Who do I claim from - British Airways or Aer Lingus? Both are saying it's not them

ssearson89

Looking for some advice on which is the correct company to claim from? Both are denying it's not them. 

Booked a flight through British Airways from Dublin to Manchester. Aer Lingus were the operators flying the plane. 

British Airways have said that they didn't operate that flight and that I should contact Aer Lingus. Aer Lingus have said that they can't issue a refund as the flight was booked through a third-party (British Airways). 

Has anyone been in this situation before? And who did you contact for a refund? 


Update: Sorry for any confusion - I'm chasing on behalf of someone else. Apparently the flight was cancelled, but Aer Lingus did sort out a flight for over 3 hours later. This was then delayed by another couple of hours. Am I looking more at compensation rather than a refund? And would Aer Lingus be the correct company to chase?

Caz3121

What happened with the flight? what are you claiming - delay compensation or a refund as the flight was cancelled and you chose not to travel on alternative flight?

ssearson89

@Caz3121

The flight was cancelled. They did sort out another flight for about 3 hours later, however this was then delayed from taking off for a couple of hours.

eskbanker

Both the UK and the EU regulations make it clear that it's the operating air carrier who's responsible for issuing a refund after a cancellation, regardless of who it's booked through.

JPears

Yes. If Aerlingus operated the flight, they are responsible for compensation.

Just to check, if your flight was Dublin to Manchester then it may have been operated by Emerald Airlines who have the franchise for some Aerlingus routes.

If thats the case, Emerald Airlines should pay the compensation.

But weirdly you have to put the intial claim form through the Aerlingus website, then Emerald will (eventually after along dealy and constant reminders) contact you.

What was the flight number? Anything EI 3*** is generally Emerald.

The booking through a third party nonsense is probably one of many brush off tactics they will try.

I'm currently dealing with a very obstinate Aerlingus and Emerald Airlines.