Flights refund

spo2

Hi
Last summer we booked a local flight as a connection to a long haul flight (and same return flight). The local flight was Aer Lingus, the long haul flight was a different carrier but we are no longer going as the destination is on the red list.

When we became aware of this, we contacted Aer Lingus to see about cancelling the flight. They have an option to fill out a form to see if you are eligible for a refund, and another one to actually cancel the flights. We filled out both and got a confirmation on the 5th July that they are looking at the case. The flight is due to depart tomorrow and still no reply from them. I haven't tried phoning yet as I imagine the phone lines will be a nightmare, however this may be our next move.

Would we be better waiting to see what happens and letting the flight time elapse? Or doing something like rescheduling flights for some time in the future that we may be able to use (which will cost to do), or requesting vouchers instead? We thought we would have heard whether we were eligible for a cancellation refund before the departure date but this is looking unlikely

ssparks2003

I would be ringing them rather than sitting there assuming their phone lines will be busy, otherwise you next post is going to be asking how you can claim your money back as they claim not to have received your paperwork in time.

spo2

Yes going to try that later - just put off by the people that are saying they spent 3 hours on the phone!

Jenni_D

https://www.aerlingus.com/support/contact-us/#/tab-1-uk-&-northern-ireland

user1977

spo2 said:

fill out a form to see if you are eligible for a refund

Is this a "ask us nicely and we might use our discretion to give you a refund" form, or is there actually something in their terms which entitles you to a refund for this scenario?

spo2

user1977 said:

spo2 said:

fill out a form to see if you are eligible for a refund

Is this a "ask us nicely and we might use our discretion to give you a refund" form, or is there actually something in their terms which entitles you to a refund for this scenario?

I'm not sure, apparently some fares are eligible for a refund, some aren't. Flights were booked so long ago that I can't remember exactly which fare was booked, and the email confirmation does not specify. If we are not entitled to a refund, so be it, I will just reschedule for some date in the future or ask for vouchers. I just would have preferred a refund though but with no communication before the flight is due to leave, it is not easy

Manxman_in_exile

If the "local" connecting flight (which I assume is within the UK?) is entirely separate from the main flight to the red list country, I think I'd be a bit surprised if you could get a refund for cancellation.

What about travel insurance?  (Although I think I've read somewhere on the travel board that unless you bought some sort of special cover, internal flights are often excluded from travel insurance cover?)

bris

They will probably just go with the T&C's that was given at the time of booking. Did you book refundable flights?

spo2

Manxman_in_exile said:

If the "local" connecting flight (which I assume is within the UK?) is entirely separate from the main flight to the red list country, I think I'd be a bit surprised if you could get a refund for cancellation.

What about travel insurance?  (Although I think I've read somewhere on the travel board that unless you bought some sort of special cover, internal flights are often excluded from travel insurance cover?)

Yes it is an internal UK flight and was booked and is entirely separate from the main holiday, and as such I doubt that travel insurance would cover it as it would be seen as a change of mind.

I  spent a loooong time on hold last night before giving up and going online and rescheduling the flights for a future date. I then got through to them on FB messenger and they have offered to refund the taxes (minus an admin fee). Just have to decide now whether to go with this, or request vouchers instead, and the option to travel later in the year on the rescheduled flights is always there too.

Thanks for replies!