Welcome to Ask Clark, a column designed to answer your financial questions, by money expert Clark Howard.
It’s Been More Than a Year. What Can I Do To Get My Refund?
Valerie from Georgia: “I’ve been waiting 13 months for a refund from Ryanair for a flight that was canceled due to the pandemic. I’ve sent numerous emails and have received no response. I’ve filled out their refund application at least four times.
“The trickiest part — which I’m sure you’re aware of — is that they’re an Italian company only, so I’d have to call long-distance, which is expensive. What’s the best way to get in touch with them to get a refund for my tickets?”
Clark’s Take on How To Get a Refund From an Airline
Clark says: “There’s no lever I can tell you to automatically push,” but he suggests giving social media a try.
Clark says he’s read several news stories recently about problems with people not being able to get refunds from either Ryanair and British Airways, “where the airlines have just not been complying with the law for canceled flights: not where you cancel but where they cancel the flight.”
He says, when lodging a complaint on social media, it’s important to get to your point quickly.
“Keep your complaint pithy and short: ‘They canceled the flight. They’re ignoring you and not giving you your money back.’ That’s all you really have to say on social media.
“A lot of companies are monitoring social media, and they may see your post and direct message you.”
How To Reach Ryanair Customer Service
Mail: On its website, Ryanair says it will respond within 15 working days to mail written to the following address:
Ryanair Customer Service Department
PO Box 11451
Swords
Co. Dublin
Ireland
Web: Ryanair has a chat feature on its website for questions or concerns. The airline also has an online complaint form you can fill out.
Social Media: Ryanair is active on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram but only its customer service-oriented account on Twitter, @AskRyanair, actually fields questions from customers and answers them.
How to reach Ryanair by phone: International rates do apply if you call Ryanair’s main customer service number. The number is +44 1279358395 (From the U.S., remember to dial 011 first). Ryanair’s business hours for phone calls are:
- Mon – Fri: 08:00 – 18:00 Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
- Sat: 08:00 – 17:00 GMT
- Sun: 09:00 – 17:00 GMT
Note: GMT is five hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (four hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time).
Here’s how to reach other major airlines via social media and more.
To hear Clark’s full take on this question, listen to the segment from his podcast:
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