When a passenger opts for a web check-in and inadvertently omits or forgets to do so, the individual is penalised with a fine paid to their local handling agents (Globe Ground) of e40 per ticket. Unfortunately, for failing to read through all correspondence, one or more passengers per flight might very likely incur this penalty. This fine, I feel, is exorbitant and I am querying whether Ryanair has the right to charge EU and other citizens any fee it likes!

Also, in my opinion, the airline is not correct in charging passengers an additional cost of e10 handling fee when they have no other option but to book their flights online. Recently, the Berlin High Court passed judgement ordering Ryanair to do away with the handling fee since passengers would have already paid for services and fees involved when paying online.

Is there a watchdog system that controls the escalation/charging of fees, or do such low-cost airlines have the right to charge whatever they like?

My letter seeks to alert prospective passengers about Ryanair’s (or other low-cost carriers) hidden and prohibitive charges. If just one person reads this letter and is alerted about such high and unfair costs, then this note would have served its purpose.

Lorraine Calleja

MADLIENA