Aer Lingus website privacy policy

1. How do I know my personal details are confidential and safe when I purchase flights or access my personal profile through the Aer Lingus website?
   
   When you purchase flights online or access your personal profile you can do so through a secure server. The use of Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology means that all personal information, such as your credit card number, will be encrypted as it travels from your computer to the Aer Lingus Online Booking Engine. When received, the information is decrypted and processed in the same way as a normal credit card transaction by telephone.
   
   If your browser supports SSL, and if you entered our site via our secure server access, then transmission of any sensitive data will be protected. If your browser does not support SSL, we recommend that you upgrade to the latest version of any browser to enhance the security of further transactions, otherwise the transmission of your personal data may not be protected and Aer Lingus disclaims any responsibility in this regard.
   
   
2. What personal information does Aer Lingus collect when I visit the Aer Lingus website?
   
   We do not collect personal information about you when you browse the Aer Lingus website. However, if you wish to book a flight using the site's interactive services, we will require you to complete the Booking Form and provide us with certain information which may include the following:
   
   • Name
   • Postal Address
   • Credit/Debit Card number and expiration date
   • Billing address
   • Phone numbers
   • E-mail address
   • Travel details
   
   In order to help us provide you with the best possible service, you may also choose to become a Site Member. Site Membership will save you time when you book a ticket in future by pre-filling your personal details in the online booking section. We may also send Site Members information on services and special offers which we think they may find of interest. Site Members will also be asked to provide us with certain information by completing the User Profile. This information is optional and may include:
   
   • Preferred / frequent destinations
   • Home airport
   • Opportunity to avail of e-mail notification of special offers
   • Seat and meal preference
   • Preferred class of service
   • Age Group
   • Credit/Debit Card Details
   
   Site Members may also join our frequent flyer programme (TAB) online by completing the required form in the My Profile section of the website which may also involve providing the above information.
   
   
3. What are the benefits of creating and maintaining a User Profile?
   
   When you access and update your User Profile you enable us to optimise your time spent on the Aer Lingus website. Through the use of profile information provided we are able to personalise your website visit, ensuring that we can communicate details of special offers and other travel information that may interest you during your webvisit. If you are also a TAB Member, you will be able to check your TAB points balance and find out additional information about your TAB membership. It will also save you time when you book a ticket by pre-filling the online booking section. If you wish, we can also send you directly information which we think you may find of interest such as information about services, products, special offers and promotions offered by Aer Lingus, other carriers and service providers.
4. Cookies and how they can benefit your website experience?
   
   Cookies are very small text files stored on your hard drive. They uniquely identify your computer and allow us to store profile information, improve website security and help us to customise your website experience. A unique user identity is created which ensures that you are not required to re-enter login details as you move throughout the website. Time spent navigating the site is kept to a minimum. At any stage you may decide to disable cookies Please refer to your browser Help instructions for further details.
   
   
5. How will Aer Lingus use my personal information?
   
   We use your personal information to identify you as a customer, to process your booking, to verify credit or other charge card details, to manage your TAB Frequent Flyer Account (if applicable) and to deliver relevant information to you in connection with your travel and any ancillary services which you may wish to avail of. Your information may also be used for immigration and customs control (see further below), security, administrative and legal purposes. For these purposes, we may transmit your personal information to our own offices, authorised agents, other carriers and service providers, credit and charge card companies, data processing companies working on our behalf and to government agencies. Some of these entities may be located outside the European Economic Area. Your personal information and any records relating to your air travel will also be retained for audit functions.
   
   We may also use the personal information of Site Members to provide them with information which we think they may find of interest. This may include information about services, products, special offers and promotions offered by Aer Lingus, other carriers and service providers. We may contact you by any means of communication for which you have given us contact details, including by post, e-mail, pop-up window, fax and telephone. However, you may choose not to receive such information by so indicating on the booking form or on the Site Membership Information form.
   
   
   Notice for Passengers travelling to and from the United States
   The United States Government has initiated new legislation requiring all airlines to provide the US customs and immigration authorities with access to data held on an airline's reservation system relating to passengers travelling to or from the United States. Consequently, if your journey involves a flight to or from the United States, any information we hold about you and your travel arrangements may be disclosed to the US customs and immigration authorities.
   
   
   
6. Is it easy to update and alter my personal information?
   
   You may access and update the information which we hold about you as a Site Member or a TAB Member by logging in and accessing the relevant page in the My Profile section of the website.