Ryanair boss brands new fare rules gobbledegook - But what do they mean for you?
Holidaymakers could soon face changes to the way air fares and baggage charges are displayed after new European rules aimed at making airline pricing clearer for consumers.
The proposals have sparked a fierce reaction from Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary, who has dismissed the plans as ‘gobbledegook’ and questioned whether they will make any real difference for travellers.
The measures appear to be designed to give passengers a clearer picture of the total cost of flying before they book, including baggage allowances, seat selection, and any optional extras that may incur additional charges.
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Supporters of the proposals say greater transparency will help consumers compare fares more easily and avoid unexpected costs later in the booking process.
However, critics argue that airlines already provide customers with extensive information and warn that additional regulations could make booking systems more complicated rather than simpler.
Travellers will still be able to purchase extras such as priority boarding, checked baggage, and seat reservations, but airlines will be required to present pricing information differently.
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The debate comes as baggage fees remain a major talking point among holidaymakers, particularly during the busy summer travel season, when many passengers try to avoid extra charges by packing light.
In a post on its website, Ryanair said, ‘These EU261 regulatory changes will force airlines to publish misleading price advertising.’
Ryanair continues, ‘Under these new, even more stupid rules, EU airlines become less competitive as they will be forced to advertise higher fares (which include a 2nd cabin bag) when over 50% of passengers already opt for a lower fare and choose not to travel with a 2nd cabin bag.’
Michael O’Leary. Pic: Simona Granati – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images
‘EU President Ursula von der Leyen keeps promising to make Europe “more competitive,” but now Europe’s latest gobbledygook regulations force airlines to advertise higher fares.’
‘As usual, Europe invents new rules, which makes EU airlines less competitive instead of lowering the cost of EU air travel.’
Michael O’Leary also called on the EU to stop making ‘rubbish regulations’ which make EU air travel less competitive.
Under the new rules, booking a flight on Ryanair may become more complicated, as the first price offered will be the higher fare, which includes a 10kg cabin bag.
If an intending passenger wants to travel light and does not intend to bring a larger cabin bag, this can then be excluded during the booking process, with the lower price then reflected in the final cost.
