Aer Lingus refusing to cancel flights and refund customers

jjb11536281121121

I am due to leave London tomorrow for a 2 day stag do to Dublin on Aer Lingus.

However the country is still in lockdown and the UK Government are urging people only to leave their houses for essential reasons. 

I am Astounded 1. That Aer Lingus are operating the flight as normal - do they not have any social responsibility here? 

2. That they aren't offering customers a full refund if they 'cant' or 'dont wish' to break the law and travel where its not essential. (Aware that some people may need to get home but they should surely be asking passengers if their travel is essential ?!)

I actually dont understand how i'm not able to stand within 2 metres of friends or family but its ok to sit on a flight with 200 or so strangers sharing the same recircling air?! 

How are we ever going to stop the spread with no measures in place?

Anyway that aside im only being offered a voucher which i dont want as i am now unable to go for the stag do as planned, as everything is closed and we will not be -rearranging.

Is this legal that they can decline to refund me, given the circumstances and law that you aren't able to travel unless its essential? 

I have upcoming flights on BA at the end of the month which were cancelled (and although different to get hold of them) BA have issued me a refund.

Anyone have any advice or is there anywhere else i can lodge an complaint aside of Aer Lingus (who have ignored me to date!)

bagand96

To answer the question - yes its legal.  The flight is going ahead as scheduled so the service is available.  Government restrictions mean you can't go, and whilst that isn't your fault, it's not actually Aer Lingus either.

The Governments of both the UK and Eire have not banned or stopped the airlines from flying.  Contrary to that, for flights between UK and Eire they have been content for limited flights to take place to enable essential travel to take place for those that need it.  

I do feel for your situation, but Aer Lingus have gone above what they lagally need to do by offering you a voucher.  Your only other avenue would be travel insurance if you have it, and if it covers you for the current situation.

bradders1983

To be pedantic they wont be using planes with 200 seats.

jjb11536281121121

either way - social distancing hard to be adhered too on any airplane?!

jbunduli22

This is interesting to me as I have Ryanair flights booked start of June to Dublin for a concert ( which annoyingly hasn’t yet been cancelled either).  They are still selling tickets for this flight and apparently running a current service from my local airport Edinburgh to Dublin.  So I’m not sure if I’ll get a refund at all - I’d be happy with vouchers as at least it’s better than nothing.

bradders1983

jjb11536281121121 said:

either way - social distancing hard to be adhered too on any airplane?!

And?

Dont like it, dont fly. Pay your money and take your choice in the future when it comes to flying.

jjb11536281121121

someone clearly works for an airline!  i didnt fly and and booked pre covid19 therefore - yes i paid my money and made my choice.
no i wont be flying. i have taken it up with with travel insurance and credit card both of which are issuing disputes and have told me im correct to feel aggrieved.  

bradders1983

I dont work for an airline whatsosver. Why is that the "go-to" reply on here when someone types something you dont agree with? "Oh you must work for [insert name of company OP is moaning about]"

My point is perfectly valid. If people dont like the idea of lots of people in a metal tube for a few hours, simply dont do it and leave the rest of us to get on with going abroad again eventually.