Ryanair’s ‘jab and go’ campaign has been banned after being labelled ‘irresponsible’ and ‘misleading’ by the UK’s advertising watchdog.
Irish budget carrier, Ryanair has had its ‘jab and go’ travel campaign banned, after it struck a nerve with the public, prompting well over 2000 complaints to the Advertising Standards Authority.
The ads, that went live on Boxing Day, call for the public to get their COVID-19 vaccines and then jet off their Easter and summer holidays to Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece, with a million seats on sale from £19.99 (~$36).
‘Jab and go’
The two adverts feature a COVID-19 vaccine and groups of friends jumping into the pool and eating at restaurants with absolutely no regard for COVID-19 safety measures or requirements.
Ryanair recently released a statement saying that it ‘respectfully disagrees (but will comply) with the ASA’s decision on Ryanair’s “Jab & Go” ad campaign, as the advert is both factual and accurate, it promotes bookings for “Easter and Summer 2021” on the basis that vaccines are coming, which is exactly what PM Boris Johnson has confirmed.’
The airline wrote “not only are vaccines coming but the UK Govt have confirmed that all high-risk groups (over 70’s) and frontline healthcare workers will be vaccinated by mid-February, which gives UK customers more confidence to book for Easter and Summer, and if their travel plans change then no change fee applies.”
The airline said, “the baseless claims that the ASA has used in their determination now means that all advertising by Airlines, Tour Operators, and travel agents for travel or holidays this Easter & Summer should also be banned.”
As much as we all wish that COVID-19 was not a thing and international and leisure travel could resume ASAP, the message because “you could jab and go” in hindsight, probably wasn’t the wisest wording.
READ: Australia Approves Pfizer Vaccine: On Track For February Rollout