Aer Lingus - Change of flight charge and then flight cancelled

LAScotland

At the end of last month I paid for a change of flight from Belfast to Edinburgh, costing £45. When I got to the airport the new flight was cancelled (less than an hour before it was due to take off). I was moved to the flight the following day (early afternoon, so nearly 24 hours later) - which was the original flight I had booked.

I have asked AL several times by email (cc the CEO) to reimburse the charge of £45 as they cancelled that flight. Their response was that the change fee is not refundable, even if the flight is later cancelled. It's not a huge amount of money, but it's the principle. It caused me a lot of hassle - my family had to return to airport to get me and take me back etc, and I missed the event I had changed the flight for. I think it's unreasonable. We were given no reason for the cancellation on the day and it could not have been weather dependent.

Have I any other recourse or should I give up? It seems very unfair.

Appreciate any advice even if it's just to tell me to get over it!!

eskbanker

I can see why they'd deny reimbursing the change fee, but fixed tariff compensation of £220 may apply for the cancellation, unless it was caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond their control. They also should have put you up in a hotel overnight, if you hadn't returned to your family…