Ryanair alcohol in packed luggage

[belastigt]

I was flying back from Treviso, Italy to London Stansted wtih Ryanair.

 

I was given as gifts one bottle of Whiskey and one bottle of Rum, both 40% ABV. Total volume was 1.5 litres.

 

I knew that I wouldn't be able to take them in my bag as security don't let you take liquids so I bought a packed luggage for £30 the day of my flight. I got to the airport early and went to check in my bag at the bag drop-off. A ryanair staff member asked what was in the bag and I told her. She said I can't check in alcohol as it will explode in the flight. I told her I had bought the checked bag only for this reason as otherwise I'll just carry it with me as my carry-on.

 

I argued with her for about 5 minutes that it was physically impossible for the alcohol to spontaneously explode, but she said this was ryanair's 'policy'. It was clear that she wasn't going to let me take the bottles (although eventually she did say wine would have been ok, despite also saying ryanair strictly allowed NO alcohol in checked luggage). I asked for a refund of checked bag as I wasn't using it, she refused on the grounds that I should have checked the terms and conditions before buying. I gave up as I did have a plane to get, and went home.

 

At home I checked whether this was true and found Ryanair have no such policy. Clawing the internet for as much information as I can find it seems the general regulations are up to 5 litres of under 70% is fine. I tried to contact ryanair to again get a refund but found no contact details for them.

 

Eventually I submitted a complaint to them through their ridiculous ask a question form. A few days later I got a response saying ryanair advises customers not to travel with dangerous goods. Quite a frustrating reply as it admits they have no policy against the alcohol and is a complete straw man of an answer. Of course I could not reply to this, just start at the beginning again.

 

I checked to see if there was anyone I could escalate the complaint to. Ryanair effectively sold me something and then stopped me using it, but have kept the money. To me that is theft, never mind the needless costs I have incurred from not being able to take the alcohol with me.

 

The only thing I could find as a route to complain was through the CAA. I filled out their form and submitted 'correspondence' between myself and ryanair. I got an answer the next day saying they couldn't help as I hadn't given ryanair adequate time to reply, despite them already having answered that they won't refund the money.

 

Does anyone know what I can do here? It surely can't be right that ryanair can charge for things they don't deliver. And who can this be escalated to? The UK doesn't seem to have a travel ombudsman which is ridiculous when you think about it.

 

Thanks for taking the time to read anyway

[citizenB]

I tried googling this question and from what I can see, you can bring alcohol in luggage that goes in the hold so long as it doesnt exceed your allowances - both in weight and quantity.

 

Wha I also read is that is surprising that Ryan Air gets any repeat custom they have a such dreadful name. Apparently they are one of the more ruthless companies as regards to baggage and appear to dream up any number of reasons for denying you taking something on the plane.!!

 

As for the CAA - I would resend the letter and point out that you had indeed received a response from Ryan Air, so you are not sure why they say you havent permitted enough time !! Could they please follow up with your complaint !

[topcat1802]

The only regulation I can find

 

 

Please note, you can’t take alcoholic beverages with more than 70% alcohol content (140 proof), including 95% grain alcohol and 150 proof rum, in your checked luggage.

You may take up to five liters of alcohol with alcohol content between 24% and 70% per person as checked luggage if it’s packaged in a sealable bottle or flask.

 

 

Next time you travel with Ryanair don't bother telling them if you have alcohol in your checked in bags since its not against any rules.

[havinastella]

Quite amazing, as they sell you bottles on the flight!

[unclebulgaria67]

Quite amazing, as they sell you bottles on the flight!

 

I suspect the check in staff concerned may do this regularly. Beats buying your own booze !

[MaxxPower]

How did you pay for the checked baggage? I'm guessing it was a debit or credit card, so try performing a chargeback since they effectively denied you the service that you had paid for.

[belastigt]

Thanks for the replies.

 

I paid with a debit card so I don't think I can get a charge back. I'll try calling the CAA again today and see. At a certain point it just isn't worth it. I see Ryanair expect me to write to them in Ireland. Beyond belief.

 

Incidentally I wouldn't have told Ryanair about the alcohol but they specifically asked and I was foolish enough to be honest. The whiskey was 42% and the rum was 40% so both significantly under 70%. I am certain I am right here it is just remarkable how difficult it is to get a refund. There comes a point when this is just fraud/theft right?

[MaxxPower]

You can get a chargeback on Debit Cards. Just contact the issuing bank.

[2Grumpy]

What did you do with the booze? Did you leave it with those incredibly helpful Ryanair reps?

[ncf355]

Not my favourite people

 

Had a bag that was just over weight limit, told i had to pay £100 to check it in

 

What they neglected to say was this was the charge for ONE WAY! so when I came to check in for the return and got told I had to pay ANOTHER £100 I think it was only the close proximity of armed spanish police that stopped me going bats**t crazy!

[andydd]

Sue 'em !