Couple's Two-Year Legal Battle with Ryanair Over £4,425 Lost Luggage Claim
Rosie McGrane and her husband Chris have been embroiled in a protracted two-year legal dispute with Ryanair after the airline lost her suitcase during a trip to Copenhagen. Despite obtaining a court order mandating compensation of £4,425.37, the couple has not received a single penny from the budget carrier.
The Disappearing Suitcase
In September 2023, Rosie McGrane flew from Edinburgh Airport to participate in the Copenhagen half marathon. Upon arrival, her checked luggage failed to appear on the carousel. She immediately reported the loss at the airport, providing her friend's Danish address for delivery if the suitcase was located. Ryanair initially informed her the bag had been left in Edinburgh and would be forwarded, but it never arrived.
"I had absolutely nothing," Rosie, 56, recounted. "I had to stop at a mall to buy underwear, deodorant, toiletries. I managed to get a running kit, but not what I would usually use. One of the key rules of running is to never run in anything you've not trained in—so it was probably one of the worst half marathons I've done."
Among the lost items was a deeply personal bespoke Saltire flag featuring her late brother Derek's name and photograph, which she had planned to wear while crossing the finish line. "Every time I do a run, I take my flag and finish with Derek around my shoulders," she said, explaining her brother died from bowel cancer.
A Year of Frustration and Legal Action
After returning home to Kilmarnock, Rosie, assisted by her husband Chris—a former sheriff clerk—submitted a detailed claim form to Ryanair, listing items including headphones, a tablet, and clothing, and providing receipts where possible. This began a year-long "back and forth" with the airline.
By 2024, after receiving no resolution, they lodged a formal complaint. Ryanair responded by stating they had completed the incorrect form, despite using paperwork the airline provided, and then ceased communication. The couple claims Ryanair closed Rosie's case in June 2024.
"They then refused to engage with us at all," said Chris, 65.
In March 2025, the pair initiated a simple procedure claim at Edinburgh Sheriff Court. With no response from Ryanair, the court issued a decree in July 2025 ordering the airline to pay £4,425.37 plus legal expenses.
Ryanair's Response and Appeal
Sheriff officers attempted to serve the decree at Edinburgh Airport but were told all staff were subcontractors, not direct Ryanair employees. "To our great surprise, there's a claim that nobody there actually worked for Ryanair," Chris noted. "Despite the staff with Ryanair uniforms, the gates and planes with Ryanair logos—apparently none of that is based in Scotland. I think that's done to try and dissuade people from suing in Scotland."
The decree was forwarded to Ryanair's Dublin headquarters. In October 2025, the airline filed a recall application to overturn the ruling, alleging it was not properly notified of the legal proceedings and could not mount a defence. Ryanair also branded the compensation award "ludicrous and excessive."
A Ryanair spokesperson stated: "Ryanair were not notified by this customer of this legal action which went undefended due to their failure to notify the airline. There is no lawful basis for this award of over £4,000, and Ryanair has instructed its lawyers to appeal this ludicrous and excessive award."
Ongoing Court Battle and Consumer Warning
The couple is due in court on 26 March to present their objection, arguing Ryanair uses delay tactics hoping claimants will abandon their cases. Rosie stresses her issue is with the corporation, not frontline staff, but feels the organisation "doesn't care" about passengers.
"I can't imagine the amount of people that would have given up after a month or two, because there's no help from Ryanair whatsoever," she said. "It means nothing to them, but it meant everything to me. We're in a very fortunate position that my husband is retired and has a legal background. Mr and Mrs Joe Bloggs would find this almost impossible to navigate."
Rosie remains determined: "I'm not going to give up—you can't just treat people like this." The outcome of the upcoming hearing could set a significant precedent for consumer rights in disputes with large airlines.
