Ryanair released its July OTA Survey today (Tuesday, 8 July), once again revealing that unauthorised online travel agents (OTAs) such as eDreams, Tix, and Vola are significantly overcharging customers—by as much as 88% compared to Ryanair’s official website. Tix was identified as the worst offender, charging €16.85 for a reserved seat that costs only €9.00 on Ryanair.com.
Ryanair Renews Call for Action Against OTA Overcharging Amid July Survey Findings
Ryanair has once again called on EU governments and consumer protection authorities to take urgent action against non-approved Online Travel Agents (OTAs) such as eDreams, Tix, and Vola, which the airline says continue to impose excessive and unjustified fees on unsuspecting consumers.
The airline’s latest July OTA Survey reveals that these unauthorised OTAs are inflating prices by as much as 88% compared to those on Ryanair’s official website. Tix was singled out as the worst offender, charging €16.85 for a seat that costs just €9.00 on Ryanair.com.
Despite repeated warnings, Ryanair says many consumer protection agencies and EU ministers have failed to take effective measures. The airline specifically criticised Spain’s Consumer Minister, Pablo Bustinduy, for inaction, accusing him of ignoring ongoing overcharges by eDreams, which holds a major share of the Spanish travel market.
Dara Brady, Ryanair’s Marketing and Digital Director, said:
“Our July survey confirms that non-approved OTAs like eDreams, Tix and Vola continue to harm consumers through hidden mark-ups. Tix, for example, is charging nearly double for services that are cheaper when booked directly with Ryanair.
Unfortunately, EU governments and agencies, especially Spain’s Consumer Minister Pablo Bustinduy, remain silent while consumers suffer financially due to these unfair practices. We urge all EU governments to enforce clear pricing transparency rules on all OTAs — just as we require from our Approved OTA partners.”
Ryanair continues to advocate for stricter regulations and the implementation of uniform pricing standards across all OTAs to safeguard consumers from misleading pricing and hidden fees.