0300 102 9488  |  info@consumerprotection.org.uk  |  Mon–Fri 9am–5pmTrack my case  |  Alerts  |  Simple view

Guides › Company Guides › Ryanair

How to Complain to Ryanair

Per AviationADR's guide, you should complain to Ryanair in writing first using its customer contact form or live chat, and keep any reference number. If unresolved you can take it to AviationADR.

Last checked 2 October 2026 Short guide: Ryanair’s own complaints page could not be read
Get my action planStart your free case review

At A Glance

8 weeksbefore you can go to AviationADR (CAA-approved ADR scheme)
3 hourslate arriving at your destination before compensation can be due
£220 to £520fixed compensation per passenger, set by distance and delay
14 daysor more notice of a cancellation means no compensation

Your Rights

What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.

Complaining to Ryanair

  • How to Complain

    Per AviationADR's guide, you should complain to Ryanair in writing first using its customer contact form or live chat, and keep any reference number. If unresolved you can take it to AviationADR. source

  • When You Can Escalate

    AviationADR: escalate once Ryanair issues a final written (deadlock) response or eight weeks have passed since your complaint. Scheme: AviationADR (CAA-approved ADR scheme). source

When the UK Rules Apply

  • Which Flights Are Covered

    UK flight rules (UK261) cover flights leaving a UK airport on any airline, flights arriving in the UK on an EU or UK airline, and flights arriving in the EU on a UK airline. source

  • Connecting Flights

    Connecting flights on a single booking are judged by the distance between your first and last airports. Separate bookings (self-transfer) have no statutory right to care, compensation or onward transport for the missed connection. source

Time Limits to Know

Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.

  • 8 weeks
    Go to AviationADR (CAA-approved ADR scheme)Or sooner if Ryanair sends a final (deadlock) response
  • 3 hours
    Delay that qualifies for compensationMore than 3 hours late arriving at your final destination
  • 2 to 4 hours
    Care and assistance for a delayFrom 2 hours (under 1,500 km), 3 hours (1,500 to 3,500 km) or 4 hours (over 3,500 km)
  • 5 hours
    Choose a refund instead of travellingIf the delay is at least 5 hours
  • 14 days
    Compensation for a cancellationOnly if you were told less than 14 days before departure

Steps to Take

Step 1 of 5

Gather your evidence: order, account or booking number, dates, receipts, screenshots, emails and notes of calls.

Step 2 of 5

Complain to Ryanair in writing using the route below, and ask for a complaint reference. Say what went wrong, what you want, and by when (14 days is reasonable). Our free letter templates can write it for you.

Step 3 of 5

Keep a record of every contact: dates, names and reference numbers. Use email or a form where you can, so you have proof.

Step 4 of 5

If you are not getting anywhere, ask for a final response in writing.

Step 5 of 5

If it is still not put right, take it to AviationADR (CAA-approved ADR scheme).

(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)

Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right

Your options, in order, and when each one applies. All are free.

Ryanair Customer Service

Use the contact or help section of Ryanair’s own website to find its current complaints route.

AviationADR (CAA-Approved ADR Scheme)

After 8 weeks, or when you get a final (deadlock) response.

Your Card Provider

If you paid by card, Section 75 (credit card) or chargeback (debit card) may help.

Citizens Advice Consumer Service

Free advice. It can pass a report to Trading Standards.

Good to Know

Small things that make your complaint stronger.

Keep your booking confirmation, boarding passes and receipts for extra costs.

For a long delay, cancellation or denied boarding on a flight covered by UK261, compensation of £220, £350 or £520 may be payable depending on distance (on flights over 3,500 km it is £260 if you arrive 3 to 4 hours late), unless extraordinary circumstances applied.

For damaged baggage, make a written claim within 7 days. For delayed baggage, within 21 days.

Consumer Protection UK is independent and is not connected to Ryanair. This guide uses information published by Ryanair and the schemes named here. All product names, logos and brands are property of their respective owners.

Want Help?

If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.

Start your case
Luke Marley

Lead reviewer

Luke Marley

Founder and Lead Reviewer

Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.

Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.

Last checked: 12 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.

Sources and official links

Free Scam and Recall Alerts

Plain-English scam warnings, product recalls and consumer-law changes by email. We email you about this only, and you confirm your address first. Unsubscribe at any time.

See our privacy notice.

Start your case