Aer Lingus ready to reunite families and friends as Ireland lifts ban on non-essential travel

Aer Lingus ready to reunite families and friends as Ireland lifts ban on non-essential travel

Dublin, Ireland, 2021-Jul-20 — /Travel PR News/ — Teams across Aer Lingus are welcoming customers back to the airport and back on-board as the ban on non-essential travel is lifted today and following the delivery of almost 2 million EU Digital Covid Certificates in the last week. After a 16 month period of applying the most stringent travel restrictions in Europe, Ireland today lifts the ban on non-essential travel and Aer Lingus is ready to reunite families and friends. Today (July 19, 2021), Aer Lingus will operate 66 flights versus 346 on 19th July 2019.

The airline, which continued to fly throughout the pandemic for essential travel and to keep trade links open, has today reiterated how maintaining high safety standards and protecting the health of its customers and colleagues is central to its operation.

Chief Operations Officer, Peter O’Neill said:

“We are delighted to be welcoming more customers back on board from today and reconnecting friends and families that have been kept apart for too long.

“Some coming to the airport today – or in the coming weeks – may be nervous, unsure or simply unfamiliar with flying. We understand that. Our people are trained to ensure that our customers have a safe and comfortable journey.

“We are delighted to once again be able to do what we do best for more customers- deliver safe international travel.

“Thanks to the air filtration systems on board all of our aircraft, and how air flow is managed on-board, it has been proven that the only other indoor environment with comparable air-quality is an operating theatre.  Safety measures such as mask requirements, additional cleaning, and new boarding and de-planing procedures have been in practice across the airline for the past year. We’re more than ready to welcome more customers back on board.

“There are a few important steps of which those travelling should be aware:

  • Where possible, check-in online  and avail of the baggage drop system;
  • Make sure you have all of the correct documentation – the EU Digital Covid Certificate is not a pre-requisite for travel but it will make travel easier – check the various websites beforehand to make sure you have the most recent information – gov.ie/travel or reopen.europa.eu
  • Arrive at the airport least 2 hours for European flights, 3 hours for US travel

And of course, our people are here to assist customers with any concerns they may have.”

Aer Lingus offers great booking flexibility and  allows customers to change their flights up to two hours before they are due to depart with no change fee*.  The Aer Lingus ‘Book with Confidence’ offer is available on all fare types and customers can change their bookings as many times as they like.

Notes to Editor

Aer Lingus Book with Confidence Policy

Aer Lingus’ Book with Confidence policy allows all customers travelling with the airline to change their travel dates free of charge*, and as many times as they wish, up to two hours before they travel until. The flexible booking policy is available on all bookings up until 31st December 2021.

Most fares** also include the option to exchange for a guaranteed voucher up to 14 days before travel. In addition, those who booked Advantage, Flex, Business or Business Flex fares have the option of a cash refund if they decide not to travel.

*Please note a fare difference may apply.

** Fare types includes: Plus, Smart, Advantage, Flex, Business or Business Flex fare

Source: Aer Lingus

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