Ryanair launches new price checker and verified seal
Ryanair has launched the Price Checker tool and Verified Seal, two new initiatives it says will ensure customers are not being charged unnecessary third party fees by online travel agents (OTAs).
It is the airline’s latest initiative targeting so-called screen scraping.
The ‘Price Checker’ tool allows customers who booked through an Online Travel Agent to check the amount paid to Ryanair for their booking against the actual amount charged by the Online Travel Agent.
Customers can now clearly see how much extra unauthorised online travel agents are charging for Ryanair flights, as well as flight extras, such as checked bags and seats.
In addition Ryanair has introduced a new ‘Verified Seal’ that tells customers they are booking directly on the Ryanair website or app.
The Verified Seal is displayed as a branded tick and will be visible only on Ryanair.com and the Ryanair app.
The airline says only by booking direct where the seal is present will customers get the cheapest price for Ryanair flights with no third-party fees.
This includes the cheapest fees for bags, seats and other ancillary products.
Also, in the case of disruptions, any refund due will be paid directly to the customer.
Ryanair’s Director of Marketing, Dara Brady, said: "These two new features will help customers avoid the pitfalls of booking with online travel agents, who may overcharge, provide incorrect customers information and prevent Ryanair from dealing directly with the passenger."
Ryanair has no commercial agreements with online travel agencies to sell Ryanair flights and screen scraping of the website for the commercial purpose of reselling flights is prohibited, it says.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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