Ryanair claimed online travel agencies (OTA) are continuing to significantly inflate fares compared to prices available directly through the airline.
According to data published by Ryanair, OTAs such as eDreams are overcharging consumers by as much as 109%. The airline stated that OTA eDreams is imposing the highest mark-ups, charging more than double for a reserved seat that costs just €10 ($10.38) on Ryanair.com.
In response to claims made by Ryanair, an eDreams spokesperson told Airline Economics: “Analysis of a vast sample of over 120,000 recent Ryanair bookings through eDreams reveals that customers virtually always enjoy cheaper prices on eDreams compared to booking directly with Ryanair.”
The spokesperson added on average, customers save €14 ($14.52) per booking, with savings confirmed in 99% of cases. eDreams also defended its pricing, stating that charges on bookings are not "overcharges" but standard agency intermediation fees.
Ryanair also alleged that OTAs such as Booking.com and Vola have also inflated prices, claiming that Vola overcharged consumers up to €16.50 ($17.12) for a reserved seat that cost €8 ($8.29) on Ryanair’s website, while claiming Booking.com was overcharging consumers up to 17% for reserved seats.
Airline Economics has contacted Vola and Booking.com for comment.