Ryanair 'Jab and Go' Advert is 'Misleading and Irresponsible'

Feb. 3—LONDON — An advertisement published by Irish airline Ryanair which said people could have a "jab" and then "go" on holiday has been pulled by Britain's advertising watchdog.

The Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) said it received 2,370 complaints about Ryanair's advert, aired between December 26 and January 3, making it the third most complained about advertisement of all time.

The ad was broadcast on television and depicted a syringe with a text saying "vaccines are coming."

A voiceover followed, stating: "Covid vaccines are coming. So book your Easter and summer holidays today with Ryanair. One million seats on sale from 19.99 pounds (27 dollars) to sunshine destinations in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece and many more. So you could jab and go!"

Viewers who complained said that the advertisement implied most of the population would be successfully vaccinated against Covid-19 by the spring or summer of 2021 and would be able to travel.

They added the adverts were misleading, irresponsible and found the phrase "jab and go" offensive.

After an investigation, the ASA upheld the claims the advert was misleading and irresponsible but said it was not offensive under its rules.

Ryanair told dpa it "respectfully disagrees" with the ASA's decision, describing the advert as "factual and accurate" as vaccines were being rolled out.

"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," a spokesperson added.

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