Marlene Mizzi takes credit for Ryanair tariff reduction

Labour MEP Marlene Mizzi has said that the Ryanair tariff reduction followed her parliamentary question tabled in November over the “excessive” €70 charge on passengers who do not produce a printed boarding pass when checking in for a Ryanair flight.

The MEP also noted that she enquired about the discriminatory nature of this policy against those who do not possess a computer or a printer and who are unable to comply.

Mizzi’s question over the legality of the low-cost airline’s actions was forwarded to the European Commission and the MEP said that as a result, the airline informed her that the charge would be reduced to €15.

“According to them, this charge is perfectly legal as the customer would have already agreed to this when booking a flight. Ryanair disagreed about the discriminatory allegation against those who do not possess a computer or printer, since according to them there is   ‘public access to wifi and internet facilities is widespread across almost all airports and available throughout cities and towns across Europe’,” Mizzi said.

 However, Mizzi, who is seeking re-election in May, said that she welcomed the considerable reduction of the boarding pass charge from €70 to €15, and was “pleased to have contributed to this decision and to the positive effect on consumers.”

“I still think that this charge is  not justified, and invite Ryanair to consider removing it completely. I question its legality because the boarding pass is not an optional, but an indispensable document required for the access of the seat paid for. Therefore, once the airline, accepts payment for a seat on the aircraft, it should be obliged to give this document to the passenger, unconditionally. Under no circumstances should passengers be made to pay for what is theirs by right,” she said.

 Mizzi also urged Ryanair to reconsider their strategy, within their declared policy of reducing customer complaints and discontent about extra charges which customers face when booking a flight with them.