Ryanair has rejected the Advertising Standards Authority’s ruling against its Jab & Go advert. Despite calling the ruling ‘baseless,’ the airline has said that it will respect and comply with the authority’s order. The advert was being investigated for breaching the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority's rules.

Airlines around the world are keen to recover as quickly as possible from their worst crisis to date. Many hope that the COVID-19 vaccine will mean that border restrictions will be relaxed, and passengers will be able to travel once more. The industry is currently at a standstill in Europe as the continent deals with its second wave.

Ryanair's controversial 'Jab & Go' advert has been banned and must not run again in its current form. According to the Irish Times, the ASA ruled that the advertisement was likely to be interpreted as endorsing unconditional travel once a vaccine has been received.

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Commenting on the ruling, a Ryanair spokesperson said,

“The ASA’s ruling flies in the face of the UK’s successful vaccine rollout, however even though this ruling is baseless, Ryanair will comply with it, and the Jab & Go adverts will not run again.”

 

Ryanair, CAA, Route Cancelations
The airline will add capacity where it sees opportunities. Photo: Tom Boon - Simple Flying

The airline defended its advert as being both factual and accurate as it promotes bookings for Easter and Summer 2021 based on vaccines, "which is exactly what [Prime Minister] Boris Johnson has confirmed."

The airline added that on the ASA's 'baseless claim,' all advertising by airlines, tour operators, and travel agents regarding travel or holidays in Easter and Summer should also be banned. The airline did add that it respects the decision of the ASA regardless and will comply with it.

Will travel resume with a vaccine?

Many are hoping that a vaccine will pave the way to reenable travel. Travel bans and restrictions are currently being enforced to try and stop the importation of COVID-19 cases. This has been magnified by the emergence of new strains of COVID-19 in the UK, Ireland, South Africa, and Brazil.

Flight path in shape of a syringe
There is hope that the COVID-19 vaccines being developed will re-enable international travel. Photo: FlightRadar24.com

Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 vaccine will help to break down the barriers currently being experienced when traveling internationally. For example, Romania has already exempted all those who have been vaccinated from quarantine.

Unfortunately, it will still be some time before most of the population is vaccinated, with those most likely to travel typically being further down priority lists. There also needs to be a way to ensure that vaccination records aren't forged. As such, IATA has introduced a new travel pass tool that is being trialed with Etihad and Emirates. The EU is also discussing the idea of a vaccine passport.

Do you agree with Ryanair or the Advertising Standards Authority? Let us know what you think and why in the comments!