Aer Lingus still operating Bristol > New York but can't travel. What are my options?

bradda

Hi,
I have a return flight from Bristol to New York (via Dublin) booked in around 2 weeks time.  According to Aer Lingus the flights are still going ahead, but I wouldn't think that I'd be allowed to travel under the current circumstances even if I wanted to (which I don't!).  They have offered a voucher, but I would rather a refund as my trip was for a specific event that is now not happening, so I wouldn't be looking to re-book.
I don't have travel insurance but did book with a credit card.
Can anyone suggest what my rights are here in terms of a refund?
Many thanks.

Mrsn

Hold on....

Honestly there is such little chance this trip will happen that your best hope is to wait for them to cancel.

bradders1983

Are Aer Lingus currently operating their Dublin-New York service? If it isnt running now, it probably wont be running in 2 weeks.

Penelopa.Pitstop

Aer Lingus is operating number of flights to USA. I've been observing flights from Dublin to Chicago and from two daily flights, one is still flying every day. So it's possible that Dublin - NYC is flying every day too and then, only option would be to accept voucher. If it's not cancelled a few days before your departure, ask for voucher.  You can put flight number on https://www.flightradar24.com/ and you will see future flight dates and planned operation.

macman

You are not going to be able to do a chargeback or S75 on your card, because AL have not broken the contract or failed to supply the service. If the flight is cancelled, then you are entitled to a refund, not a voucher. If it isn't, take the voucher. Your rights in this latter scenario are precisely zero, because you chose not to take out any insurance.

mattyprice4004

As above, they are offering more than they need to if the flight is still operational - essential travel is still allowed, it isn't their business what your trip is for so the fact it isn't is not their problem.

Take their offer, it's rather generous. 

Life__Goes__On

bradda said:

Hi,
I have a return flight from Bristol to New York (via Dublin) booked in around 2 weeks time.  According to Aer Lingus the flights are still going ahead, but I wouldn't think that I'd be allowed to travel under the current circumstances even if I wanted to (which I don't!).  They have offered a voucher, but I would rather a refund as my trip was for a specific event that is now not happening, so I wouldn't be looking to re-book.
I don't have travel insurance but did book with a credit card.
Can anyone suggest what my rights are here in terms of a refund?
Many thanks.

What are your flight numbers?

bagand96

Penelopa.Pitstop said:

Aer Lingus is operating number of flights to USA. I've been observing flights from Dublin to Chicago and from two daily flights, one is still flying every day. So it's possible that Dublin - NYC is flying every day too and then, only option would be to accept voucher. If it's not cancelled a few days before your departure, ask for voucher.  You can put flight number on https://www.flightradar24.com/ and you will see future flight dates and planned operation.

Whilst Flightradar24, and other sites like it, are an excellent resource, they aren't always spot on.  Especially for future planned flights - most of that data is extrapolated from past flights, they don't have any inside information with airlines etc.  Also worth noting a lot of transatlantic flights have been operating, but with no passengers, just freight only.

Going back to the OP question - you have nothing to lose by holding on and hoping Aer Lingus have to cancel.  If they don't then take the voucher offer a day or two before your trip.  Section 75 won't help you.  Travel Insurance may have done, but that's academic.