What are my rights if my flights are cancelled?

If you are a regular user of air travel then you are well accustomed to flight delays & cancellations.

 

 How will I be informed if my flights are affected?

If your flight is delayed your airline provider will generally contact you with flight information by email or text message.

They will also look to convey information on their website as soon as possible.

Visit your airlines homepage (e.g. aerlingus.com or ryanair.com).

What rights do I have if my flight is cancelled?

If for any reason your flight is cancelled, irrelevant of whether they inform you, they are obliged to offer you the following options:

  1. A refund.
  2. Re-route your journey in the near future.
  3. Immediate re-route of journey at earliest convenience.

Is it possible to apply for a re-routing or alternatively, a refund?

In the event of a cancellation or delay, airlines are obliged to inform passengers of their options. If this unfolds at the airport, staff will typically be on hand to talk you through the various scenarios.

Otherwise, the quickest option is to check your carrier’s website. It should include the steps to process your own refunds or bookings.

What rights do I have to general care and assistance?

In plain English: you can avail of all free stuff you possibly want from hotel breaks to transfers. If your airline fails to offer any of the following, keep the proof of purchase- you have a right to be reimbursed for a reasonable amount.

Be wary, however, your airline are highly unlikely to cover a night in a 5 star hotel for you.

Is compensation a possibility?

Yes it is but it depends on a number of factors ranging from length of your flight to reasons for cancellation.

Financial compensation can vary depending on the flight length and the reason for the cancellation. Compensation can vary from €250 (flights below 1500 km) to €600 (flights over 3500 km).

How do I request compensation?

You will never come to a resolution regarding a claim at the airport. If you are under the impression you merit compensation, you can get in contact with your airline provider. If you wish to take your claim further, the Commission for Aviation Regulation will deal with any queries you may have.

What if the situation arises that my flight is delayed?

Delays can often prove somewhat of a grey area, if the situation arises

If your flight is delayed by more than five hours, and you choose not to travel, then you are entitled to a full refund. If you accept this refund, the airline is no longer obliged to provide onward travel or assistance.

If your flight is delayed by at least two hours (short-haul), three hours (European) or four hours (long haul), you are entitled to care and assistance as outlined above.

If you arrive at your destination more than three hours after the scheduled arrival time, you may be entitled to between €250 and €600 compensation, depending on the flight distance.

How can my travel insurance cover me?

In the event of a flight cancellation, the first source of refunds and re-routing should be with your airline (see above).

Standard travel insurance policies are not inclined to obliged much help here, but ‘missed departure’ cover can help you secure a new flight, or an additional night’s accommodation.

If your policy includes extra “travel disruption” cover, you should be covered for additional transport or accommodation costs up to €1000 pp, according to Ciaran Mulligan, Managing Director of Blue Insurance and Multitrip.com.

This covers “99%” of scenarios with flight cancellations due to weather, strikes and so on, Mulligan says, but note that it covers transport and accommodation-related expenses only – i.e. not lost annual leave, business opportunities or deposits, concert tickets or museum or attraction fees booked in advance online.

I’m nervous about travel. Can I get a refund?

Highly unlikely. If you cancel your holiday without the DFA declaring travel to be unsafe, it could be deemed “disinclination to travel”.

As such, you may have to pay a cancellation fee or forfeit some or all of the cost of your air fare or holiday package.

That said, it’s worth noting that Irish tour operators have in the past worked to facilitate customers affected by exceptional events, so it’s always worth a phone call.

See our blog “How to: Manage my Booking” if you are affected by a missed/delayed flight in which affects your travel time with Citylink.

COVID-10 Update / Consumers’ rights

Consumers are being advised that travel plans disrupted by the spread of the COVID-19 virus may not result in compensation.

When a flight is cancelled, you should receive information from the airline telling you that you have a choice between rerouting to your final destination or a refund for the part, or parts, of the journey cancelled or not completed due to the cancellation

Citylink’s Top 5 Tips for Stress-Free Airport Travel

At Citylink, we recognise travel can be stressful, here are a few simple tips to help you along the way.

Travelling to Dublin Airport can often prove an anxious journey. Allow us here at Citylink to take care of the main guidelines you need to remember before embarking on your journey to Dublin Airport.

1. Give yourself enough time

Always allow yourself extra time when travelling to Dublin Airport, this cannot be said enough. It is impossible to predict what may come in your way or what the weather may be like, therefore allowing that extra time gives you that peace of mind. As a rule of thumb we advise 3 hours for transatlantic flights & 2 hours for all flights in Europe. That is to allow 3 hours for Terminal 2 and 2 hours for Terminal 1.

For your convenience, we have attached timetables of Galway-Dublin Airport & Limerick City-Dublin Airport.

2. Fast Track

Enjoy priority security with Dublin Airports dedicated Fast Track lane. Fast Track minimises any waiting time and gets you through Security in less than 10 minutes and also it gets you 10% off on Airport shopping. So if you’re tight on time or simply want more time to shop, grab a bite to eat or relax before your flight, the Fast Track service allows you make the best use of your airport travel time.

Fast Track access is priced between €5.95 – €7.99 and is dependent on date and time of travel. This may be worth your while especially if you plan to make a purchase in Duty Free.

3. Passports/Visas

How often do you get the reminder: Do not forget your passport! This happens far more often than you think on our eireagle and Citylink airport services. Keep a print and digital copy of your passport for further travel just in case.

4. Essential luggage tips

Don’t forget to pack an adaptor, battery charger, first aid kit, phrase book, insect repellent and sun cream if appropriate for your destination. If there is anything you’ve forgotten to include, don’t worry, you’ll find most travel essentials on sale at one of the many airport shops.

5. Check-in

There are two ways to check in. You can check in online 24 hours ahead of time and go directly through security or you can check in manually at the airport at a self-service check-in kiosk or the old fashioned face to face check in option. Always check your luggage allowance which can vary airline to airline.

Conclusion

We hope the following tips can act as a guide to helping you plan your trip away with as much ease as possible. If you have any additional queries in relation to any of our airport services, do not hesitate to get in contact with our Citylink team. We also have a FAQ section to answer any questions you may have.

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5 Delicious Brunch Locations in Galway City

Here at Citylink, we associate brunch with good times and relaxing days with our nearest and dearest.

With Galway brunch options on an upward curve all the time, we decided to put together a list of some of the most exciting places to stuff your faces.

This is by no means a definitive list of the best places in Galway, but instead some of our favourites, and a few of the places you simply have to try over the next few weekends. Get drooling!

Dela Restaurant

dela food 4
Dela Restaurant, Lower Dominick Street, Galway

Well, the picture speaks a thousand words. Just WOW. Have a sweet tooth? Then you NEED to try the Buttermilk pancakes. They are simply delicious and most definitely hard to beat. On the other hand, we have never tried one savoury dish on the menu that wasn’t delicious either. There is something for everyone. Want to kick it up a notch? Order yourself a cheeky mimosa to wash it down.

Available Monday to Saturday 10:00 – 15:00 and Sunday 10:00 – 16:00

McCambridges

mccambridges brunch
McCambridges, Shop Street, Galway

Right in the heart of town, they’re known for exquisite coffee and always well-renowned, delicious food. From avocado egg smash, devilled Irish crab meat to cinnamon french toast, there really is something for everyone to enjoy. Want to take some of the goodness home? Well, you’re in luck. McCambridges stock a full range of local artisan foods and boutique wines and spirits.  This is the gift that just keeps on giving.

Available Sunday 10:00 – 18:00

Harry’s at Water Lane

wings
Harry’s at Water Lane, Bohermore, Galway

Not only is their brunch menu AMAZING with sweet and savoury waffles, homemade pancakes, chicken wings and their signature Harry’s fry, they have outdone themselves with delicious selection of cocktails. They also have a new dessert menu including waffles, cookies skillets and much more!

Hyde Bar Galway

hyde bar food
Hyde Bar, Forster Street, Galway

The Hyde Bar & Gin Parlour in Galway offer a fantastic array of brunch options including bottomless brunch. There are so many options to suit all your different tastes such as brioche french toast, super salads and wild mushroom bruschetta. Feel like something more filling? Go for the steak and eggs, meat tacos or eggs royale. Whatever you choose, you won’t be dissapointed. Add in to the mix that Galway Coach Station is directly across the road from the Hyde & you are on to a winner from the off!

Available Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11:00 – 17:00

Tribeton

tribeton eggs
Tribeton, Merchants Road, Galway

Absolute FAB brunch. They do a delicious full Irish and the eggs Benedict are to die for! Not to mention that the atmosphere in there is wonderfully chilled, exactly what you want for a well-deserved weekend brunch after a busy week!

Available Saturdays 10:00 – 16:00 and Sundays 12:00 – 16:00

Well those are five places to brunch in Galway. If you have any you think need to be added to our list, get in touch with us on our social media. We’re always looking for new places to brunch!

Facebook: @citylinkireland

Twitter: @citylinkireland

Instagram: @irish_citylink

Our Top 5 picks for a Spring City Break in Europe!

Nothing beats the post Christmas blues like a quick Spring getaway to look forward to. There are a multitude of amazing destinations at our doorstep in Europe, waiting to be explored. Keep reading to find out about our Top 5 picks for a Spring City Break in Europe.

1.Amsterdam

amsterdam
Amsterdam, The Netherlands

The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, is well known for it’s artistic heritage, narrow houses with gabled facades and being the world’s 2nd most bicycle friendly city in the world. Amsterdam’s nickname is “Venice of the North” attributed by the large number of canals which form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Originating as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world in the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century and became the leading centre for finance and trade.

Exploring the cities canals by foot, enjoying a walk on Blijburg beach and learning about Amsterdam’s history at Stadsarchief (City Archives) are a few of the many amazing things you can do to make the most of your time in this wonderful city.

Things to do:

Flight time from Dublin Airport: 1 hr 40 mins

2. Berlin

berlin
Berlin, Germany

Berlin is a world of culture, politics, media and science. It is the capital and largest city in Germany bursting with fascinating history. It’s 3,748,148 inhabitants make it the second most populous city of the European Union after London.

Among the city’s main features are the many lakes in the western and southeastern boroughs formed by the Spree, Havel, and Dahme rivers. Due to its location in the European Plain, Berlin is influenced by a temperate seasonal climate. About one-third of the city’s area is composed of forests, parks, gardens, rivers, canals and lakes.

The city has numerous orchestras, museums, and entertainment venues, and is host to many sporting events. It’s Zoological Garden is the most visited zoo in Europe and one of the most popular worldwide. The city is also well known for its festivals, diverse architecture, nightlife, contemporary arts and a very high quality of living.

Things to do:

Flight time from Dublin Airport: 2 hrs 20 mins

3. Paris

paris
Paris, France

The “City of Love” as it is well-known globally is the perfect place to visit with your loved ones to overcome the Christmas blues. Paris, France’s capital city, is a major European city and global centre for art, fashion, gastronomy and culture.

Paris is especially known for its museums and architectural landmarks: the Louvre was among most visited art museums in the world in 2019, with 9.6 million visitors. The historical district along the Seine in the city centre is classified as a UNESCO Heritage Site, and popular landmarks in the city centre included the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris, now closed for renovation after the April 15, 2019 fire.

Paris received 24.5 million visitors in 2018. It was ranked as the second most visited travel destination in the world in 2018, after Bangkok. The football club Paris Saint-Germain and the rugby union club Stade Français are based in Paris. The 80,000-seat Stade de France, built for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, is located just north of Paris in the neighbouring commune of Saint-Denis.

Things to do:

Flight time from Dublin Airport: 1 hr 45 mins

4. Venice

venice
Venice, Italy

Venice is a city in northeastern Italy and the capital of the Veneto region. It is situated on a group of 118 small islands that are separated by canals and linked by over 400 bridges. It was a major financial and maritime power during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and a staging area for the Crusades and the Battle of Lepanto, as well as an important centre of commerce – especially silk, grain, and spices, and of art from the 13th century to the end of the 17th.

The lagoon and a part of the city are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Parts of Venice are renowned for the beauty of their settings, their architecture, and artwork. Venice is known for several important artistic movements – especially during the Renaissance period.

Although the city is facing some challenges (including an excessive number of tourists, problems caused by pollution, tide peaks and cruise ships sailing close to the buildings), Venice remains a very popular tourist destination, a major cultural centre, and has been ranked many times the most beautiful city in the world. It has been described by the Times Online as one of Europe’s most romantic cities and by The New York Times as “undoubtedly the most beautiful city built by man”.

Things to do:

  • Grand Canal – Canal, basilica and palace
  • Rialto Bridge – Ornate footbridge over the Grand Canal
  • St. Mark’s Square – Landmark basilica dominated square
  • St. Mark’s Basilica – Landmark cathedral with gilded domes
  • Burano – Island of lace-making and colourful fishermen’s homes
  • Murano – Museo del Vetro and glass souvenirs
  • Bridge of Sighs – Iconic white-stone enclosed bridge

Flight time from Dublin Airport: 2 hrs 40 mins

5. Budapest

budapest
Budapest, Hungary

Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is bisected by the River Danube. The Széchenyi Chain Bridge connects the hilly Buda district with flat Pest. Budapest is a global city with strengths in commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and entertainment. It is Hungary’s financial centre, and was ranked as the second fastest-developing urban economy in Europe.

Among Budapest’s important museums and cultural institutions is the Museum of Fine Arts. The central area of the city along the Danube River is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has several notable monuments, including the Hungarian ParliamentBuda CastleFisherman’s BastionGresham Palace, Széchenyi Chain Bridge, Matthias Church and the Liberty Statue.

Things to do:

Flight from Dublin Airport3 hrs

No matter where you decide to travel in Europe, you are guaranteed to find some delicious cuisine, historic landmarks, fantastic nightlife, beautiful scenery and much more!

Travelling to Dublin Airport? Travel in luxury with Citylink. Our coaches offer on board toilets, Free WiFi, charging points, generous luggage allowances, comfortable seats and friendly and helpful drivers. Have any queries about our services? All information about our services can be found on www.citylink.ie

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