Txubito

Hi all,

I’m looking to get your thoughts on this situation.

I booked a flight with Aer Lingus four days ago and paid approximately $491 for the fare and just over $2000 in taxes.

A few days later, I found a significantly cheaper flight with British Airways which made enough sense for me to cancel my Aer Lingus booking, eat the $491 in fares and have my taxes returned. I’ve attached a screenshot from the booking email which shows how the breakdown was. There no further breakdown of taxes. I put in a cancellation request on the website, expecting them to confirm the taxes that are due back, because there was no quote given at time of cancellation. Aer Lingus went ahead and canceled my tickets which I was OK with but also withheld $1800 in fees and fares cost. Apparently $1300 of the taxes are nonrefundable!?

I’ve asked them to reinstate the booking because I’m OK losing $500, not an extra $1300, but I know I’m on to plums here.

What would be the best way to deal with this considering there was no quote given at time of cancellation, I called up customer service and they were unhelpful and they’ve withheld significantly more than what they’re showing in the confirmation email?
If I’m being unreasonable then happy to hear that argument too!

irishguy28

It sounds like you booked a Saver fare.

You don't get the carrier imposed fee back ($135 per person), and there's also a refund administration fee.

Txubito

Yeah that's what I booked, they've referred me to that page when I called them.

It wouldn't be so hard to break out the fee's in the receipt, or even show the amount you'll get back before you click 'confirm' on the cancellation

Is there any chance they'll put the reservation back in or will they tell me to whistle for it?

FlightDetective

You said you'd asked them to reinstate the booking, so see what they say and let us know the outcome.

It will be interesting to see what they can do here - but I wouldn't be surprised if they can't do it.