International Flight Cancelled | Etihad - Rights?

Gerbud on 05/01/2015 - 04:40

Hi,

Was meant to travel from Dublin to Perth today via Abu Dhabi but flight was cancelled due to sever fog at Abu Dhabi. Seems to be thousands of people affected.

Call Centres are almost impossible to get through to but when I did today after 1 hr and 30 mins, I was offered a 2 stop over journey tomorrow with different airlines which I was not willing to accept as our original flight was one stop with Etihad. The other airline was China Southern I think who do not have the best reviews online.

The only other option for us was to put flights on hold for us in 4 days time which are with Etihad but are again longer and have 2 stops which is not ideal as my partner is a nervous traveller.

I requested a similar flight to our Etihad one with Emirates but they simply refused to book these as there was only business class availability on these flights.

So we are stuck in Dublin and Etihad have just told us to email feedback to them and wouldn't arrange any accommodation for us.

Has anyone any experience/tips to help me in this situation?

Thanks

Travel

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Comments

  • the-mal on 05/01/2015 - 08:23
    +4

    Who told you they wouldn't put you up in accommodation? This article says they've been booking hotel rooms:

    During the past 24 hours, the airline confirms it has booked more than 2,000 hotel rooms in Abu Dhabi to accommodate guests affected by the disruptions.

    When Etihad previously cancelled flights they said they'd compensate people with free flights and other things, so I'd assume they'd do the same again.

    If I were you I'd focus on them getting you in a hotel room, then sort out your options over the next 24/48 hours once some of the crowd clears. They've apparently got hotel rooms to give.

    • RobinWade on 05/01/2015 - 09:30
      +6

      Great advice although I would note that the OP is still stuck in Dublin and therefor not started his flight. As opposed to be stuck half way through at Adu Dhabi. That might affect what Etihad is willing to do to help him.

    • Gerbud on 05/01/2015 - 10:57

      Hi,

      A member of staff in the contact centre advised they couldn't help me with rooms etc. and I should just e-mail feedback. I think the people who got rooms were people who went to the airport but I didn't go out as the flight had been confirmed as cancelled so saw it as a pointless exercise.

  • Cantdecide on 05/01/2015 - 08:31
    +6

    Do you have travel insurance? It should cover all these expenses and may even get you the upgrade if you NEED to be in Perth by a certain date.

    • Gerbud on 05/01/2015 - 10:58
      +3

      Yes, I have travel insurance and I contacted them today. They told me just to keep invoices for expenses incurred and then submit a claim so seems good.

  • whooah1979 on 05/01/2015 - 08:38
    +1

    read the ticket's t&c. it should state what theirs and yours responsibilities are.

  • RobinWade on 05/01/2015 - 09:27
    +2

    Might be worth cross posting this to http://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/ were you will strike even more people with very good knowledge on the ins and outs of this.

    Unfortunately Etihad doesn't seem to have that great a reputation when it comes to looking after their economy passengers.

  • drspy00 on 05/01/2015 - 12:17

    Theyre supposed to arrange accommodation and onward flights but the fact you refused might be why theyre not willing to help as we had some problems with another airline once. Turns out the airline was at fault and whilst they advise you to claim on your insurance, how nice of them when you are the one paying the sometimes hefty excess! You can actually submit claims to airlines and if they dont do anything, threaten to go to the small claims court, it can be very costly and most airlines would rather pay up than send staff to mediate at the small claims court.

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