MIND|DROPS ______________ Our thoughts define our personal reality

My bad experience with Ryanair

I arrived at Frankfurt Hanh Airport (in the middle of nowhere) to take a Ryanair plane to Pescara, destination Christmas holidays. I had one handbag with me with the right size, I didn't know its weight but I thought it was approximately right. I successfully passed through the security check with my handbag arriving at the gate more than one hour earlier, then I remained in the boarding area awaiting for the beginning of the boarding procedure. When this procedure began I joined the queue along with all the other passengers, I was almost at its end. Once at the desk I was told to stop by a Ryanair officer who wanted to check my handbag. I was very surprised by the extremely late check. Anyway, I reported I had checked the dimensions already so the man decided to verify also the weight. My handbag was exceeding the limit of 10 kgs, so the man asked me to pay a 35€ fine and to do this just there at the exit (yes, at the gate!?!).

After a couple of minutes (while I unsuccessfully tried to get rid of some weight) I decided to accept the fine. I didn't have cash in my wallet so I asked if I could pay with my credit card (VISA Electron) or with a laser card (Maestro) but this was not possible since no machines were available for this type of payment. So I was asked to run outside and get some money at the ATM while another Ryanair's officer offered to hold my handbag and wait for me ("Run! Run!"). So I went out and got some cash, I passed through the security check again (skipping the queue to hurry up, not more than 10 mins had passed in total) to arrive again at the gate. There, I sadly saw my handbag left unattended and the gate closed. I can't describe my disappointment, I started to swear in Italian but probably I should have known some German.. That night I had to pay for a double room (thank God I was not alone) in a hotel just outside the airport. I also needed to buy another ticket for the same route Hanh-Pescara luckily still available for the day after.

I wonder.. why don't continue to let people pay at the destination as it has always been? Why should I be forced to pay with cash at the boarding gate where there's no ATM? Why are they running such checks at the very last moment? These things are all against the same customers, but for what purpose? Please correct me if I'm wrong, all this crap looks to me as a way to "legally steal" money from the customers.. Do you think I'm exaggerating a bit? I can't refrain myself from sending a complaint to Ryanair and ask for a refund. Since I'm sure most of you have experienced problems with this company (who hasn't?), in case you like the idea you can join me and send your own complaints to the address below. I'll keep you updated anyway..

EU PASSENGER
COMPENSATION DEPT.
PO BOX 11451
SWORDS, CO. DUBLIN
IRELAND