Most passengers booked on Aer Lingus flights out of Dublin Airport yesterday heeded warnings to stay away. For those who did turn up, uncertainty greeted them at the departure point.
Ms Taryn Drakefield, who was travelling to Edinburgh, said she would have to stay in the airport overnight as no alternative flights were available and she couldn't afford a hotel. "What can you do? We're not pleased - we know why they're doing it but we're not pleased."
Mr Patrick Swords went to Dublin Airport because Aer Lingus booked him on a British Midland flight. When he arrived, British Midland had no record of the flight. "I'm on standby now. I'm due back in work tomorrow," he said.
Mr Brian Dunphy, a dancer in the Riverdance show, was due to perform in New York last night and said he hoped to get a flight before the weekend.
Some passengers scheduled to fly out of airports around the State with Aer Lingus travelled to Dublin Airport in the hope of getting flights abroad. Mr Gerry Corcoran was scheduled to fly from Shannon to Brussels and travelled to Dublin for a Ryanair flight.
Another man travelled by car from Castlebar to get a flight to Brussels with Ryanair after the Galway-to-Dublin Aer Lingus leg of the journey was cancelled.
Those with connecting flights from other parts of Europe ran into problems trying to get flights from the Republic. Mr Lou Parolin had a flight to Australia from Heathrow last night and was unsure yesterday afternoon if he would be able to get a flight to London.
There will be no extra flights today to accommodate passengers from yesterday's cancellations, but Aer Lingus may fly larger planes to some destinations.
Outside, cabin crew on the pickets at Dublin Airport maintained their smiles in the wind and rain but their anger was evident. In bright-green uniforms they marched with placards saying "Aer Rage on Our Wage" and "We work in the air but don't live on it."
"After 21 years, to be standing on a picket line is very upsetting," Ms Geraldine Thompson said. She said she was particularly angered at the way younger recruits are treated. "For £5 an hour, do you need this? They have ads in McDonald's for £5, and they have flexitime."
Another woman who has been employed by Aer Lingus for over 20 years said one worker whose marriage broke up tried to get a mortgage and had to ask her 23-year-old daughter to go guarantor on the agreement. "It's very embarrassing when your children are earning more money."
"It is our choice to do this job but a lot of friends earn twice what we earn. The economy is booming and the company is making a profit, but we're not," one of the women said.
Mr Barry Cunningham said the pay workers receive should be compared to the responsibility they have. "You're responsible for 800 people a day. You're in a pressurised metal container at 30,000 feet. If someone goes ballistic you have to deal with it, and you're doing this for £5 an hour."