We were scheduled for a flight about 11 am, but we will now arrive in Dublin in the late evening. Although it's an inconvenience, it's okay with us, and may even work out better. However, if it's possible or advisable, I'd like to leverage this "inconvenience." We are flying on Aer Lingus, who wanted to charge us more to book bulk head seats, so even a seat upgrade to a bulk head would be appreciated. Also, the flight that got canceled was a connecting flight, so I'd prefer the upgrade to be on one of the intercontinental flights. If this is possible, how do I go about asking for it? It really isn't a problem for us, but I'd like to take advantage of it if it's possible. Thanks for any tips!
Posted by
Niagara Wine Country, Canada
808 posts
I'm not familiar with the policies of Aer Lingus,
but it doesn't hurt to ask. But it's all in the delivery. Be respectful, polite yet direct. Getting angry or demanding will get you no where. Plus a headache as a parting gift. PLEASE don't board the aircraft and expect the Flight crew to hear you out and compensate you. This issue is best resolved at the counter by the Agent. If they aren't willing to compensate you, that's probably the bottom line.
Compensation also largely depends on why you were "bumped". This happens for a variety of reasons. Some people feel that they should automatically be compensated for inconvenience of any kind. Sometimes it is the Airline's fault and sometimes it is due to circumstances beyond their control. In which case, no one can expect to be compensated. Unfortunately, you didn't explain the circumstances. That would've been helpful in making an assessment.
Hope you resolve it to your satisfaction.
Fly Safe!
aka QueenBee@30,000ft
Posted by
OP
Torrance, CA
79 posts
Oops! You're right, I forgot to mention why we got bumped. They canceled the flight we were on. They've been good about it: they called us to verify that it was okay, but we weren't home, so it was on our answering machine, and my husband got an email making sure it would be okay as well. They've asked us to return their call so they know that we know about the change in our itinerary, so I figured that would be the best time to ask for an upgrade? We really are okay with it, and in a way, I don't want to complain and act like it's a problem because it's not and I don't want to be a difficult passenger, but if it could get me a better seat...that would be nice. Thanks for your quick response!
Posted by
Bellevue, WA, USA
359 posts
Wow Becca! That's much worse than a simple seat change that I got. How far until your flight that was bumped?
I would try to get what you can from the inconvenience, but as FA mentioned - be nice. My wife was once upgraded to first class for free from Seattle to Dallas, because it was a hectic Xmas and we came up to the counter in a happy mood. I asked what they were charging for the 1st class upgrade for her, and he looked at us and smiled and said it was taken care of. She got her first class upgrade for free, essentially because we were probably the only pleasant people to visit his counter during such a hectic time.
Good luck, and let us know how it works out.
Posted by
Niagara Wine Country, Canada
808 posts
So the flight was canceled? That happens...for a whole host of reasons. Still it was an inconvenience to you. Not to mention a last minute inconvenience. Sounds like they did make an effort to call/leave a message/email. A good move on their part. By all means, when you return the call (if you haven't already) mention that you'd like to be compensated.
That would be your opportunity to bargain. That is probably when you would be offered compensation, if at all. The Passenger Service Agent will see on your file that attempts were made to reach you. And sometimes they figure that is enough if they had a valid reason for inconveniencing you. But still, I myself, would ask! It doesn't hurt to ask!
Fly Safe!
aka QueenBee@30,000ft
Posted by
OP
Torrance, CA
79 posts
Here's an update: when we tried to call last night (about 8:30 Pacific time) their calling center was closed, so my husband called early this morning. He said they were super nice and offered to switch us to the previous day, but when he asked if we could get a seat upgrade as compensation, she said that was something she wasn't able to do. If we want a seat upgrade, we'll have to email the complaints department. So, that's what I'm looking at. I think I'll try to formulate a very polite request and send it off this morning. Thanks everyone for your suggestions!