Aer Lingus Flight Cancellation

frankfurt55

Aer Lingus had a 20% sale on early in January 2013. So I book 4 flight for 2 persons in July & September 2013.

Now because of sad family matters I believe it better for me to cancell flights. But need advise as to how I should do this.

My reason: On December 27 my nephew 21 yrs died RIP (suicidal death) The Inquest was last week in Limerick and now the death certificate will be issued. However my sister is depressed, sad and grieving presently. It is therefore not possable for me to ask for copy of death certificate to show AL that we have a Berevement in the family. I only have a copy of the death notice in the newspaper in December 2012. My sister is under medical care and we are all very worried for her health presently.
After a DVT Trombosis and Lung-embolie after a AL flight 6 yrs ago I am now be treated for a damage to my right lung (discovered 2 yrs later) . Also been treated for acute sinucitis.Because of this I am presently not too interested in flying anywhere. But what are my chances of getting flight costs refunded? Or should I try to change flight dates for a later period.

I doubt if AL is even interested in the above, but any advise is wellcome.

kerry4sam

I am truly sorry to hear of this frankfurt55.

Tell me, Have you made any contact with Aer Lingus to see what options they can present you with?

frankfurt55

Yes I did ring AL in Dublin and had a very nice lady who told me that I must send the death certificate within 45 days otherwise no chance of getting any refund. However, it is now just over 45 days and I doubt if I will be able to get death certificate under present situation.

I am a frequent flyer with AL now over 40 yrs and have never had to cancell before.

Guess I just have to accept the loss and learn from experience.

kerry4sam

frankfurt55 wrote: »

Yes I did ring AL in Dublin and had a very nice lady who told me that I must send the death certificate within 45 days otherwise no chance of getting any refund. However, it is now just over 45 days and I doubt if I will be able to get death certificate under present situation.

I am a frequent flyer with AL now over 40 yrs and have never had to cancell before.

Guess I just have to accept the loss and learn from experience.

Ah but if you made contact now okay, explain, send in a a copy of the cert, you may receive some relief. I don't know, it's nice that they give 45-day grace period, but I am sure they will understand your situation also?! I'd like to think they could accommodate 'unusual circumstances' anyway.

Have you contacted them today yet? If not, then you should.

Eponymous

Hi Frankfurt55. That is truly a horrible set of circumstances to be in and I am sorry for your troubles.

Unfortunately Aer Lingus are likely to take the stance that the flights booked were bought with the usual conditions of no refunds for cancellations and crazy charges for amendments, but if you get on to their reservations center and speak with a human, they may be more flexible in this matter.

Given the facts as you have set them out, a travel insurance policy would do you no good. They would most likely argue the death occurred prior to booking and the DVT/lung proplems were pe-existing. Cold, I know, but insurance firms will use anything to avoid making payment.

Unless Aer Lingus are willing to show some humanity towards you, my advice would be to retain your bookings. To cancel may mean you only get your taxes back (minus their "processing" fee). September is a fair bit away and while your sister is still grieving now, in 6 months time she may be ready for a break. Likewise, you could also be feeling better. Whether you cancel now or a couple of days before the departure date, you get your taxes back, so keep the option open for now.

tatli_lokma

Sorry for your loss Frankfurt55.

however, I think you are on a road to nowhere trying to get Aer Lingus to refund your fees. As Eponymous points out, your booking was made after the bereavement. Usually they are decent enough with allowing cancellations for death of family members, but only if the booking was made prior to the death.

I know this is probably not what you want to hear, sorry. I know that your sister is your main concern right now, and although the death happened in December, due to the inquest etc the grieving process for her in some ways will only really start now that the death cert has been issued. I totally understand your reluctance to take a holiday, but in this instance I am afraid that it will likely have to be at your own expense that you cancel.

All of that said, you never know you might get someone in Aer Lingus to show some kindness to you, so it is worth asking.

frankfurt55

Many thanks to all - I feel much better now. It´s only money anyway - and life is too short really to beadding more stress. But yes, In July & September all could be more inviting.

:rolleyes: