Threatened strike at Aer Lingus- refund questions

dukedalton

I've tried the Aer Lingus website to answer these questions, but I haven't had any joy. If anyone with any experience of disruption with Aer Lingus could enlighten me on any of the below, I'd be very appreciative.

Having booked a holiday for the upcoming mid term break, I have been watching with fear and dread the news coverage of talks between Aer Lingus and SIPTU at the LRC regarding the pension deficit at the airline. The previous threat of a strike was averted when both parties agreed to go to the LRC, but apparently these talks have broken down, and according to SIPTU, industrial action is "more probable than possible" over the coming weeks.

So, I was wondering if anyone can answer any of the following questions (I've tried the website, but I can't make head nor tail of most of it...):

1. If a strike is called, will Aer Lingus offer customers the opportunity to cancel for the days the strike is planned take place? Or will they only offer a refund when they cancel specific flights?

2. I booked my flights with an Aer Lingus voucher. The price of the flights slightly exceeded the value of the voucher, so I have to use my credit card to complete the transaction. Will a refund be issued to my credit card? Or will I be given another voucher?

Thanks in advance,

DD

dudara

Moved to Travel

dudara

Damolfc

dukedalton wrote: »

I've tried the Aer Lingus website to answer these questions, but I haven't had any joy. If anyone with any experience of disruption with Aer Lingus could enlighten me on any of the below, I'd be very appreciative.

Having booked a holiday for the upcoming mid term break, I have been watching with fear and dread the news coverage of talks between Aer Lingus and SIPTU at the LRC regarding the pension deficit at the airline. The previous threat of a strike was averted when both parties agreed to go to the LRC, but apparently these talks have broken down, and according to SIPTU, industrial action is "more probable than possible" over the coming weeks.

So, I was wondering if anyone can answer any of the following questions (I've tried the website, but I can't make head nor tail of most of it...):

1. If a strike is called, will Aer Lingus offer customers the opportunity to cancel for the days the strike is planned take place? Or will they only offer a refund when they cancel specific flights?

2. I booked my flights with an Aer Lingus voucher. The price of the flights slightly exceeded the value of the voucher, so I have to use my credit card to complete the transaction. Will a refund be issued to my credit card? Or will I be given another voucher?

Thanks in advance,

DD

Yeah DD I'm in A similar situation, have searched the Aer Lingus web site but no joy. I am due to fly to Orlando on Saturday of the October bank holiday weekend. There is 15 family members booked on the same flight, children included. We've been saving for 12 months for this holiday of a lifetime and looking forward to it for so long, hotels booked, car hire booked etc. For this holiday to be ruined for us and especially the children (who haven't stopped talking about Disneyland for the last 12 months) would be heartbreak. Does anyone know if the proposed strike does go ahead does it mean all flights including trans-Atlantic ones could be cancelled, or delayed a couple of hours or days. Or, would Aer Lingus charter flights? I'm in the dark on the whole procedure when such strikes take place. Any info would be greatly appreciated
Cheers,

cavanaughka

Hi, Just in relation to the questions that were posed about Aer Lingus policies. I am living in Ireland and have dealt with strikes by AL quit a few times. I cannot help on the voucher question but on when and how you are notified, yes, if Aer Lingus strikes, customers are sent a notice asking if they wish to rebook. As soon as a strike is called for a particular day, it is immediately put on the website but again, in the cases where I have been affected, an email is sent to whatever email address you gave in your booking. There has been no information on this since last Friday. Nothing in the news for RTE or in the Irish Times updates. Very quiet, which I know is frustrating but it is not that you are not having luck finding the information; there just (as of today) is no information. Hope this helps. I too am meant to fly them on Thursday so am also keeping alert.

dukedalton

I am somewhat fortunate in that two other airlines fly from Dublin to my intended destination, but no doubt their fares will be jacked up exponentially if there is a strike.

In the past I have tried to fly Aer Lingus where possible on account of their service being better (but not usually cheaper) than their low-cost competitors, but if they cancel my flight this time, I won't fly with them again.

I think there are certain industries where strikes should be illegal. Freedon of movement is one of our core freedoms and I honestly don't think Aer Lingus and their staff appreciate how much disruption their industrial disputes disrupt the lives of their passengers.

Say what you want about Ryanair, but at least you know they can't/won't go on strike!

Incidentally, does anyone know what the minimum notice SIPTU is obliged to give for industrial action? The last time they threatened to stop working (back in September) they gave two weeks notice- did they do this out of the goodness of their hearts, or is that the minimum legal requirement? I've had a look around the web for the answer to this, but again, it seems to be a secret.