Travel and a Question

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

Hopefully some of our experienced Dopers can give me sage advice.

We have booked travel to the UK and a few side trips as well for later in the year. We booked in December to take advantage of the early bird specials. We were to get two side trips to Europe as part of the deal.

As things turned out we got one. We wanted to go to Ireland and Aer Lingus was not part of the set up. No big deal- we paid the extra money.

I would add that I have no complaint about any particular airline.

Okay, we are finalising where we are staying and realise we will be spending most time in Western Ireland so it doesn’t make sense to drive across Ireland to fly out of Dublin. Shannon would be far better.

So we ask the travel agent if the ticket can be changed from Dublin to Shannon. Sure- for $150 each.

I can get an airfare from Shannon to Heathrow for approx 50 Euro, Yet they want to charge me around 3 times as much to alter an existing ticket.

I saw the travel agent today and she was less than helpful. Hey- we have paid and there is no reason for her to assist.

Anyway, it virtually came to us buying another ticket and not turning up at Dublin.

I can do that and probably will, but it still rankles. Anyone got any suggestions about how else to approach this?

2

Chances are the fee was part of the terms and conditions you agreed to, and they won’t be willing to make an exception. The only thing I can think of is that some places have a cooling off period - typically three days. So if you’re within that you could cancel the whole thing and then rebook.

3

Yeah, you are probably right. I don’t think there is a magic fix.

4

Depending on what part of the west you are in a drive to Dublin isn’t that big a deal. I believe Galway City to Dublin Airport can be done now in around 2hrs as it is (AFAIK) motorway the whole way now.