Ryanair policy of children's photo ID requirement, illegal in Spain

Michael O'Leary, Ryanair boss (EFE)

SPAIN (Agencies) Spain's National Institute of Consumers, part of the Health Ministry, has advised the public prosecutor's office to take action against Irish budget airline Ryanair for its practice of not allowing minors to fly without photo identification. Under Spanish law, under-14s are permitted to travel providing that their Libro de Familia (Family Record Book - an official document containing details of parents and offspring) is presented. Ryanair, however, refuses to allow passengers to fly if they do not produce either a passport or a national identity card. Etelvina Andreu, director of the National Institute of Consumers, described the company's practice as "completely illegal." Ryanair, however, argues that it "is an Irish company," and that the rules are "in its terms and conditions."