Travel News February 2018


Cheaper flight price promise...


...and Ryanair performs its fastest turnaround yet, on union recognition!


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YANAIR has revealed the latest innovation in its 'Always Getting Better' programme of customer service improvement. The leading low cost airline is offering to refund the difference if passengers find a cheaper flight than Ryanair's along with a €5 (Euro) credit to your MyRyanair account. The new 'price promise' was unveiled recently at the launch of Year Five of Ryanair's 'Always Getting Better' programme of customer service improvements.


Said the airline's Chief Marketing Officer, Kenny Jacobs: "While we continue to innovate, the one thing that won’t change will be our low fares – which we promise will not be beaten. If customers find a cheaper fare, Ryanair now promises to "refund the difference + €5 to your My Ryanair account.'" He added that the offer applied to cheaper flights with other airlines to the same airport on the same day (plus or minus two hours), with full Terms and Conditions to follow "when we go live". It follows the recent announcement that customers booking accommodation through its 'Ryanair Rooms' site can claim 10 per cent back in credit to spend on flights.


Other changes announced recently include a dedicated claims team aiming to process all valid EU261 claims within 10 days, and 'Try Somewhere New', described as "a unique travel hub" hosting travel guides and videos on ryanair.com. Ryanair has also vowed to become Europe's "greenest airline", with a recylables pledge to be


"plastic-free in the next five years."


Ryanair has also restated its ambition to become the "Amazon of travel", with website and app now offering everything from package holidays to car hire.


A new baggage policy, which only permits customers paying €5 for Priority Boarding to bring two cabin bags onboard ('non-priority' customers may check the larger of their two cabin bags into the hold for free) has been going smoothly, it says. Meanwhile Ryanair has signed a formal Union Recognition agreement with pilots' union BALPA, who will become the sole representative body for the 600 Ryanair pilots in the UK.


It comes after Ryanair's confirmed at the end of last year that it was changing its long-standing stance towards unions and was willing to enter into discussions about recognising pilots' unions in the UK and in a number of other European countries. BALPA General Secretary said it was an historic moment. "Given Ryanair's previous hostility towards unions, this agreement is an historic one," he said.


Ryanair's Eddie Wilson said: "This agreement validates the decision of Ryanair's Board in December to recognise unions, and the fact that we have delivered pay rises of up to 20 per cent and union recognition for our pilots in our largest market, shows how serious Ryanair is about working constructively with unions that are willing to work constructively with us."


Jet2 launching their new five night trip to New York next November from Belfast recently Another Belfast special to Big Apple


JET2.COM and Jet2CityBreaks is giving Northern Ireland holidaymakers another chance to enjoy a bite of the Big Apple, following the phenomenal success of its first ever New York trip from Belfast last December. Following this successful break to New York from Belfast International, which completely sold out, Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks has announced another five-night trip on sale for Winter 18, departing on November 15.


As well as flights with the award-winning leisure airline, which has recently been recognised by Which? as a ‘Recommended Provider’ for the second consecutive year, there are holidays for sale across iconic 3-5 star hotels in central New York locations. They include the


popular Westin New York Grand Central, Hotel Mela Times Square, and Riu Plaza New York Times Square. Chief Executive Steve Heapy


of Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks said: “Our New York trip from Belfast International was a huge success and exceeded all our expectations, selling out very quickly. It’s very clear how much Northern Irish holidaymakers love our New York trips, so we’re delighted to be back with another magical trip this year.”


Packages from Belfast International


with Jet2CityBreaks start from £779 per person, and they can be secured now for only £60pp deposit. Jet2.com flight only options are also available from £399 per person, including taxes.


UPDA 3TE


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