How to Get a Refund from Ryanair
Ryanair denies first -- nearly every passenger who files an EU261 claim gets an initial rejection. Here is the complete guide to getting your EU261 compensation and Ryanair refund, and how to escalate when they say no.
Ryanair and EU261: What You Are Owed
All Ryanair flights departing from EU airports and UK airports are covered by EU261 or UK261 respectively. Ryanair operates entirely within the EU/UK zone, which means every Ryanair disruption is subject to these regulations.
Under EU261 and UK261, Ryanair must pay fixed compensation for delays of 3 or more hours at your final destination, for cancellations notified less than 14 days in advance, and for involuntary denied boarding. The amounts are fixed by flight distance: 250 euros (or pounds) for flights up to 1,500km, 400 for 1,500-3,500km, and 600 for flights over 3,500km.
Expect Ryanair to deny your first claim. This is documented practice. Your escalation path -- Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) or National Enforcement Body (NEB) -- is free and effective. A first denial from Ryanair is not the end.
Step-by-Step: Filing Your Ryanair EU261 Claim
Submit your EU261 claim through [ryanair.com/gb/en/useful-info/help-centre/claims-and-refunds](https://www.ryanair.com/gb/en/useful-info/help-centre/claims-and-refunds).
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Go to [ryanair.com/gb/en/useful-info/help-centre/claims-and-refunds](https://www.ryanair.com/gb/en/useful-info/help-centre/claims-and-refunds).
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Select your claim type: Cancellation, Delay, or Denied Boarding.
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Log in with the email address used for the original booking.
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Enter your booking reference and flight details.
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State the compensation amount owed under EU261/UK261 Article 7, based on your flight distance.
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In the comments field: write 'I am claiming compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 Article 7 [or UK261]. My flight was delayed [X hours] / cancelled. I request payment of [amount] per person within 14 days.'
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Submit and save the confirmation number.
Ryanair commonly cites 'extraordinary circumstances' to deny claims. They apply this defense broadly, often for issues that do not legally qualify. Mechanical issues, late inbound aircraft, and crew availability problems do not qualify as extraordinary circumstances under EU261.
After Ryanair Denies: Escalation to ADR or NEB
If Ryanair denies your claim or fails to respond within 8 weeks, escalate to one of these free channels:
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For UK-departing Ryanair flights: Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) at caa.co.uk, or an Approved Dispute Resolution scheme like CEDR or AviationADR.
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For Ireland-departing flights (Dublin, Cork, Shannon): Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) at aviationreg.ie.
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For other EU departures: The National Enforcement Body (NEB) of the country where your flight departed. Each EU member state has its own NEB.
Escalation to ADR or NEB is free for passengers. Ryanair has a track record of paying claims once formal escalation is filed. Document everything: your original claim, Ryanair's denial, and the grounds they cited.
Ryanair Refund vs EU261 Compensation: The Difference
A refund returns your ticket price (for a canceled flight where you choose not to travel). EU261 compensation is the fixed amount (250, 400, or 600 euros) based on distance and delay length. Both can apply to the same disruption: if Ryanair cancels your flight, you can claim both the ticket refund and the EU261 fixed compensation.
Ryanair sometimes processes refunds quickly while denying the EU261 compensation claim separately. Make sure both claims are filed.
Or let TravelStacks handle your Ryanair claim for 25% of the recovery. We file, follow up, and escalate to ADR or NEB when Ryanair denies. We know Ryanair's denial tactics. No win, no fee.