Warning : Don't book your Ryanair ticket tru Trip.com
I am extremely disappointed with Trip.com's handling of our Ryanair flight booking from Zadar, Croatia, to Budapest, Hungary, in September 2026. We booked two tickets through Trip.com. Before departure, we attempted to check in online, but Ryanair could not locate our booking using the information provided. We immediately contacted Trip.com's customer service for assistance. Shockingly, their own representative admitted in writing: "I have tried also and cant manage the booking either" Instead of resolving the problem, the representative suggested that certain matters might need to be handled at the airport counter, without clearly warning us about the expensive check-in charges. At the airport, Ryanair charged us €110 (€55 per passenger) because we had not checked in online! We immediately contacted Trip.com again and were advised to proceed with payment to avoid missing our flight. Despite submitting the receipt, chat screenshots and numerous follow-up emails, Trip.com repeatedly refused reimbursement, insisting that the airline's check-in terms and conditions had already been communicated. THIS COMPLETELY MISSES THE POINT! We did not ignore the online check-in requirement. WE TRIED TO CHECK IN, COULD NOT ACCESS OUR BOOKING, AND SOUGHT HELP FROM TRIP.COM BEFORE DEPARTURE! Even their own representative couldn't manage the booking! After escalating the complaint with documented evidence, Trip.com maintained its rejection without specifically explaining why its representative couldn't access our booking or provide an effective solution. I respect airlines' terms and conditions, but I also believe travel booking platforms should take responsibility for providing accurate and effective customer assistance. My advice to fellow travellers: If you book Ryanair through a third-party platform, make sure you receive the correct airline booking reference, verify that you can access your reservation, and complete online check-in well before departure. Ryanair may charge substantial fees for airport check-in. I am sharing this experience not simply because of the €110, but to alert other travellers to these charges and the difficulties they may face when seeking help. Travellers deserve transparency, competent customer service and fair treatment.