As a travel agent, that sinking feeling strikes when the phone rings and a client says those dreaded words: “My flight’s been cancelled.” While such chaotic schedule changes are maddeningly out of your control, hope exists! Aer Lingus Schedule Change Policy gives you the power to reshape travel plans and emerge the hero swiftly.

Enter Aer Lingus, the Irish flag carrier crisscrossing Europe and the Atlantic with aplomb. When flights go awry, their robust procedures kick in to assist stranded passengers and exasperated agents. With knowledge of the airline’s rebooking system, travel agents can transform headaches into smiles and continue providing five-star service amid turbulence.

Aer Lingus Schedule Change Notifications

If Aer Lingus makes a significant change to a flight time or routing, they will notify booked passengers directly via email. As the booking agent, you will also receive a Aer Lingus schedule change notification through the GDS system used to secure the ticket.

This early heads-up lets you get out before contacting the client rather than waiting for them to call you. You can then present them with the available options according to the rebooking guidelines.

Rebooking Policy on Aer Lingus-Operated Flights

For flights operated directly by Aer Lingus, the rebooking policy, if a schedule change occurs, depends on the length of the journey:

• Short-haul flights (under 1500 km): If the schedule change is more than 2 hours, the passenger can request a full refund. For changes under 2 hours, Aer Lingus will try to accommodate another flight.
• Medium-haul flights (1500-3500 km): Schedule changes of more than 3 hours allow a full refund. For shorter delays, Aer Lingus will rebook on the next available flight.
• Long-haul flights: If the departure time changes by more than 4 hours, the passenger can opt for a full refund. Aer Lingus will re-accommodate for more minor adjustments on the next possible flight.

As the booking agent, you can use these guidelines to understand what options to present to your client in the event of a schedule change. The system will also prompt you with the available alternatives during rebooking.

Rebooking on Codeshare Flights

Suppose an Aer Lingus flight is part of a codeshare with a partner airline like United or Air Canada. In that case, the operating carrier’s policy applies for rebooking in case of a schedule change.

However, as the ticketing agent, you should still receive a notification of the change from Aer Lingus. You can then contact the operating carrier, either directly or via Aer Lingus, to handle the rebooking per the operating airline’s guidelines.

Notifying Clients of Schedule Changes

When an Aer Lingus schedule change affects one of your bookings, timely notification to your client is essential. Here are some best practices:

• Contact the client through phone and email as soon as you learn of the adjustment. Only hold back once the traveler reaches out to you.
• If unable to reach the traveler directly, check if you have an emergency contact number on file. Continue attempting notifications through all channels.
• As a last resort, Aer Lingus may contact the passenger directly if their flight is imminent. But you should continue your outreach efforts.
• When notifying a client, have details of the revised flight ready along with the available rebooking options. This saves time versus making them wait.
• Provide clear guidance on the next steps and find out the client’s preference as soon as possible. This gets them rebooked promptly.
• Remain patient and understanding on the call. A schedule change can be very disruptive, so empathy goes a long way.
• With proactive and compassionate communication, you can smoothly guide clients through an Aer Lingus schedule change and keep them satisfied.

Improving the Rebooking Procedure

Once a client has been notified, rebooking them quickly and conveniently is the next priority. Here are some best practices as a booking agent:

• ⦁ Have the new flight options ready to present, rather than making the client wait while you do research. But be open to searching for alternatives if other options work for the traveler.
• ⦁ When rebooking, prioritize minimizing connection times and getting the traveler to their destination as close to the original arrival time as possible.
• ⦁ Avoid connections that require overnight airport stays if feasible. This adds further inconvenience.
• ⦁ Check award availability if the client was initially booked on an award ticket. Rebooking award travel can be complex.
• ⦁ Feel free to ask for a total return on the client’s behalf if there are no good choices.
• ⦁ Once the client has rebooked, send them a new e-ticket right away.
• ⦁ Guide the following steps, for example, if bags need to be re-checked for a new connection.
• ⦁ Follow up with the client by phone or email to ensure the rebooking went smoothly and see if any additional support is needed.

While schedule changes are frustrating, taking a proactive, customer-focused approach to rebooking goes a long way in maintaining loyalty.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q 1. What if I cannot contact the client regarding a schedule change?

If you cannot reach the client, continue to attempt notification through all available channels. As a last resort, Aer Lingus may contact the traveler directly if their flight is imminent.

Q 2. What happens if a client wants a routing change as part of rebooking?

Aer Lingus will try to accommodate routing change requests during rebooking. However, if the desired routing has a higher fare, the client will need to pay the fare difference.

Q 3. Can a customer seek dinner, lodging, or other expenses?

Yes, reasonable expenses resulting directly from a significant Aer Lingus schedule change can be claimed by submitting receipts and supporting documentation.

Q 4. What if I still need to hear from Aer Lingus about a change in the schedule?

Proactively check the booking in your GDS to look for notifications. If uncertain, call the Aer Lingus agent help desk to verify if any changes have been made.

Q 5. What if the passenger wants to be rebooked on a different airline altogether?

Aer Lingus will try to accommodate rebooking on a rival airline in the case of significant schedule changes, but the passenger may need to pay fare differences or change fees. Discuss options with the Aer Lingus agent when rebooking.

Q 6. Can the passenger change routes even if the schedule change is below the threshold for a full refund?

The passenger can request rerouting even for minor schedule changes under 2, 3, or 4 hours based on flight length. Aer Lingus will accommodate if possible, but fare differences may apply if the new routing has a higher price.

Q 7. How long before schedule modifications will Aer Lingus tell passengers and agents?

Notifications are sent when a schedule change is confirmed, from a few days to weeks in advance, depending on the circumstances. The priority is providing enough notice to rearrange travel plans.

By understanding Aer Lingus’ policies around schedule changes, travel agents can minimize disruption for their clients when flights don’t go as planned. With savvy rebooking skills and prompt communication, you can uphold traveler satisfaction even under challenging situations out of your control.