Travel misery for ill grandad

A BANGOR cancer victim has revealed how his five year old grandson was stopped from paying him a flying visit after he had a major operation -  by airline red tape.

Desmond McKay’s grandson was prevented from travelling from England to Northern Ireland with Ryanair because he did not have a passport for identification.

As a result, his mum and older brother, who were accompanying him on the trip, also forfeited their flights at a total loss to the family of more than £265.

They also had to pay for alternative transport by bus and boat while Ryanair refused to reimburse them for their lost flights.

The airline has since said it clearly advises passengers that they must be in possession of a valid passport or government issued national identity card for travel with Ryanair. 

But the Bangor grandad is refusing to  give up on getting a Ryanair refund for his daughter and two grandsons.

If successful he intends to donate all of it and an additional matching amount to a local cancer charity.

He said, “Money is not the issue here. It is customer rights. Please be aware when booking flight tickets, even within the UK - no passport, no fly and no refund.

A Ryanair spokesman said, “Ryanair’s terms and conditions, which must be accepted before a booking can be made, clearly advises passengers that they must be in possession of a valid passport or government issued national identity card for travel with Ryanair. 

“This policy is advised during the booking process, in confirmation emails, in follow up reminder emails and on Ryanair’s boarding passes which passengers must print before travelling to the airport.”