Italian Travel Group launches legal action against Ryanair

The Italian Federation of Travel and Tourism Associations (FIAVET) has launched legal action against Ryanair over its intermediary sales policies..

The Italian Federation of Travel and Tourism Associations (FIAVET) has launched legal action against Ryanair over its intermediary sales policies, arguing they make it extremely difficult for travel agents to sell the airline's tickets.

As first reported by ch-aviation, FIAVET said its council had unanimously agreed to proceed with legal action following years of problems with Ryanair's ticketing policies.

The case will center on Ryanair's passenger verification system for intermediary sellers - the requirement, for fares purchased through travel agencies only, requires facial recognition and a copy of the passenger's identity document.

The group also argues that Ryanair unfairly acquires passenger information by encouraging them to book through its website directly, giving it an advantage when selling ancillary products like car hire.

FIAVET has previously launched legal action against Ryanair in 2011 and was granted compensation, with Ciminnisi adding that "now, we are once again forced to deliberate a judicial action to defend the sacrosanct right to be able to purchase Ryanair tickets."

FIAVET has suggested that making travel agents go through more stringent identification checks is a ploy from Ryanair to limit third-party sales. While Ryanair has a list of authorized and unauthorized agents, FIAVET claims its system is a major hurdle even for authorized groups.

The group added that Ryanair must recognize travel agencies operate as agents for the passenger, not the airline. The Irish low-cost carrier is the biggest airline in Italy, operating with around a 40% market share.