EDITORIAL: Is the new Ryanair loyalty scheme really worth it?

The recent news that Ryanair were launching a loyalty program caught many off guard last week, including me. The new Ryanair prime loyalty programme is aimed at the company's frequent flyers, which I would class myself in.

In a long-distance relationship for almost six years, I know the companies Paris-Beauvais to Cork route all too well.

Depending on the time of year and day, flights have ranged from €16.99 to over €200 euro per flight. It is usually closer to the cheaper option, however. I did some research over the past few days on whether this programme will be any good for those who use Ryanair monthly.

READ NEXT: Tipperary Palestine support group marks one year of fasting and fundraising

Unlike a traditional airline’s loyalty programme that uses ‘loyalty points’, this programme will instead offer customers things like free reserved seats, annual travel insurance and access to 12 annual (1 each month) member-exclusive seat sales. Unless you frequently pay extra to choose your seats and buy insurance when travelling, the scheme is really not worth your while.

The price of the programme is €79 for 12 months and free seat reservation is limited to one per month also. As someone who already frequently flies with Ryanair and sees their ‘seat sales’ almost weekly, I really can’t imagine even saving €79 altogether with the 12 seat sales included in the programme.

Another issue is not knowing what routes will be included in these seat sales. Depending on where you live in Tipperary, your closest airport could be either Dublin, Shannon, or in my case, Cork.

READ NEXT: Loyalty had a big part to play in the longevity of the career of Tipperary barber

If all seat sales are only to certain destinations that you may not frequent, or from certain airports, it leaves the customer missing out on this aspect of the loyalty programme also.

I think Ryanair should have instead introduced a loyalty points system like Aer Lingus, where you can build up points to pay for reward flights. In conclusion, Ryanair rewarding customers with anything is slightly unbelievable to say the least.