Sri Lankan Airlines: book or no-go?
Apr 6, 2022, 8:55 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 319
Sri Lankan Airlines: book or no-go?
With the current economic crisis and the country sliding into bankruptcy, any idea on whether the airline might sink? AFAIK it is state owned. I am wondering whether to book them for a transit via CMB in June or choose other options.
Apr 6, 2022, 10:45 am
#2
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
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IMO the decision depends on *how* you plan to purchase the ticket. For example, USA credit (not debit) card? OLTA? Miles of some partner FF program?
Apr 16, 2022, 2:58 am
#5
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: UK/Australia
Programs: BAEC Silver, UA2MM, QF Platinum, VA Platinum., Volare Executive Club
Posts: 2,508
I'm still trying to get an approved refund out of them.
Not confident it will happen. Certainly wouldn't book again with UL at the moment.
Life's difficult enough as it is without actively seeking problems when you don't have to.
Not confident it will happen. Certainly wouldn't book again with UL at the moment.
Life's difficult enough as it is without actively seeking problems when you don't have to.
Apr 16, 2022, 2:17 pm
#6
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Anywhere
Posts: 6,567
Like Malev previously - it went bust and their statused FFP passenger became unrecognized in OW lounges overnight. Some airlines that ply the same route may choose to match the status in their programs though.
Apr 17, 2022, 2:33 am
#8
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: UK/Australia
Programs: BAEC Silver, UA2MM, QF Platinum, VA Platinum., Volare Executive Club
Posts: 2,508
Apr 17, 2022, 1:17 pm
#9
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Definitely use your credit card if you go forward. It will be a simple charge-back if they stop flying before your itinerary is complete, but probably a hopeless claim for refund if you pay cash.
Apr 20, 2022, 9:07 am
#10
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NRT / HND
Programs: AA EXP, NH Plat, Former UA 1K
Posts: 5,645
In the end, if you are concerned with UL's longevity, then absolutely do not use cash or you'll never see it again if they do go down.
May 16, 2022, 3:21 am
#12
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: UK/Australia
Programs: BAEC Silver, UA2MM, QF Platinum, VA Platinum., Volare Executive Club
Posts: 2,508
Well, UL have really got me stumped.
I have 2 credit vouchers which they have agreed to refund in cash, but there has been no action on this for several months (lack of cash?).
So, I thought I'd help them out and maybe retrieve something from this debacle by asking for the credit to be used on an actual ticket!
The answer came back that as the vouchers were with "online-refunds" for (non) processing, nothing could be done.
Stay away from UL if you value your cash (and sanity). Sad but true, as I actually did like their service.
I have 2 credit vouchers which they have agreed to refund in cash, but there has been no action on this for several months (lack of cash?).
So, I thought I'd help them out and maybe retrieve something from this debacle by asking for the credit to be used on an actual ticket!
The answer came back that as the vouchers were with "online-refunds" for (non) processing, nothing could be done.
Stay away from UL if you value your cash (and sanity). Sad but true, as I actually did like their service.
May 16, 2022, 6:31 pm
#13
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Anywhere
Posts: 6,567
Not directly related to the issues being discussed this far, but I'm looking at SIN-LHR redemption and the only option being presented is UL via CMB that has an overnight transit. Is it safe to exit the airport and stay overnight at a nearby hotel under current political turmoil?
May 17, 2022, 1:26 am
#14
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: UK/Australia
Programs: BAEC Silver, UA2MM, QF Platinum, VA Platinum., Volare Executive Club
Posts: 2,508
Not directly related to the issues being discussed this far, but I'm looking at SIN-LHR redemption and the only option being presented is UL via CMB that has an overnight transit. Is it safe to exit the airport and stay overnight at a nearby hotel under current political turmoil?
Perhaps you could look at the airside Serenediva Airport Transit Colombo Hotel, which I assume is still operating? I've stayed there and it's not too bad.