Praise where due

The general strike here today has again affected much of the country and no doubt will be featured on UK television news bulletins this evening as well as French news. Certainly the disruption caused affects many people trying to go about their daily lives whether workwise, socially or just ordinary, everyday getting on with life. What will feature prominently will undoubtedly be scenes of violent clashes with police and the semi traditional car burnings. These high profile actions are very minimal in number compared to the total number of strikers out on the streets today, the vast majority of whom are orderly and well behaved if albeit somewhat vociferous in their protestations. A degree of praise is due for the way they conduct themselves in what are potentially tense situations.

Because of the strike today transport was very badly affected, many people had travel plans disrupted if not totally abandoned. I was one of those hapless souls, my flight to England was cancelled, I had planned to be there specifically for this weekend. RyanAir, with whom I should have flown, emailed on Tuesday evening informing of the cancellation, stating that rebooking facilities would be available. Unfortunately that was not a personal option as the next flight from our local airport was on Tuesday, the day we were returning home.

Despite much searching on the internet no alternative could be found to get me to England by Friday evening, the TGV had no seats left as did other airlines except at many hundreds of pounds and a drive of eleven hours to a ferry port did not appeal remotely. Finally today a refund claim was made online.

Less than an hour after this claim was made there was a phone call from a very pleasant Dutch lady from RyanAir telling me that an extra was to be laid on this coming Sunday and would I like to transfer. Again this was of no use because it was too late for the weekend. Asked if my claim still stood I said yes. Very politely and in a friendly manner she said that my claim would be processed immediately and the re'und would be in my bank account in about ten days time. Customer service at it"s very best I believe.

It is almsot fashionable today to knock budget airlines for whatever reason or excuse may be summoned. In all of my dealings with RyanAir I have been treated courteously by their staff and found them to be helpful when needed. Agreed that the normal airline extras are largely absent with them but they provide a no-frills, low cost means of transport efficiently.

What more can I say but "Well done RyanAir in a difficult time for the company."