Flight compensation - is crew sickness 'extraordinary circumstances'

size3shoes

I tried to claim compensation from Aer Lingus for a flight which was cancelled due to crew illness. We were waiting to board when we were told that a crew member was ill and the plane was 'contaminated'. There was a delay of 8 hrs before we eventually flew to Dublin, effectively reducing our short break by a day. Aer Lingus say they are not liable because 'extraordinary circumstances including crew illness' is an exception to the EU compensation regulations. Does anyone know if this is true?

richardw

How long does it take to de-contaminate an aircraft?

Where were the standby crew members?

Would a Judge agree with Aer Lingus?

Where were you flying from ?

size3shoes

In answer to question from richardw, it was from Gatwick. The whole thing was weird because first they said it was a crew member who was sick and there would be a delay while they found a replacement, they they said the plane was contaminated and had to be taken out of service. Perhaps they couldn't find anyone to replace the sick crew member and didn't want to admit it. I'm wondering whether it's worth taking it further.

island2

Aer Lingus has a cabin crew base at Gatwick AFAIK so it should reasonably be expected to find replacement crew earlier. However, a plane being allegedly contaminated is a different story. I think we need more details.

JPears

unfortunately the only way you may get details is by taking court action