Ryanair learns a flying lesson and allows flexible tickets for business customers
RYANAIR will allow business travellers to switch flights without having to stump up more cash in the latest part of its charm offensive to boost demand
The carrier said business customers would be able to buy flexible tickets from early next year allowing them to change flights up to the day of travel. At present passengers have to buy a new ticket if they need to switch to an earlier or later flight.
Chief executive Michael O’Leary, who has been trying to improve the company’s image and customer service following a recent profit warning, said a special families package would also be introduced. It comes after budget rival easyJet said increased business travel, following the introduction of allocated seating and fast-track security, had helped profits soar.
Ryanair will be introducing allocated seating in February and has recently cut fees for excess baggage.
“We can learn from the bits they’ve done well,” O’Leary said. “They were doing something right and we were missing a trick.”
Ryanair will fly to 12 new destinations from Stansted airport including Basle, Bordeaux and Bucharest from next summer.