33 years old Scott McCormick and his girlfriend Helena Boshwick’s plans of flying from Birmingham Airport to Palma de Mallorca were spoiled since the couple did not reserve seats for themselves on a Ryanair flight. Since it was a two hour long flight, Scott had considered that they would save the reservation money, which generally amounts between £4.50 ($6) to £33 ($45) per seat .
However, while their journey started smoothly, things took a turn when they were asked to wait while other passengers were boarded. Then they were informed that they will not be able to travel together since they did not reserve their seats. Ryanair executives reportedly told them that they can board the next flight and will receive a refund as well.
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Unfortunately, the check in desk had other news for them as they were informed that they needed to pay for one ticket. Moreover, Scott further mentioned that they did not even receive the refund that was promised to them, as the Express US reported.
Scott had shared their bad experience on social media, where some users pointed out that the couple might have been targeted as they tried to save money by not reserving seats. Recounting their experience, Scott said, “We checked in the night before and we didn’t reserve a seat but you normally just get a random one. Me and my partner thought it’s not that much of a problem if we’re not sitting together for a two-hour flight, we’re adults here.”
He further added, “We arrived, everything proceeded as usual, went through security as normal, went to the gate after waiting a couple of hours and we were the first ones at the gate ready for boarding. The lady scanned our boarding passes and told us to step to the side for a second. That moment was a red flag, I thought, ‘there’s something happening here.’”
He then mentioned, “We stepped to the side and watched all the people board the flight. I asked her to tell us what is going to happen and she said ‘no’. When everyone boarded, she said, ‘the plane is full, there’s only one seat remaining and we will have to reimburse you for the other seat or you’ll have to get on the next flight.’”
This naturally led to the couple having a meltdown as Scott himself said. According to him, Ryanair executive did not show them any empathy or understanding. Scott added, “After going back and forth we said we’re not going to take separate flights and be in separate countries for hours. We said we wanted to get on the next flight together. They said ‘you can do that, we will fully reimburse both tickets and put you on the next flight for free.’”
Finally, after paying £100 for a new ticket and facing a 4 hours delay, Scott and Helena could get on their flight to Palma. Scott also mentioned that the company might have targeted them because of the couple being young and childless and therefore not worthy of attention.
Scott’s experience got mixed reactions online where some people were shocked to find out airlines and overbook and some suggesting it’s better to reserve seats.
