Ryanair announced its first-ever “Approved OTA Aggregator” partnership with Paxport, which will now be authorized to offer Ryanair’s low-fare flights to their network of OTA partners on the condition that they provide full price transparency of Ryanair products. Paxport Ryanair Approved OTA Aggregator partner

This deal will also ensure that customers who book Ryanair flights through Paxport’s OTA partners, have access to their myRyanair account without needing to complete Ryanair’s customer verification (which unauthorized OTA customers must continue to do) and will receive essential flight updates directly.

This is great news for Paxport’s OTA partners whose customers wish to book Ryanair’s low fares, unbeatable choice of 240+ destinations, and impeccable service. Paxport is Ryanair’s first “Approved OTA aggregator” partner, joining the airline’s growing list of “Approved OTA” partners, including Expedia, Etraveli, loveholidays, lastminute.com, Kiwi, TUI, On the Beach, eSky, El Corte Inglés and Braganza, as the airline continues to demonstrate how OTAs and OTA aggregators can work transparently with airlines without scamming or duping customers with hidden mark-ups.

What does this mean?

• Price transparency: Customers will see the exact same price for Ryanair flights whether they book directly with Ryanair or through one of Paxport’s OTA partners. This eliminates hidden fees and ensures fairness.
• Improved customer experience: Passengers who book through Paxport’s OTAs will have direct access to their myRyanair account, streamlining the booking and management process.
• Expanded reach: Ryanair gains wider distribution through Paxport’s network of OTA partners, potentially reaching a larger customer base.

Ryanair’s CMO, Dara Brady said: “We are pleased to announce our first “Approved OTA Aggregator” partnership with Paxport. Through this exciting new agreement, Paxport will be authorised to offer Ryanair’s low-fare flights to their network of OTA partners on the condition that they provide full price transparency. This agreement also guarantees that customers who book a Ryanair flight through one of Paxport’s OTA partners will have access to their myRyanair account without needing to complete Ryanair’s customer verification and will receive all essential flight updates directly. We look forward to working with Paxport over the coming months and years.”

Simon Taylor, Head of Commercial at Paxport said: “The entire Paxport business is excited to partner with Ryanair, Europe’s No.1 airline. By providing leading airline distribution technology, Paxport will support Ryanair’s travel trade partnership strategy by facilitating controlled distribution to approved Paxport subscribers. This is a significant milestone for both parties, with Paxport becoming the first flight aggregation business to enter such an agreement. We look forward to building on this partnership and supporting both Ryanair and the wider travel industry.” Paxport Ryanair Approved OTA Aggregator partner

Ryanair and eDreams: A Complex Relationship

While eDreams is an online travel agency (OTA) that offers Ryanair flights, the airline has been vocal about its criticism of the OTA’s practices.

Ryanair’s Complaints Against eDreams

• Overcharging: Ryanair alleges that eDreams adds hidden fees and markups to flight prices, resulting in customers paying more than they would if they booked directly with Ryanair.
• Misleading advertising: Ryanair claims that eDreams uses deceptive marketing tactics, including false discounts and promises of exclusive deals.
• Poor customer service: The airline criticizes eDreams for providing inadequate customer support to passengers who encounter issues with their bookings.

eDreams’ Perspective

eDreams, on the other hand, maintains that it offers competitive prices and a wide range of travel options, including flights, hotels, and car rentals. The OTA also argues that it provides a valuable service by aggregating flight information from multiple airlines, making it easier for customers to find the best deals.

It’s important to note that these are just the main points of contention between the two companies. The situation is complex, and there may be other factors involved in their ongoing dispute.

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