Ryanair ‘jab & go’ ads banned; UK authority calls them ‘irresponsible’

It did, however, uphold complaints that the ads, particularly Ryanair’s “jab & go” claim, were irresponsible.

The ASA is concerned that advertisers exercise caution when dealing with pandemic restrictions, as advertisements could give a false impression of vaccine- or restriction-related information.

The ASA said advertisers must be particularly cautious of this in reference to consumer confidence in making purchasing decisions – such as booking a holiday.

“It’s important all travel companies take particular care, at a time of significant uncertainty about when lockdown restrictions will end, not to mislead or over exaggerate when it will be possible for people to go on holiday,” the ASA warned.

Ryanair called the rulings “baseless.”

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 added the ads were based on the success of the vaccine rollout in its early stages and government confidence in the rollout.

“The baseless claims the ASA have used in their determination now means all advertising by airlines, tour operators and travel agents for travel or holidays this Easter and summer should also be banned,” said the budget carrier.