Latest news with #Ryanair
Irish Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Two men floored by winnings after buying every scratch card on Ryanair flight
A man bought hundreds of scratch cards on a Ryanair flight to see what he could win, and the results left him floored. VikTok on TikTok explained his friend, Ethan, was keen to see how lucky he'd get if he snapped up all the scratch cards he could find on board; however, he wasn't quite expecting it to play out as it did. In a candid travel video shared online, Vik was left gobsmacked by what he was left with at the end of the journey. He bought so many cards that even passengers were helping him to scratch them off in the end. Telling people what happened, Viktok said: "We are here on Ryanair and this man Ethan has bought every single scratch card on the flight. I've opened about 100 scratch cards, I've been opening these one at a time. "We have not won a single thing. We have won nothing - no one has won anything. I'll keep you guys posted." Vik then goes on to document the journey, where it's revealed Ethan snapped up 68 packets of scratch cards. However, despite a lot of scratching, they don't seem to be lucky. He bought so many that passengers on the plane started to help him scratch them off, but nobody seemed to win any prizes. Someone is seen shouting: "No one won anything." Vik added: "You're supposed to match three - I can't even match two. We've lost again." They couldn't believe they didn't win anything at all. Since the video was shared, it's been viewed thousands of times, and people were quick to comment. One said: "100% they won't allow mass buying on the flight again, lol." A second claimed: "I am cabin crew for Ryanair and there is so much more that you don't know. They can't sell you that many. There is a limit spend per passenger. Cabin crew in trouble!" A third replied: "I wonder how many people have ever won money on those." Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: "I remember winning like £26 (approximately €30) of on board vouchers. When asking to buy something, I heard the cabin crew say 'someone's actually won'. That's how slim your odds are." Ryanair's scratch cards faced criticism years ago, after it was uncovered that anyone who "wins" the jackpot is later entered into a separate draw for the chance of winning the €1 million prize. The 2016 report revealed the "lucky" winner would then be taken into a room with 125 envelopes that they must select from, with just one holding the top prize. At the time, Ryanair noted other envelopes contain €50,000, which meant a hefty sum could still be won. It was also said one car a month is won in the draw, as well as other cash prizes up to €5,000 also being up for grabs. The odds of winning the jackpot were also revealed, which was reported to be around 1.2 billion to one. To put this into perspective, the odds of winning the Lotto here are said to be 10.7million to one, and the odds of winning the EuroMillions come in at 139.8million to one. With National Lottery, you are only permitted to purchase 10 scratch cards within one transaction, but is unclear how many you can buy with Ryanair. The company has been asked to comment on the claims made. If you're worried about how gambling makes you or someone else feel, visit for help and support. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
Daily Record
8 hours ago
- Daily Record
Ayrshire Ryanair pilot retires in style after final flight at Prestwick
Airline pilot, Duncan Munro, aged 60, retired this week from the captain's chair after decades of faithful service to Ryanair. A high flyer who safely delivered countless numbers of air passengers to sun-kissed destinations in Spain and elsewhere has hung up his captain's hat. Airline pilot, Duncan Munro, aged 60, retired this week from the captain's chair after decades of faithful service to Ryanair. Duncan, from Alloway, has flown in and out of Prestwick Airport for more than 20 years, his most regular route being the run to Malaga and back. But on Thursday, June 26, he took charge of his final Boeing 737 flight back from Spain, as he prepares to settle into a more 'grounded' lifestyle. And Duncan got the perfect welcome back as he touched down on the Prestwick tarmac - a water canon salute from his ground colleagues. Proud dad Harry said: 'Duncan's last day at work was Thursday, June 26 and he landed from Malaga early afternoon. 'On June 20, 2001, the Ayrshire Post actually published an article about my son who had just been engaged as a pilot for Ryanair, operating from Prestwick Airport. 'He is now about to retire and his last flight was 26 June, landing at Prestwick. 'Duncan rose through the ranks of Ryanair to captain, training captain and base commander at both Glasgow and Edinburgh. He also had a spell with Norwegian Air flying transatlantic. 'He was also a simulator instructor at Gatwick. In addition, he maintains his RAF connection in Glasgow.' Former Belmont Academy pupil Duncan took his first steps on his fascinating career journey when he studied General Science at Strathclyde University in 1982. Duncan then joined the RAF, rising to officer in the RAF Regiment and taking his Masters Degree at Glasgow University. A career in computing then followed, which led him to London and Singapore - before he gained his commercial pilot's licence. Duncan eventually progressed to captain one of the Ryanair fleet - and he's been loving his job ever since. And in a pleasant surprise to Duncan, wife Jane and son Fergus, flew out to Malaga on Wednesday - so they could enjoy his last flight home from Spain the following day. Fergus said: 'It all went really well. I gave him a call before we got on the flight home and asked him if he'd welcome us on as VIP's! 'It was definitely an emotional day and I think it only hit him when we landed and he was carrying out his final shutdown. Then he realised it was all over.' Duncan's life in aviation isn't quite over however; he's going to be the Deputy Chief Flying Instructor at Acron, based at Gatwick, where he'll put the next generation of airline pilots through their paces in their state-of-the-art flight simulators. Duncan's career timeline * Hired by Ryanair in 2001, initially based at Prestwick * Promoted to Captain in 2002 and based in Stansted, then moved to be based back at Prestwick after 6 months * Logged approximately 14,000 hours as Captain and 3,200 hours as First Officer (about 18,000 in total from start of career to the end) * Flew over 10,000 sectors * Became a Line Training Captain in summer 2004 * Qualified as a Type Rating Instructor in 2006 * Flew Air Experience Flights with Air Cadets from 2007 to 2022 as part of an Air Squadron * Appointed Base Captain at Edinburgh in November 2008 * Became Base Captain at Glasgow in December 2014 * Flew transatlantic routes for Norwegian in August 2017 * Returned to Ryanair as a line pilot in Edinburgh in February 2019 * Will become Deputy Chief Flying Instructor at L3Harris (Acron) in August 2025 * Intends to complete A320 and A330 type ratings * Retired after his final flight from Málaga to Prestwick, which was marked with a water cannon salute.
The Independent
9 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
New cabin baggage rules on the cards
The European Parliament 's transport and tourism committee has voted to mandate airlines to allow passengers two pieces of cabin baggage, a personal item and small hand luggage, without additional fees. This initiative aims to prevent budget airlines from imposing "unjustified extra costs" on travellers who currently face charges for larger cabin bags or are limited to one small personal item. Budget airlines, including Wizz Air and Ryanair, oppose the proposal, arguing it would increase costs for millions, slow down boarding processes, and undermine their low-cost operational models due to limited aircraft space. The proposal will proceed to a full vote by the European Parliament, followed by "trilogue" negotiations involving the Council and Commission, indicating a lengthy process before potential implementation. While some airlines like British Airways and Jet2 already offer more generous cabin baggage allowances, a new EU law could lead to harmonised baggage rules across European flights, impacting many UK-EU routes operated by EU carriers.
The Independent
10 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
Court update in Spain's battle with airlines over controversial charges for larger bags
A Spanish court has temporarily blocked a government-imposed fine on budget airlines, including Ryanair, over controversial charges for larger cabin bags. The consumer ministry had levied the penalty, arguing that practices such as charging passengers for carry-on luggage violated customer rights. However, the airlines appealed the decision, prompting the court to intervene. The court ruled that it was currently impossible to fully resolve the complex issue, and that forcing the airlines to pay the fine while their appeal was ongoing would place undue financial strain on the companies. This injunction means the airlines' current baggage policies can remain in effect until a definitive ruling is made, marking an initial victory for the carriers in their challenge against the Spanish government. Ryanair and Norwegian Air logged the appeal after they were fined 109.6 million euros ($128.40 million) last year, saying they believe the fine has no basis. Irish carrier Ryanair, Europe's largest in terms of passengers, said at the time that it would take its appeal to Spain's courts. "These illegal and baseless fines, which have been invented by Spain's Consumer Affairs Ministry for political reasons, are clearly in breach of EU law," said its CEO, Michael O'Leary. Madrid's administrative court ordered both airlines to issue bank guarantees worth 111.8 million euros, equivalent to the sanctions plus interest, while the suspension is in place, it said in a statement. Industry group ALA praised the court's decision and claimed that the fines have no basis. It argued the fines "limit customers' ability to choose, and distort (the European Union's) common market". It said airlines would continue their charging policy until a final ruling is issued. Other airlines were also fined by Spain's consumer rights ministry last year. ALA said it hoped the court ruling will be later applied to all airlines. The ministry imposed a combined sanction of 179 million euros to all the airlines, which also included IAG's low-cost unit Vueling, easyJet, and Volotea. It argued they violated customers' rights when charging for larger carry-on bags, picking seats or boarding pass print-outs and not allowing cash payments at check-in desks or to buy items on board.
Irish Independent
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘It's been a privilege' – RTÉ's Joe Duffy signs off Liveline for a final time after 37 years
There was an audience present in RTÉ Studio 1 for his final show, including past callers and former colleagues. Signing off on his final show, he reminded listeners that the liveline "stays open", Duffy said: "Slán go foill. That's all from me from Liveline. Love you all, it's been a privilege. It's been a privilege." Fellow broadcaster Shay Byrne presented Duffy with a letter written by President Michael D Higgins, who wished him "every happiness" in the next chapter of his life following a "long and remarkable career". He offered his "warmest of thanks on behalf of the Irish people " for Duffy's "remarkable contribution to Irish life", which showed an ongoing commitment to justice, equality and giving a "voice to those on the margins and creating the space where silence could be broken and solidarity could be expressed". Mr Higgins praised the broadcaster for his "rare empathy" and "commitment to the dignity of each individual life" throughout his work and through his "refusal to let forgotten voices go unheard". The Camembert Quartet and Paul Harrington performed the song 'Wichita Lineman' to close out Duffy's final episode of Liveline. RTÉ's Philip Boucher-Hayes will fill in on the show next week, but no permanent replacement has yet been announced. At the beginning of the show, Duffy said: "I was not allowed in the studio until about two minutes before," walking into the room to see many "familiar faces". Taoiseach Micheál Martin called in to thank Duffy for giving the public a voice, spoke about their friendship and his kindness after the death of his daughter. 'Thank you sincerely, you are and were the voice of the people. You were authentic. You gave the people a platform,' he said. ADVERTISEMENT "I can remember many a civil servant coming into me in the afternoon saying 'Liveline has gone mad'." He added: "Your personal acts of kindness have always been quite extraordinary and something that has touched our family quite a lot." During a day of crab-fishing in Co Cork, Duffy took a number of photos of Mr Martin holding his daughter Léana in his arms. He sent them to the family after her death, aged 7, in 2010. "That's something Mary and I have always treasured," said Mr Martin. Former Liveline caller Caroline Davis travelled from Tullow, Co Carlow to say thank you to the broadcaster for his contribution to restoring the BreastCare Allowance after she appeared on the programme. "That is the real Joe Duffy, looking after the ordinary people in Dublin," added musician Brush Shields. A special edition of Callan's Kicks was played, where comedian Oliver Callan did an impression of Duffy speaking to Callan's versions of Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary, former taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Trump, Michael D Higgins, Bono, Tyson Fury and Katie Hannon, who is the rumoured frontrunner to take over the programme. While Duffy praised the comedian's impressions, he said: "He still hasn't got the hang of me, has he?" In 2021, a woman named Sallyanne sent a "powerful" email to Liveline about her experience of menopause. "I remember that I was shocked that somebody was listening to me. Joe listened to me and nobody else had," she said, adding that Duffy has since "changed the landscape" for Irish women by facilitating the conversation. There were a series of musical tributes to Duffy during the programme performed by the Dublin Fire Brigade Pipe Band, Paul Harrington and Paddy Cullivan. Meanwhile, Duffy has played down rumours that he will launch a presidential bid. He will host the show, which he has fronted since 1998, for the final time this afternoon. Despite speculation that the veteran broadcaster would be well-placed to enter the race to succeed President Michael D Higgins later this year, Duffy said he has not been asked to run. Speaking to RTÉ's Morning Ireland, the Liveline host said: "Ah no, I could see the Áras from Claddagh Green [in Ballyfermot], I'd say that's the closest I'll ever get to it.' Asked whether he has been approached about mounting a presidential bid, he said: 'Ah no, I haven't. No, I haven't. "And even if… I'm still a part of RTÉ until Monday, effectively, and if I say…if I had... Anyway, no, I will not lose the run of myself. I will not lose the run of myself. "There's some great, great names that have been mentioned so far.' Tánaiste Simon Harris is among those paying tribute to the presenter ahead of his last show today today, describing it as 'the end of an era'. In a letter to the veteran broadcaster, he said: 'I know today is a day of mixed emotions for you and your family as it marks the end of one chapter and the start of a new one. 'I know I can speak for many of us when I say you will be sorely missed.' He said Duffy has served as 'a friend, a therapist, an advocate, and a voice for many people across the country every lunchtime' and hopes he knows the impact his work has had. 'I will 'Talk to Joe' has become a phrase used by many in times by people across the country when at their lowest or in the most trying of circumstances.' The broadcaster reflected on some of the major issues covered on the show while he was at the helm, including how it contributed to the closure of "head shops' in 2010. "The head shop campaign was the only time – out of all the things we've done over the years thanks to the listeners – that I was physically threatened,' he said. Earlier this morning speaking to Morning Ireland, Duffy said he was threatened twice – once in an underground car park and another on the street when he was 'spat at'. He said it was an issue he was 'very passionate about' and while he couldn't go to the protests, he "painted every single placard" for an event held in Clontarf. "It's the voices on Liveline. The less I talk the better, I find. It's the voices of the callers and it's a privilege.' He said his career in RTÉ started 'almost accidentally' as he was working as a probation officer with the hopes of becoming a producer when he became a reporter for Gay Byrne's programme. Duffy said he received a number of letters in the early days of being on air for his Ballyfermot accent, but that Byrne was 'such a supporter'. "He was very private. And we bounced off each other. He used to give out to me when he retired, he used to text me on Liveline, giving out to me.' He added that Byrne was 'so intense' on the idea that it was the public that 'pay our wages'. Byrne told him: "People trust us, keep it that way. Stop on the street if people want to chat to you, what's the big deal? Just stop, enjoy." 'And I do – I do like meeting people and I do like being on the Luas and talking to people, and being on the 130 and talking to people,' Duffy added. Duffy said he made a habit of sending cards to those who called in to the show to thank them, describing it as 'a joy'. During yesterday's show, listeners were calling to say goodbye to him and wish him a good retirement, while the presenter teased today's programme and described it as "special". "I know nothing about it. I will be here, and I hope you will join us," he said. Speaking during the show in May, when he announced he would retire at the end of June, he said: "After 37 wonderful years here in RTÉ, and 27 years presenting Liveline, it has been an incredible honour and privilege to be part of a programme that relied entirely on trust: the trust of our listeners. "People felt they could pick up the phone, ring Liveline, and share their lives, problems, stories – sad, bad, sometimes mad and funny, their struggles, and their victories. "I never took that for granted, not for a single minute. RTÉ has been a great place to work. Public service has always been at its heart. And now, after many happy years, I've decided the time has come to move on. "I would like to thank you the listener for tuning in each and every day. It has been an honour to sit in this seat and hear your stories.' Born in January 1956, in Mountjoy Square, Dublin, and raised in Ballyfermot, Duffy originally pursued social work at Trinity College Dublin (TCD). He became one of the first from his area to go to TCD and was actively involved in student politics and went on to serve as President of the Union of Students in Ireland. He led protests on campus, highlighting access to education, and spent two weeks in Mountjoy Prison as a result. After working in the probation service, he joined RTÉ as a radio producer in 1989 and made his name on The Gay Byrne Show. He presented programmes like Soundbyte before taking over Liveline in 1998. In his 27 years in the Liveline hot seat, both Duffy and the programme itself have become national institutions, with the programme frequently attracting 400,000 listeners. RTÉ Radio One's flagship phone-in show will now welcome a new host, with Katie Hannon tipped to take over from Duffy, who she has regularly filled in for in recent years. The speculations increased after it was announced on Tuesday that the Upfront with Katie Hannon TV show will not return in September, possibly paving the way for her to take over the Liveline gig. It is understood that a stand-in presenter will host the show on Monday, with the permanent successor being announced over the summer.
