What rights do I have if industrial action at Aer Lingus affects my holiday plans? – The Irish Times

What impact is the work of pilots likely to have on the travelling public under current law?

Again, we don’t know for sure. However, we are heading into the busiest travel period of the year and Aer Lingus will probably be carrying over 40,000 passengers a day by the end of the summer.

Pilots have stated that due to duty commitments, they will only adhere to published schedules and will not accept “changes to published schedules”. They also said pilots will not log onto the Aer Lingus portal or ‘e-crew’ outside working hours, nor will they take calls outside working hours. The impact of these measures on flight schedules is difficult to predict, but as the measures will continue “indefinitely”, some level of disruption is to be expected.

How will Aer Lingus react?

If industrial action occurs and Aer Lingus is unable to use some of its own aircraft, the company may hire aircraft and crew from other airlines for key routes.

The airline benefits from being part of the IAG group, which also includes British Airways and Iberia. However, it is also the busiest time of the year for these airlines, so the availability of other aircraft is limited.

What rights do I have if my flight is cancelled due to industrial action?

The airline has clear obligations to all its passengers under EU Directive 261. If you are travelling to another country and your outbound flight is cancelled, Aer Lingus must offer you a refund or a rebooking on the next available flight or a later date of your choosing.

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And what happens if I am abroad and have to return home on a cancelled flight?

According to EU Regulation 261, you have the same rights to a refund or to be rebooked on the next available flight or a later date of your choice.

In addition, the airline has an obligation to bring its passengers home and care for them abroad until it is able to do so.

This means that passengers have a legal right to meals and refreshments while stranded, as well as the cost of hotel accommodation and transport between the hotel and the airport if necessary.

And will the airline take care of my accommodation and meals?

This may be the case, but it is more likely that it will not be the case. If you are abroad and the airline does not provide you with the care and assistance you require, you will need to make reasonable arrangements yourself.

The definition of “reasonable” is not very broad, but people who stay in a cheap hotel and eat at cheap restaurants while waiting for the strike to end can claim that money back. It is extremely important to keep all receipts as these will be needed to make the claim.

And do I send the receipts to the airline?

It is important that you send copies of all receipts to Aer Lingus (it is very important that you never send the original documents as they will be lost).

The documentation should also include booking numbers, passenger names and original and new flight details. If you do not receive your money back within a reasonable time – for example four weeks – contact the Irish Aviation Authority.

And can I be compensated?

There’s a good chance you can expect compensation. While strikes by baggage handlers or air traffic controllers are considered extraordinary circumstances outside of Aer Lingus’ control, internal industrial action is not, meaning any compensation due under EU rules must be paid.

The amount of compensation depends on the distance of the flight. If it is a short-haul flight, the compensation amount is 250 euros per person. For a medium-haul flight, it is 400 euros and for a long-haul flight, it is 600 euros per person.

To give you an idea of ​​the distances, Dublin – Paris is a short haul, Dublin – Barcelona is a medium haul and Dublin – New York is a long haul.

And will the airline cover the costs of lost hotel accommodation?

No. However, some travel insurance policies may cover trip interruption. Many do not, so you need to check the terms carefully.