HOW DO I GET MY REFUND?

MICHAEL O’Leary said yesterday that all customers on cancelled Ryanair flights will receive an offer of an alternative flight or a full refund.

All those affected were due to be notified by email yesterday evening, with an offer of a new flight on the same date or the day after. Ryanair said those customers who do not wish to avail of an alternative flight will receive a ‘full refund’ in addition to the compensation package guaranteed under EC Regulation 261/2004.

This regulation means passengers qualify for compensation if they are given fewer than 14 days’ notice of a cancellation. For short-haul flights, the amount payable is €250 per person, with this rising to €400 for medium-haul flights, and payments must be made within seven days.

Customers can amend their flights or apply for a refund on the Ryanair website.

While Ryanair has developed a reputation for being very slow to give refunds, Mr O’Leary yesterday suggested that applying for a refund would be straightforward.

He said: ‘We will not be trying to claim exceptional circumstances. This is our mess-up. When we make a mess in Ryanair we come out with our hands up.

‘We will pay compensation to those passengers who are entitled to compensation, which will be those flights that are cancelled over the next two weeks.’

Those who receive notification of two weeks or more will NOT be entitled to compensation – provided the airline offers full re-routing or refund options.