DUBLIN, IRELAND—A traveler’s journey from Verona to Dublin turned into a frustrating and baffling ordeal after he was denied boarding on a Ryanair flight for not reserving a seat in advance. The passenger, who shared his story on social media, was reportedly told by airline staff: “You booked a ticket, sir, not a seat.”
The incident, which took place on a flight from Verona, Italy, to Dublin, Ireland, has left many travelers wondering if a confirmed ticket is no longer a guarantee of a seat on a low-cost carrier.
The Details of the Incident
The passenger, who had checked in online, received a boarding pass that said his seat would be assigned at the departure gate. When he arrived, he was asked to step aside while other passengers boarded. Once everyone else was on the plane, the gate agent informed him that there was no room for him.
- Reason for Denial: While Ryanair’s official policy states that it does not overbook flights, a spokesperson for the airline confirmed that in this case, the flight’s scheduled aircraft (a Boeing 737-8200 with 197 seats) was replaced with a smaller aircraft (a Boeing 737-800 with 189 seats) due to “operational reasons.” This reduction in capacity meant that not all passengers could be accommodated.
- The Policy: The airline’s terms and conditions state that in the “unlikely event” that a seat is not available, Ryanair will first seek volunteers to give up their seats in exchange for benefits. If there are no volunteers, the airline may “involuntarily” deny boarding to other passengers.
- The Aftermath: The passenger claimed he was told that only one of his two tickets would be compensated, and that his travel companion had to pay an extra £100 for a new ticket. He said he has yet to receive a refund.
Know Your Rights
Under EU Regulation EC 261/2004, passengers who are involuntarily denied boarding are entitled to several rights, including compensation, reimbursement, or re-routing.
- Re-routing: Passengers can choose to be re-routed on a new flight to their final destination at the earliest opportunity.
- Compensation: Passengers may be eligible for up to €400 in compensation, depending on the distance of the flight and the length of the delay caused by the denial of boarding.
- Care: The airline must also provide care, including meals and refreshments, hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is required, and transport between the airport and the hotel.
Conclusion
The incident serves as a crucial warning for all low-cost airline travelers: purchasing a ticket does not always guarantee a seat. While the airline’s official policy claims it doesn’t overbook flights, operational issues like a last-minute aircraft change can lead to a similar outcome. To avoid a potential travel nightmare, passengers are strongly advised to check in as early as possible—as soon as the online check-in window opens—to secure a seat, even if they choose not to pay for a specific one.
Affiliate Disclosure
This article is a factual news report on an aviation incident and does not contain any affiliate links or paid endorsements.
Disclaimer
The details of this incident are based on a passenger’s account and statements from a Ryanair spokesperson. Denied boarding is a rare occurrence, but all passengers should be aware of their rights. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, readers should refer to the official Ryanair website and the EU’s regulations on air passenger rights.
Official Website Link: Ryanair: https://www.ryanair.com/
