Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus walked away victorious from the first-ever Holiday Extras Customers' Awards in November 2009, scooping three individual awards. The Irish airline was most recommended for travelling in groups and travelling with babies, and runner up for travellers with a disability.
Established by the Irish government in 1936 to provide flights in and out of the country, by October 2006 Aer Lingus had become a public company focused on providing low-cost air travel around the world, primarily via its website.
The airline's global network now reaches from Ireland - Dublin, Shannon, Belfast, Knock and Cork - across the UK, Europe and the United States (through its partnerships with United Airlines and jetBlue Airways).
On receiving the three awards, Enda Corneille, corporate affairs director for Aer Lingus, said: "We are delighted to accept the award for the most recommended airline for travelling with babies. At Aer Lingus we pride ourselves on the care we deliver to our passengers and in particular those travelling with young children and those who require special assistance. Our high quality of service offers extra comfort and convenience to families such as pre-assigned seating, pre-boarding and bassinets on long-haul flights.
"...Earlier this year we introduced a new group booking facility on aerlingus.com allowing customers to book up to 25 seats in the one transaction. This facility also offers extra flexibility, whereby customers can make a group booking now and confirm all passenger names within seven days of making the booking.
"We are delighted to accept the award as one of the most recommended airlines for travellers with a disability. The Aer Lingus brand resonates around the world as the 'Friendly Airline', and this quality is recognised by our customers who require special care and assistance. From our reservations staff at our dedicated medical care line, to our cabin crew who look after passengers’ every need on board, we take great pride in caring for those passengers who require special assistance."