" are based in the Republic of Ireland, the 'lockdown' is ongoing until 5 May currently

I don't know how the Ryanair refund vouchers work, but I know people would rather have the money in their pockets than Mr Ryanair's gaining interest, but would not using the refund vouchers be more financially beneficial looking forwards ? I accept nobody knows when aircraft are going to be flying again, but one thing is for sure tickets will be dearer and capacity reduced so is this not an opportunity to secure tickets at current prices and seats on flights for sometime (talking months) in the future ?

[Brandyboy]

Ryanair notified me that my flight was cancelled for 14 April and outlined the options, one of which was a refund saying it be at least 20 days.
I opted for the refund and got a comfirmation from Ryanair as such.
I then got a further email last week explaining that because of the unprecedented situation, the sheer volume of refund requests and shortage of staff, my request will be in a queue, but I will be refunded.
So I have no complaints whatsoever as to the way I have been treated by Ryanair.

[Graham Knight]

Same here JamesB.
Either cash back or voucher- it doesn't matter to me .
I fly to Germany 3/4 times a year , and to the UK at least twice a year .
So , either option is ok for me.

[Karen Jones]

I have just received an email offering a voucher instead of a refund. It says click here if you do not want a voucher but want a refund. I clicked on the link but all I see is info on the voucher I can't see anything about requesting a refund?
I guess they want to make it difficult. Am I missing something?

[Graham Knight]

It does sound like they're making it difficult, Karen.
As long as there holding customers money - they're gaining interest.

[Karen Jones]

Looks like it Graham.

[Retire1day]

easyJet just cancelled my next flight in May. I have more booked with Ryanair, easyJet and jet2! I might have to start booking a few friends to come over to use these vouchers up. That's why I want a refund, I don't think I will be able to use them up in the next year.