What To Do If You Have Booked Flights With WOW Air
I was saddened to hear about the demise of WOW Air, they were an airline that I had flown and worked with in the past. Many are wondering what to do if you have booked flights with WOW Air – hopefully this might be of some help.
WOWair announced on the 28th of March that they has ceased operation, leaving thousands of passengers travel plans in disarray. Aer Lingus have announced rescue fares for anyone who was booked to travel to the USA and Canada from the 12th of April onwards, with prices from €169 each-way including taxes. Those wishing to avail of these rescue fares should contact the following numbers after 18:30pm 6:30pm this evening 28th March. 1890 800600 (from Ireland) / 00353 1 886 8822 (from Europe) / 0333 006 6920 (from UK) / 516 622 4222 (from US) and 800 474 7424 (from Canada). Other airlines may follow suit and I will update this post as soon as I receive any further information.
Unlike package holidays, airlines are not bonded in Ireland, so claiming a refund is not as straight forward as you might think. How you go about claiming for the price of your ticket, or getting home if you are stranded abroad, really depends on how you booked your flight. Find out what to do if you have booked flights with WOW Air below.
If you have booked with a travel agency:
If you have booked a package deal involving WOW air flights and accommodation via a travel agency, you are in luck. Your holiday is protected by the Package Travel Directive, so your travel agent should be able to source an alternative holiday for you, or claim a refund if you no longer wish to travel. If you have booked a flight only through a travel agency, they should be able claim a refund on your behalf.
If you have booked flights with WOW Air by credit card:
If you booked online with WOW Air and paid with a credit card, you should contact your credit card company immediately, they should be able to offer you a refund. There may be exclusions to this rule, depending on the credit card company, so make sure you check directly with your credit card company.
If you have booked flights with WOW Air by debit card:
If you booked online with WOW Air and paid with a debit card, you should contact your bank immediately. If you paid with a visa debit card, they may refund you. I called AIB this morning and their policy is the same for debit and credit cards – they will refund you. Although there are conflicting statements about this, so make sure you check with your own bank for clarification.
If you have travel insurance:
It is important to note that all travel insurance policies have different levels of coverage, but Multitrip.com, Ireland’s premier travel insurance company, include airline failure in their standard policy. Note they will insist you claim the cost of the flight from your credit card company, before seeking any claim from them. See what does travel insurance cover here.
If you have travel disruption cover included with your travel insurance:
I am a big fan of travel disruption cover. I always recommend to anyone travelling that it is added to their insurance policy. If you happen to abroad when WOW Air went bust, this policy will allow you book alternative flights and pay for additional accommodation expenses if required. You can read all about why you should add travel disruption cover to your insurance policy here. It is advisable for you to keep all receipts of expenses incurred before making a claim.
Useful websites:
European Air Passenger rights:
Passengers may also be entitled to compensation from WOW AIR, including in accordance with European regulation on Air Passenger Rights. In case of a bankruptcy, claims should be filed to the administrator / liquidator.
Statement from WOW Air
Information for WOW AIR passengers
WOW AIR has ceased operation. All WOW AIR flights have been cancelled.
How will I reach my destination?
Passengers are advised to check available flights with other airlines.
Some airlines may offer flights at a reduced rate, so-called rescue fares, in light of the circumstances. Information on those airlines will be published, when it becomes available.
What are my rights?
Passengers whose ticket was paid with a credit card are advised to contact their credit card company to check whether a refund of the ticket cost will be issued.Passengers who bought their ticket from a European travel agent (within the European Economic Area) as a part of a package tour (a package which includes flights and accommodation or other services) are protected by the Package Travel Directive. Those passengers are advised to contact their travel agent to arrange an alternative flight.
Passengers who may have bought travel protection, or those passengers whose credit card terms may include such protection, may be entitled to claim compensation and assistance due to delays or travel disruption. However, such compensation is often limited.
Passengers may also be entitled to compensation from WOW AIR, including in accordance with European regulation on Air Passenger Rights. In case of a bankruptcy, claims should be filed to the administrator / liquidator.
Where can I get up-to-date information?
This announcement will be published and continuously updated on the following websites:
– Icelandic Transport Authority: www.samgongustofa.is / www.icetra.is
– Keflavik Airport: www.isavia.is/en
– WOW AIR: www.wowair.com
– Posted at all relevant airports
General information about passenger rights can be found atwww.icetra.is
Note the above information is subject to change and is my general opinion on how best to proceed with obtaining a refund. It is important to check with your individual credit card company, bank, insurance provider or travel agency about organising refunds.
Sarah
