A controversial advert by Europe’s largest low-cost airline that urged travellers to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to go on a holiday abroad is now under investigation by the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) after the commercial received 1,600 complaints from viewers.
The Ryanair commercial, which first appeared on British television on December 26, tells people to “Jab and Go”, suggesting that travel restrictions will be quickly lifted as vaccines are rolled out across the UK and Europe.
“Covid vaccines are coming so book your Easter and summer holidays today with Ryanair,” the much-criticised commercial exclaims. “One million seats on sale from £19.99 to sunshine destinations in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece and many more so you could jab and go,” the ad continues.
Ryanair has hit back against criticism of the commercial saying it was accurate and that it didn’t mean travellers would need to be vaccinated in order to fly with the airline. “Some critics wish to complain just for the sake of getting noticed when it is clear that vaccines will mean an end to Covid travel restrictions in mid-2021,” a spokesperson for the airline commented.
Viewers, however, have bombarded the advertising watchdog with complaints, claiming that the ad is misleading and insensitive. Some of those who have complained are unhappy with the view that people should get vaccinated in order to travel, while others say the promise of vaccination and open borders by the Spring is overly optimistic.
Anti-vaxxers have promised to boycott the airline over its promotion of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Like most other airlines, Ryanair has been hit hard by Coronavirus travel restrictions and obviously hopes mass-vaccination will bring a welcome boost to its business. In December, the airline reported a drop in traffic of 83 per cent compared to the same month in 2019.
Ryanair is easily one of the worlds crappiest airlines. I have never stepped foot on one nor will I ever.
That’s fine Tom, many people say that about Ryanair but end up buying a ticket with the airline as they offer the best value for money. Regardless of what you think, they are still one of Europes(including the UK) largest, successful and most profitable airlines.