Daniel Reinhardt/DPA

Just when you think Ryanair can't possibly load on any more sneaky charges, it takes stealth to a whole other level by hitting customers with a retrospective fee after they have travelled.

The levy – as a result of an increase in Spanish airport tax - may have even breached Ryanair's own terms and conditions, according to an investigation by Which?

Holiday tips

Rip-offs


Thousands of customers who booked and paid for flights before 1 July 2012 and departed from a Spanish airport after that date were automatically charged extra, according to Which?

The extra fee - from around 30p up to £7.20, depending on the airport - was charged on the credit cards or taken from the bank accounts that customers used to purchase the initial ticket.

Holiday tips

Rip-offs



The charge was due to increases in Spanish airport tax. While most other airlines absorbed the cost of the increased taxes, Ryanair retrospectively passed the charge onto some customers after flying.

Breach of terms
The consumer group believes that Ryanair may have been in breach of its own terms and conditions, which state that while it may pass on additional taxes to passengers after booking, these will have to be paid for 'prior to departure'.

Which? says that when questioned, Ryanair did not address the issue that it may have breached one of its own terms and conditions, but just stated: "Ryanair is obliged to collect taxes and charges and pass them to the Spanish government on behalf of passengers."

Money back
If you booked and travelled with Ryanair during the affected period, check your bank or credit card statement to see if you have been hit with a charge. If so, contact the airline as it is likely you will be able to claim a refund for the unauthorised fee.

Clause 4.2.2 in Ryanair's T&Cs says you will be obliged to pay any increase 'prior to departure' – so if you were charged after your journey, try quoting this clause when making your complaint. A researcher from Which? was successful in claiming a refund by following this procedure.

Inflated fares
Ryanair is well known for the wealth of charges that bump up the cost of its apparently low air fares. From admin fees (£5) and reserved seating fees (£10) to baggage charges (£15-£150) and a boarding card re-issue fee (£60), the final ticket price is vastly inflated from the initial budget fares it advertises to lure consumers in.

Even Ryanair's chief executive Michael O'Leary recently admited to being stung by the extra charges. In an interview with the business publication Management Today, the outspoken boss said travelling with his own airline "costs me a fortune in excess baggage."

The five worst holiday disasters

  • Your travel plans fall through
    <p> If you are a victim of a strike, or any other event beyond the airline's control (including ash clouds!), they must offer you a refund (in which case it's up to you to find a way home) or an alternative flight. While you are waiting for the flight you have the right to food and refreshment and accommodation.</p> <p> If you are on a package holiday, your tour operator is entirely responsible for looking after you until you get back to the UK.</p>
    Your travel plans fall through
  • Your airline goes bust
    <p> This is more likely to happen due to the financial crisis, but in some situations you are covered.&nbsp;</p> <p> If you pay by credit card and it's over &pound;100, you'll get a refund from the card company.&nbsp;</p> <p> Your travel insurance may well cover you too, but check before you go. &nbsp;</p>
    Your airline goes bust
  • Your luggage goes astray
    <p> Talk to the airline, and if it is temporarily misplaced they should arrange for it to be sent to your accommodation, and you should be either given cash to cover the essentials in the interim.</p> <p> If it's completely lost you must wait 21 days and then make a claim for compensation. If you are travelling as part of a package you can claim costs from your operator.</p>
    Your luggage goes astray
  • You get sick
    <p> If you are travelling within the EU you need an EHIC card, which gives you access to public healthcare. However, this won't necessarily be free, and if you need extra services such as accommodation for a carer, a helicopter home or a delayed flight, you could end up seriously out of pocket.</p> <p> The only protection that will guarantee you will be looked after without running up a horrendous debt is by having travel insurance - which often covers up to &pound;10 million of costs.</p>
    You get sick
  • You are robbed
    <p> The most common form of theft is pick-pocketing, followed by theft from a car and bag snatching. Meanwhile, 752,000 of those surveyed had items stolen from their hotel room or villa.</p> <p> If you have anything stolen, your only protection is insurance. You need to tell the local police immediately and get a crime reference for your travel insurer.</p>
    You are robbed


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