AIRLINES PRICE HIKE SO UNFARE TO RUGBY FANS
Aer Lingus and Ryanair flights to Italy during Six Nations ‘a rip off’
IRISH airlines are “ripping off” fans by setting sky-high prices for flights to Six Nations rugby matches.
Aer Lingus and Ryanair are charging hundreds more in fares to and from Rome than they are for weekends prior to or after the game.
Ireland face Italy in the Stadio Olimpico on February 24 and the cheapest return flight with Ryanair to Rome Ciampino Airport is €560 from February 23 to 25.
In comparison, return flights for one week earlier are €148.
Similarly, Aer Lingus’ prices to the historic city are much higher on the weekend of the rugby match.
The cheapest return flights from February 23 to 25 are €436, while it is just €106 to fly from the following Saturday to Monday.
Consumers’ Association of Ireland spokesman Dermott Jewell slammed firms for “fleecing” customers.
He told the Irish Mirror: “This has become an expected reaction from moment they are accepting of it but, in the absence of any alternative or remotely competitive offer, they pay in the certain knowledge that ‘valued customer’ is a means of gauging profit – and little else, on these occasions.” An Aer Lingus spokesman said: “Aer Lingus has applied normal and standard pricing models for these flights. Aer Lingus would expect seats to be snapped up early and as ever would advise early booking for the lowest prices. Guests get the best value from booking early.”
The Irish Mirror contacted Ryanair for comment. Simon Zebo airlines as well as many hotel chains whenever the situation of guaranteed demand arises. “Consumers have become accustomed to this rip-off culture where they are targeted as committed supporters and, as such, are fleeced.
“This is not to suggest for a