Mixed emotions from passengers entering and leaving Ireland ahead of pilots' action

Danielle Clarke with her daughter Ella at Dublin Airport before their departure to New York. Picture: Moya Nolan

People flying in and out of the country's airports on Tuesday had mixed emotions on the fact their return voyage could be impacted by the action by Aer Lingus pilots.

At least seven days of work-to-rules and strikes over pay began at midnight on Tuesday and the Labour Court admitted defeat in finding a resolution to the pay dispute.

Even before the action began overnight, passengers flying on Tuesday were already having to consider the possible impact on them.

Clare and James Fogarty from Ballyvolane, Cork, were travelling with their one-year-old daughter Fiadh and four-year-old son Oscar from Cork Airport.

"We are a bit worried about coming back, but we will cross that bridge when we come to it," James said.

"It's mainland Spain so hopefully, we'll have another few airlines we can use if we do get trapped.

It's a concern when you are travelling with kids not knowing what is going to happen

Clare agreed, adding: "I don't mind that we might have stay over longer, it's the uncertainty of knowing we could get to the airport and then have it cancelled. 

"If we know in advance, we can plan."

Sheila and John O'Mahony, from Cork, now living in Kerry, with their children Katelyn and James at Dublin Airport having travelled from Barcelona. Picture: Moya Nolan

Ger Lowen and her son Gavin were travelling to Faro. 

"We had to change our return flight from Aer Lingus to Ryanair," she said.

"We got cash back [from Aer Lingus]. As a result [of the flight change], it is €230 dearer. We are missing the last day of our holidays because of it."

She explained that they were due to fly back on Sunday evening with Aer Lingus, but will now be flying back much earlier with Ryanair.

However, others are taking the possible flight disruption in their stride.

At Dublin Airport, one family who travelled from St Louis, Missouri in the US to visit relatives in Westport, Mayo, said they could be affected by the flight cancellations, but if it happened, they “wouldn’t be too worried”.

Misty Toney and her husband Chris, along with their two daughters Maura and Reagan, are in Ireland for 18 days and will visit Wexford, Roscommon, and Westport.

Chris and Misty Toney from St Louis, Missouri, with their daughters Maura, left, and Reagan, in Dublin Airport. Picture: Moya Nolan

They arrived in Ireland on an Aer Lingus flight and are aware their connections and flight back could be impacted by the strikes.

However, Misty said: “It’s not the end of the world, to be honest.

“We have been hit with delays and cancellations before in other places. 

"We are supposed to go home on a Friday so I would have two days before I get back to work. 

"I am lucky I have a flexible job, and I’ve got those two days' leeway.

It’s not nice obviously when these things happen, but really its not the end of the world

Danielle Clarke, from Cavan, was travelling to US on Tuesday with her three children to see her mother in Long Island, and she said she “doesn’t mind” if her flight is affected coming back.

“My mother lives there, so I have a plan B,” she said.

“She moved to America more than 10 years ago and got married, so we are going now to see her. 

"We are with Aer Lingus, but we don’t mind so much if there are any issues, I won’t be stranded anyway."