Ryanair Escapes Fine, Agrees to Refund £1.5 Million in Check-in Fee Dispute

Italy's antitrust authority, the AGCM, has dropped its case against Ryanair after the budget airline pledged to refund over €1.5 million (£1.3 million) to customers who were charged extra check-in fees. The decision comes after a year-long investigation into complaints about Ryanair's online check-in policy and potential unfair commercial practices.

The AGCM launched the investigation in 2023 following concerns that Ryanair misled passengers regarding its online check-in policy. The regulator found evidence suggesting that customers were not adequately informed about a €55 (£48) surcharge for checking in at the airport if they missed the online deadline.

Furthermore, the AGCM discovered that passengers who purchased priority boarding and hand luggage allowances for their outbound flights were automatically charged for these services on their return journeys.

To resolve the case, Ryanair has committed to refunding all customers who filed complaints about the €55 surcharge between 2021 and 2023. They will also reimburse €15 (£13) or offer a €20 (£17) voucher to all passengers who paid the fee during the same period.

As part of the agreement, Ryanair has also pledged to provide clearer information about online check-in deadlines and to stop automatically applying outbound charges to return flights. The airline will also reimburse customers who have already complained about these charges.

The National Union of Consumers, a consumer protection group, welcomed the AGCM's announcement but expressed disappointment that Ryanair had not been fined. The group believes that the airline's actions warranted a financial penalty to deter future misconduct.

Despite the lack of a financial penalty, the agreement represents a significant victory for consumers who felt they were unfairly charged by Ryanair. The airline's commitment to change its practices and offer refunds demonstrates its willingness to address the concerns raised by the AGCM and ensure fair treatment for its passengers.