The UAFC

http://www.the42.ie/nigel-owens-ryanair ... 3-Feb2015/

NIGEL OWENS IS due to referee Leinster’s Guinness Pro-12 clash with Zebre this evening at the RDS. That’s if he makes it to Dublin.

The high-profile Welsh official arrived in Bristol airport today for an early morning flight only to find out a driving licence was not a valid form of ID with the airline.

Help @Ryanair didn't now I had to have passport to travel with u to Ireland. Stuck in Bristol Airport. refin Leinster v Zebre tonite

— Nigel Owens (@Nigelrefowens) February 20, 2015Source: Nigel Owens/Twitter

However, the airline had very little sympathy:

@Nigelrefowens Hi, as per our terms and conditions here: http://t.co/qM3fvNEUSO traveling on international route you need a valid passport.

— Ryanair (@Ryanair) February 20, 2015Source: Ryanair/Twitter

Owens was not best pleased:

@Ryanair so much for your offer of help in an emergency like you offered to do last when I had flight delays aye

— Nigel Owens (@Nigelrefowens) February 20, 2015Source: Nigel Owens/Twitter

The 43-year old then mentioned how rivals Aer Lingus don’t require a passport.

Nightmare. Have to drive home from Bristol Airport to get my passport cos @Ryanair won't take ID like @AerLingus. Hold koff for me Leinster

— Nigel Owens (@Nigelrefowens) February 20, 2015Source: Nigel Owens/Twitter

And it looks like Aer Lingus heard is plea and tonight’s game will start on time. Phew:

Will get to Dublin on time now to ref Leinster v Zebre thanks to @aerlingus for their genuine help and kindess pic.twitter.com/S92bzJhjOf

— Nigel Owens (@Nigelrefowens) February 20, 2015Source: Nigel Owens/Twitter

A spokesperson for the airline told The42:

“We were only too happy to welcome Nigel Owens on board our Bristol to Dublin flight this morning.

Aer Lingus recognises the Common Travel Area between the UK and Ireland and as such customers are welcome to travel using photo identification other than a passport.

We hope the good karma created will be evident in the Leinster v Zebre game this evening.”

Not relevant to the story other than tangentially, but it is a continuing source of delight to me that I have never flown Ryanair.

I am a regular on Aer Fungus however, a splendid airline, barring their aberration in 2007, when I gave them a 3 year suspension from my business due to an unsatisfactory customer service failure.

Still, forgive & forget, as I always tell Nazis ........... sorry Germans, I meet.

I thought Ryanair insisted on a passport for ALL flights now.

I wouldn't know.

It'd be great crack if immigration scooped him at DUB and asked him to prove his nationality.

Someone please inform Ryanair that flights within the British Isles are domestic flights. Fecking hell.

Shan wrote:Someone please inform Ryanair that flights within the British Isles are domestic flights. Fecking hell.

The what?

HP Gallagher just got involved...

Nigels own fault here.

Dave wrote:HP Gallagher just got involved...

And that my dears is why a gentleman does Twatt, too many fecktards like PJ

PJ not HP! Damn you samsung....

damianmcr wrote:Nigels own fault here.

Next time I head up on the enterprise I must pack my passport, just in case.

Serves him right for flying with O'Leary's organisation.
Aer Lingus for me every time.

Shan wrote:

damianmcr wrote:Nigels own fault here.

Next time I head up on the enterprise I must pack my passport, just in case.

Not my meaning. I know of Ryanairs silly policy. I always check what the airline wants before flying no matter the destination.

Shan wrote:

damianmcr wrote:Nigels own fault here.

Next time I head up on the enterprise I must pack my passport, just in case.

I wouldn't bother. Being turned back at Newry is no fun. Better play dumb.......