The Business Travel Association (BTA) has raised alarms over Ryanair's newly implemented Offline Subscriber Booking Terms, which could significantly disrupt the operations of Travel Management Companies (TMCs). These terms, which vary in implementation deadlines depending on the Global Distribution System (GDS) provider, impose new operational and commercial constraints on TMCs booking Ryanair flights.

The BTA has expressed concerns over four critical areas: liability, post-booking servicing rights, refund processes, and data protection responsibilities. The association argues that these terms could hinder TMCs' ability to provide essential services such as duty of care, traveller tracking, and disruption management. Clive Wratten, CEO of the BTA, stated, “Employers must be able to include airlines in their travel programmes without creating blind spots in service, safety or audit.”

Ryanair's terms require TMCs to obtain express passenger consent and use Ryanair's Travel Agent Direct platform for post-booking changes, rather than the original GDS booking tool. This shift adds complexity for TMCs, passengers, and travel managers, potentially impacting the consistency of service and support during travel disruptions.

For corporate travel buyers, the changes could weaken duty of care provisions, making it challenging to include Ryanair bookings within managed travel programmes. Business travellers might face limited support during disruptions, particularly in foreign countries where language barriers exist.

The BTA has sought dialogue with Ryanair, but the airline has not engaged with the association. As a result, some TMCs may choose not to accept the new terms, potentially directing clients to alternative carriers that align with fully managed travel programmes

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