An initial trip to participate in the Copenhagen Half Marathon in September 2023 has escalated into a significant legal dispute at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, where a £4,425.37 judgment remains unresolved.

Although a court decree issued in July required the carrier to settle the claim, the airline has not paid compensation and has instead filed a last-minute appeal to overturn the ruling as the dispute approaches its two-year mark.

The dispute originated from the loss of a suitcase containing Rosie McGrane’s essential running equipment, electronic devices, and a Scottish flag of sentimental value, which she intended to carry in memory of her late brother.

Rosie McGrane and her travelling companion assert that they reported the loss to airport staff immediately. However, the airline’s appeal is based on the argument that no formal complaint was lodged upon arrival, which they claim indicates the baggage was delivered.

This account contrasts with the McGranes’ description of months spent navigating numerous unproductive email exchanges and receiving inconsistent instructions from the airline’s claims department.

Ongoing administrative challenges led to litigation, culminating in a 'simple procedure' action initiated in March 2025 by Rosie’s husband, Chris, a retired sheriff clerk.

Due to Ryanair’s initial failure to participate in the court process, a default decree was issued in July 2025 for the full value of the lost items and emergency purchases. Enforcement was complicated, as sheriff officers at Edinburgh Airport could not serve the decree to direct employees because the site is primarily staffed by subcontractors.

The decree was ultimately sent to the airline’s Dublin headquarters. Ryanair subsequently filed a 'recall' notice on the final permissible day in October to challenge the decision, as mentioned by BBC.

As the case approaches a decisive hearing on 26 March 2026, legal arguments have shifted to focus on the Montreal Convention, the international treaty governing airline liability.

The treaty establishes 'strict liability' for lost luggage, holding airlines responsible even if subcontractors are at fault. However, it also imposes a compensation cap of approximately £1,375.

Ryanair further contends that it is not liable for restricted hold items, including iPads or sports watches. For the McGranes, the dispute is a matter of principle and consumer rights, as they aim to demonstrate that low-cost travel should still meet fundamental standards of accountability.