Ryanair welcomes Google tweak to eDreams advertising after issuing legal challenge

Ryanair has welcomed the speedy response from Google which has made changes to the way eDreams results are promoted after the budget carrier started legal proceedings. The OTA’s paid advertising has been amended so that it now reads ‘Ryanair Flight on eDreams’, instead of ‘Ryanair: Cheap Flights’.

Ryanair has welcomed the speedy response from Google which has made changes to the way eDreams results are promoted after the budget carrier started legal proceedings.

The OTA’s paid advertising has been amended so that it now reads ‘Ryanair Flight on eDreams’, instead of ‘Ryanair: Cheap Flights’.

Ryanair had complained that customers were being deceived into thinking they were being advertised genuine Ryanair deals when it does not have a commercial relationship with eDreams.

It claims to have had complaints from “thousands” of customers about “copycat” advertising, false fares and hidden fees, and misleading subdomains.

Ryanair issued legal proceedings in the Irish High Court on Monday and welcomed the minor change to the eDreams display, which it said it hopes will be the first step in a successful campaign to prevent any more consumers being misled.

Ryanair, chief marketing officer, Kenny Jacobs said: “We note and welcome this small but immediate impact our legal action has had.

“This issue cannot be ignored any longer, with thousands of consumers being deceived into booking false fares with hidden fees and we have reiterated our calls for more transparent online advertising from both eDreams and Google.

While this is a step in the right direction, our campaign will continue until these deceptive practices are fully eradicated.

“We have no issue with Google charging advertisers on its paid search function, but this must be done in an open and transparent manner and in line with Google’s own code of conduct. Consumers can rest assured that we will continue to fight on their behalf.”