A couple who had planned a weekend trip to Copenhagen just days before Christmas, claims Ryanair took them to the wrong county.
Simon Forster and girlfriend Emma Schofield were looking forward to their minibreak in the Danish capital but were left dumbfounded after landing 750 miles from their intended destination.
Travel before Christmas was already a challenge for the Leeds duo, who said they were faced with chaotic scenes and long queues at Manchester Airport on December 17.
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While Ryanair staff checked their passports and boarding passes at the departure gate, Simon claims the member of the cabin crew didn't and instead told them "don't worry about it", the Manchester Evening News reports.
“The queue for security was absolutely enormous and we were all crammed in like cattle,” said Simon.
“When we got past the shampoo police we got out into the airport and there was a last call for Copenhagen.
“It was already past the departure time so we just legged it to the gate. We got there and three Ryanair staff asked if we were there for Copenhagen.”
After being ushered down a staircase, they made their way to the only waiting plane on the runway and boarded.
“I did show the stewardess my boarding pass and she said 'oh, don't worry about it'. I was dripping in sweat," said Simon.
“Our seat numbers were free so we sat down."
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All seemed well until they landed and were greeted with a cheerful "bonjour" at passport control.
Simon says he still doesn't know how they ended up in the French city of Beauvais instead of Copenhagen.
According to Ryanair, it is the passenger's responsibility to make sure they board the right aircraft and check the numerous "touchpoints" throughout the journey which inform travellers of the aircraft's destination.
While there usually is a welcome PA on board, Simon, who runs Leeds-based Robot Food, says he did not hear such an announcement in English.
“The shock of landing somewhere near Paris when you’re supposed to be going to Copenhagen was ridiculous," he said.
“I would like to understand how on earth this happened."
The couple are now demanding an apology from the budget airline and want reimbursement for the original flights to Copenhagen and the hotel in the Danish city, a taxi from Beauvais, a night in a Paris hotel and return flights from France to the UK which overall cost more than £920.
Ryanair told them to fill in an online complaint form - which they did on December 21.
“After spending hours calling Ryanair and filling in online forms, my complaint is showing as ’solved’,” said Simon.
“I was told on Monday that I would be contacted in three days. Today (February 11) I called again and someone hung up on me.”
Simon says his colleagues have joked that the scenario was like the plot of the film Home Alone 2: Lost In New York - in which lead character Kevin McCallister ends up separated from his family on a flight to the Big Apple.
“It really was a s*** show,” Simon summarised.
“If you put passengers on the wrong plane, to the wrong country, you expect an apology.”
Ryanair did not provide a comment, but for background stated: "It is each passenger’s responsibility to ensure they board the correct aircraft.
"There are several touchpoints throughout the passenger journey which inform passengers of the aircraft’s destination, these include:
- Flight number and destination are clearly printed on the passenger’s boarding card
- Flight number and destination are displayed at the gate
- Flight number and destination are called out in the standard boarding PA
- Flight number and destination are mentioned in the welcome PA on board."
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