Budget airline Ryanair refuses to give refund to dad who’s diagnosed with cancer
Paul Starbuck had planned a two week getaway to Italy with his wife and children when he was dealt with the devastating news he had bowel cancer
A DAD has blasted Ryanair after they refused to give him a refund when he was diagnosed with cancer - claiming chemotherapy wasn’t a good enough reason.
Paul Starbuck, 64, had planned a fortnight’s holiday to Italy with his wife and two children when he was given the devastating news he had bowel cancer following some routine tests.
Just a month before he was due to fly on July 28, he was rushed in for surgery and underwent a seven-hour operation.
But the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes and Paul was booked in for chemotherapy sessions starting on August 3 - just six days into his holiday.
After Paul tried to cancel his £869 flights, he was left stunned when Ryanair refused to give him a refund - stating chemotherapy wasn’t an excuse.
Paul, of Doncaster, South Yorks, who designs restaurants, told The Sun: “I received a letter earlier this year saying I was eligible for a cancer screening program because of my age.
“I didn’t think anything of it and went along but they found some abnormalities. They told me there was just a one in 10 chance it was cancer so I wasn’t too worried at this stage and went for further tests at the hospital.
“But it turned out it was bowel cancer and I needed surgery.
MOST READ IN NEWS
“The operation went well but the cancer had spread to my lymph nodes and was stage three so I needed to have chemotherapy urgently.
“My first session clashed with my holiday so I had to cancel the trip. I had absolutely no problem getting a refund for the hotel but Ryanair were outrageous.
“I had all the proof and showed them letters from my doctors but they said it was an ‘insufficient reason’.”
Paul was set to fly from Birmingham to Venice on July 28 with his wife and their two teenage children.
He was told by doctors he couldn’t fly for a month following surgery, which ended last Wednesday, but Paul said “nobody in their right mind” would postpone chemotherapy.
“Everyone knows you have to catch cancer as early as possible so there’s no way I was willing to postpone my appointment.
“I know they’re a budget airline but you’d think they’d have some compassion. I’ll never fly with them again.”
Paul is now hoping to claim some of the money back through his insurance company but says the case is ongoing.
Ryanair’s refund policy on its website states customers may be able to claim their money back, at the company’s discretion, if “death or serious illness” makes it impossible for them to travel.
But in a letter to Paul, they said: “We regret to inform you that Ryanair tickets are non-refundable.
“Changes to flight dates, routes, times and customer names can be made online.
“I sympathise with your circumstances but I’m afraid that I cannot accede to your request for a refund in this case.”
A Ryanair spokesman said: "All Ryanair tickets are non-refundable, as stated in our terms and conditions agreed to at the time of booking.
“In this instance, the customer was advised to provide a more detailed medical certificate, outlining the nature of the serious illness, so that we could properly assess their claim, they have failed to do so, and advised to contact their travel insurer.”
Last month, Ryanair refused to refund an anorexic teenager’s flight tickets after she was told by her doctor she was too ill to fly when her weight fell below 7st.
Gemma Hill, 15, was told travelling would put her health at risk but the airline refused to reimburse her £120 return flight to Spain.