Nigel Owens Caught In Between Ryanair And Aer Lingus Again!

Last November we ran an article about Nigel Owens and some flight difficulty he was having when he was trying to get an Aer Lingus flight over to referee the Ireland v Australia rugby game. Long story short, Nigel’s flight was delayed for several hours, he complained on social media and the Ryanair marketing team were on hand to take advantage, which they did in fantastic fashion.

Well, almost three months on and Nigel is at it again and it is only fair that we share the latest event in the now unfolding Nigel Owens – Ryanair – Aer Lingus love triangle. Is it just me or does the man seem to have massive trouble flying? This time Nigel was booked to travel out of Bristol airport to referee the Leinster v Zebre game with Ryanair.

However, he left his passport behind and this turns out to be a big deal when you are using Ryanair. He tweeted Ryanair looking for some much needed assistance, however the airline which had masterfully swooped in several months ago with some clever marketing, was not so masterful in their customer service.

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, 2015

@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, 2015

After Ryanair failed to offer any form of assistance to the stranded referee, it was looking like Owens was going to have to make the drive home for his passport and be late for the kickoff of the game.

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, 2015

However, the Aer Lingus social media team were on the ball and were quick to come to the assistance of Nigel at the expense of their rival airline, how the tables seem to have turned in this one!

@Nigelrefowens Oh no! That's a nightmare indeed, Nigel. You'd be welcome to join us on EI3281 departing at 0825.

— Aer Lingus (@AerLingus) February 20, 2015

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, 2015

Well played by the Aer Lingus social media team, as I pointed out in the article I ran in November, a fantastic bit of marketing on their side which grabs the attention of the public and gets people talking. Exactly the opportune moments Twitter can be great for.

By the way I don't expect nor want to be treated any different & respect the RyanAir policy. But a bit of common sense for all is needed

— Nigel Owens (@Nigelrefowens) February 20, 2015

About The Author

Mark is the founder of 60 Second Social media where he provides social media news and digital marketing analysis, he is also a proud father of his bearded dragon, Lola. You can follow him on Twitter here. You can also follow 60 Second Social on Twitter here.