Army veterans hit out at Aer Lingus over 'ruthless and insulting' refund ordeal
A group of Irish Army veterans has accused Aer Lingus of being 'heartless, ruthless and insulting' as they continue to battle for compensation after their flight from Berlin to Dublin was cancelled due to stormy weather.
The Veterans Club of Ireland says its members are being given the 'runaround' by the former State airline over outstanding fees for accommodation, food and taxis which amount to just over €5,000, since last October.
According to its spokesman Joe Lynch: 'This is an appalling way to treat former members of the Army and their spouses, people who gave their lives for this country. Treated as a nuisance: The Veterans Club of Ireland. Pic: Supplied
'I have spent over 40 hours – a full week's work – on the phones with customer service staff in Aer Lingus and I'm being treated as a nuisance. It's quite clear to me they would prefer if I would just give up and went away.'
The dispute between the Veterans Club of Ireland and Aer Lingus broke out after 22 members, including partners, flew to Berlin for a cultural trip last October.
The visit was organised so they could view well known historical landmarks including the remains of the Berlin Wall, the Reichstag Parliament and the East/West crossing point from the communist era 'Checkpoint Charlie'. Aer Lingus, ATR, leaving Dublin airport. Pic: Shutterstock
However, while the group were there, Aer Lingus said the return flight had been cancelled due to 'Storm Ashley'.
The club, which is based in Drogheda, said Aer Lingus informed them they would have to secure their own accommodation and pay for their own food and taxis. They were told they would be reimbursed upon submitting receipts.
But that is not how things worked out, according to Mr Lynch. 'We submitted our expenditure receipts and noticed that Aer Lingus was in no rush to honour them.
'There then began a series of phone calls which, in some cases, I was left holding on the line for up to two hours. In some cases, Aer Lingus customer service staff put down the phone on me. People queuing at the Aer Lingus check in desks at Terminal 2 Dublin. Pic: Sam Boal/Collins Photos
'One of their excuses being used is that they are refusing to pay out on hand-written receipts for taxi fares.
'This was not stated in previous correspondence. They are making us feel that we are trying to obtain the money we are owed by false pretences.'
Mr Lynch said the group is owed around €5,000 with individual reimbursements ranging from €350 to €600.
'Ten claims of the 15 submitted allowing for spouses, remain to be settled. This is most upsetting for people who are senior citizens, people who always viewed the former State airline as one of Ireland's great institutions,' he said. Dublin Airport, Aer Lingus check-in area. Pic: Shutterstock
FF Senator Alison Comyn, who has worked with the veterans' group before, said: 'I have long known the amazing work carried out by Joe and the other volunteers with the Veterans Club and I am really shocked to think that a lot of their members are still out of pocket nearly eight months after Aer Lingus agreed they are due compensation and refunds.
'I have contacted Aer Lingus and the relevant Government department on their behalf and am hopeful of a swift resolution to this, as these men and women have given their service to their country and community.
'The work of the Veterans Club of Ireland is vital in preserving the dignity, well-being, and camaraderie of former members of the Irish Defence Forces, and I hate to think they are not being treated fairly and with the respect they are due.'
An Aer Lingus spokesman said the issue was being looked at and it hoped to shortly resolve the matter.
The Veterans Club of Ireland was established in 2018 for former members of the Defence Forces to assist with the mental and physical well-being of ex-servicemen and women and their respective families.
It also promotes awareness of the contribution of Defence Forces personnel to Irish society.
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