Ryanair has this week released their recent OTA Pirate survey, in which they have accused eDreams of overcharging by a whopping 216%.
The Irish low-cost carrier continues to battle on against OTAs in the interest of passengers saving money.
Without further ado, let’s get into it…
Overcharging by eDreams: “Blatant OTA Piracy”…
Above is the table from the OTA Piracy survey that is released by Ryanair every single month, with eDreams at the top.
It shows that eDreams is overcharging on seat reservations by 216% and a 10kg bag by 99%.
They have also exposed the company as well as other companies on the invented charges.
On the heaviest offender, Ryanair said the following in a statement:
“While Ryanair continues to campaign for consumer protection from OTA Pirate overcharges, it is indefensible that consumer agencies, such as Italy’s AGCM, have failed to take any action to stop this OTA piracy and consumer harm.”
“Especially since the Milan Court of Appeal recently dismissed claims by these OTA Pirates that Ryanair was abusing a dominant position in the Italian Market.”
“The Italian Court ruled that Ryanair’s direct sales policy was “reasonable” and had led to lower costs & lower fares for Italian consumers.”
“Ryanair calls AGCM Chairman Roberto Rustichelli to explain why he continues to allow OTA Pirates like eDreams to overcharge Italian consumers, despite 6 months of Ryanair survey evidence which exposes these OTA Pirate overcharges in Italy.”
Dara Brady: Italy Needs To Take Action…
Adding to the survey was Ryanair’s Dara Brady, who said the following on eDreams and other OTAs:
“Despite Ryanair providing 6 months evidence of blatant OTA Piracy and consumer harm, eDreams and other OTA Pirates continue to overcharge consumers and invent these fake “service” fees.”
“April’s OTA Pirate survey shows eDreams is overcharging Italian customers by over 200% (€25.24 for a reserved seat that cost just €8 on Ryanair.com) as well as charging €39.42 for a 10kg bag that costs just €19.79 on Ryanair.com.”
“It’s time for the ACGM in Italy to take action to protect consumers from this internet piracy and overcharging by eDreams and other OTA Pirates, especially since the Milan Court of Appeal recent ruling has shown that Ryanair’s direct sales policy is reasonable and leads to lower costs and lower fares for Italian consumers.”
Overall…
In conclusion, it remains clear that Ryanair isn’t going to give up the fight against OTAs like eDreams.
Especially in the context of a cost of living crisis and rising inflation, the airline is encouraging passengers to save money.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on whether the pressure will result in a positive outcome or not.
But for now, this situation continues to develop every month.
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