| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 23/04/01 |
| Author: | Page Number: 11 |
| Copyright: Other |
ABTAdeserves full support from trade
YOU ask if ABTA should go after Ryanair’s money and risk a backlash from the airline (Travel Weekly April 16).
The question is becoming a hypothetical one as the airline has made clear the less it has to do with agents the better, so the danger of a backlash is minimal.
This is an airline which went to court trying to prevent agents from charging a fee for services rendered. An airline that will only refund the £10 government tax – which doesn’t belong to it on anon-refundable ticket – against a £10 administration fee.
An airline that will use every occasion, especially in the travel trade’s own publications to denigrate the efforts and quality of it own agents and an airline that, paying a derisory commission and going out of its way to switch business away from agents, complains when operators like Travelscene decide to avoid selling it.
When other organisations flaunt the laws of the country, they get pursued and Ryanair should be no exception. The next step must be an injunction against flying until its pays up with full interest and legal costs. ABTA has our backing to get Ryanair to comply.
John Melchior
Managing director
International operations RADIUS
The Global Travel Company
Barnet
Hertfordshire