Ryanair continues fight against screenscrapers

Ryanair today (Tuesday, 27th January 2009) confirmed that it will continue its fight against screenscraper/ticket-tout websites who are using unauthorised downloaded information from Ryanair’s website and selling Ryanair flights with hidden add-ons or handling fees to unsuspecting consumers who are being overcharged.

Ryanair has said that it will appeal last week’s decision in favour of Atrapalo, and any further rulings in favour of screenscraping/ticket-tout websites, as Ryanair feels these rulings are anti-consumer.

Ryanair believes that this unauthorised behaviour of ticket-tout websites is no different to the free download of internet music, video or other services and Ryanair has called on the courts to protect consumers against the hidden fare increases and handling charges of third party ‘add-on’ websites who can double the cost of airfares without customers knowledge.

To highlight that Europe’s guaranteed lowest fares and no fuel surcharge are only available at Ryanair.com, Ryanair released 1million €10 seats for travel across its European network in February and March which are available for booking on Ryanair.com before midnight Friday 30th January.

Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary said:

“We have provided the courts with documentary evidence of this unauthorised, ticket-tout scam being perpetrated on consumers by these screenscraper websites. We do not believe that a court should put the interests of these unauthorised sites ahead of the interests of the consumers who have been exposed to hidden mark ups and over-charged by these screenscraper/ticket-tout websites.

“We hope that the decision of the court today will prevent the mis-selling of Ryanair’s tickets and the unauthorised sales of Ryanair’s seats. Our case has successfully been put before the EU and we will appeal any Spanish court decision which fails to stop the unauthorised activities of these overcharging ticket-tout sites.”