Sir, - On November 30th, myself and friends were due to return to the US after a wonderful 10 days in Ireland.
After checking in at Shannon Airport we were made aware of a plane accident on the runway. Our first thought was to inquire about any injured and were delighted to find out that there were no serious injuries. We then began a very long wait along with hundreds of others to find out whether or not we would be flying out that day. In the end it turned out we had to stay another day.
With nothing but time on our hands we watched in amazement and admiration the efficient and caring manner in which the staff of Aer Lingus dealt with each cancelled flight and the myriad problems the changes caused for individual passengers. Hundreds were taken by coach to Dublin to get other flights to the continent and other destinations.
The staff then turned their attention to the three international flights comprising almost 1,000 people travelling to New York, Chicago and Newark. We were all taken by coach to local hotels. Ours was the West County in Ennis. When we arrived we collected our luggage, walked to reception, said what size room we needed. We gave our names and were handed a key. A separate dining room was arranged for passengers on our flight and a lovely buffet awaited us. The next morning we were taken back to the airport, no hassle with new boarding passes and home we went.
All these arrangements were made for all these people in five hours. Slainte, Aer Lingus. We do look forward to flying with you again.
Pat O'Dwyer, Goshen, New York.
Maureen A. Kane, Albany, New York.
Rev Coleman Costello, Queens, New York.