If your Aer Lingus flight has been delayed by at least 3 hours or cancelled with less than 14 days’ notice, you may be entitled to claim up to £520 per passenger in compensation.
As the UK’s number one flight compensation firm, we’ve claimed over £86 million in compensation from airlines for flight delays and cancellations, including many claims initially rejected by the airline.
Join the 749,000 passengers who’ve chosen Bott and Co and put your flight compensation claim in the hands of our expert solicitors and enjoy industry-leading success rates, with many claims paid in less than 60 days.
Just add your flight details to our free flight compensation calculator and find out if you can claim and how much you may be entitled to.
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When Can I Claim Compensation From Aer Lingus?
You may be able to claim compensation from Aer Lingus if your flight arrives more than three hours late or your flight is cancelled less than 14 days before departure and the disruption was Aer Lingus’ fault.
Additionally, you may be able to claim compensation if you were denied boarding due to overbooking, your flight was diverted, or you missed a connecting flight.
You can claim compensation for any eligible delayed or cancelled flight within the last six years.
Below, we explain your rights to claim flight compensation from Aer Lingus under EU261 and UK261 if your flight plans have been disrupted.
What Is EU261 and UK261?
EU261 and UK261 are regulations that protect passengers when flights are delayed, cancelled, or if they are denied boarding.
EU Regulation 261 and the equivalent UK law, UK261, compensate passengers for lost time and inconvenience when their travel arrangements are significantly disrupted, and the airline is responsible.
Are Aer Lingus Flights Covered By EU261?
Yes. As an EU-based airline, Aer Lingus flight delays and cancellations are covered by EU Regulation 261.
EU261 applies to Aer Lingus flights departing from an EU airport, as well as Aer Lingus flights arriving in the EU from outside the EU.
Aer Lingus flights departing from the UK are also protected under the equivalent UK law, UK261.
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Go to Aer Lingus’ flight tracker to find the live status of all Aer Lingus flight delays and cancellations.
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What Are My Passenger Rights Under EU261 To Claim Compensation From Aer Lingus?
If your Aer Lingus flight arrives more than three hours later than the scheduled arrival time, is cancelled within 14 days of departure, or you are involuntarily denied boarding, you may be able to claim compensation.
As an EU-based airline, Aer Lingus is legally responsible for paying compensation for flight delays and cancellations if the delay was Aer Lingus’ fault and was not classed as an extraordinary circumstance under EU Reg 261, or its UK equivalent, UK261.
Depending on the length of your delay, Aer Lingus is also responsible for care and assistance while you wait at the airport.
In some circumstances, you may be eligible to get a refund for your flight.
How To Claim Compensation From Aer Lingus For Flight Delays
If your Aer Lingus flight has been delayed by more than three hours and the delay was not caused by an extraordinary circumstance, you will be able to claim up to £520 compensation per passenger.
The length of your delay is the time between your scheduled arrival time and the time you actually arrived at your destination. Arrival time is officially defined as the point when at least one aircraft door is opened, allowing passengers to leave the plane.
How Much Compensation Can I Claim For A Flight Delay With Aer Lingus?
Compensation amounts for Aer Lingus flight delays range from £220 to £520. How much compensation you can claim for a flight delay depends on the distance of your flight and how long your flight was delayed. The amount you may receive is fixed and is not based on how much you paid for your flight.
The maximum amount of compensation you can claim for a delayed flight is £520 per passenger.
Our table below shows the amount of compensation you may be able to claim if you have been delayed on an Aer Lingus flight.
Aer Lingus Flight Delay Compensation Amounts in UK Pounds
| Length Of Delay | Flight Distance | Compensation Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 3 hours | All flight distances | £0 |
| 3+ hours | Up to 1,500 km | £220 |
| 3+ hours | 1,500 km – 3,500 km | £350 |
| 3-4 hours | 3,500 km + | £260 |
| 4+ hours | 3,500 km + | £520 |
What Should I Do If My Aer Lingus Flight Is Delayed?
If your Aer Lingus flight is delayed, check the Aer Lingus app or airport information screens for updates and speak to Aer Lingus staff to find out why your flight has been delayed and how long the delay is expected to last.
Where possible, ask Aer Lingus to confirm the reason for the delay in writing, and keep your boarding pass, booking confirmation, and any emails, text messages, or notifications you receive about the disruption. You should also make a note of any alternative flights you are offered and their scheduled departure and arrival times.
Depending on the distance of your flight and how long you are delayed, Aer Lingus may be required to provide care and assistance. Ask what food and refreshments will be provided and, if the delay means you need to stay overnight, what arrangements Aer Lingus will make for accommodation and transport.
If Aer Lingus does not provide the care and assistance you are entitled to, keep receipts for any reasonable expenses you have to pay yourself, as you may be able to claim these costs back.
What Should Aer Lingus Provide To Its Passengers During A Delay?
Article 9 of EU Reg 261 states that airlines must provide passengers with a level of “care and assistance” if their flight is delayed after a certain number of hours.
Depending on how long you are delayed, and regardless of the reason, the airline must provide:
Your right to care and assistance under EU261 is separate from your right to compensation. The airline must provide care and assistance even if the disruption was caused by an extraordinary circumstance.
When Aer Lingus Has To Provide Care and Assistance At The Airport
| Flight Distance | Length of Delay |
|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | After 2 hours |
| 1,500 km-3,500 km | After 3 hours |
| Over 1,500 km and between two EU States | After 3 hours |
| Over 3,500 km | After 4 hours |
Can I Claim For My Expenses Incurred While Delayed By Aer Lingus?
As part of their legal obligations under EU Reg261, Aer Lingus should cover a reasonable level of expenses you may incur during your delay.
This can include reasonable food and refreshments and, where an overnight stay is necessary, hotel accommodation and transport between the airport and hotel.
If Aer Lingus does not provide this assistance during your delay and you have to pay these expenses yourself, you can claim reasonable costs back directly from Aer Lingus. You should keep receipts for anything you pay for as evidence of your expenses.
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We helped family of 4 flying from Lithuania to London receive £350 each for flight cancellation.
Family of 4 returning from their holiday in Turkey arrive home 2 days late following flight cancellation.
Passengers receive £350 each after their flight to Tunisia was cancelled and rescheduled for 24 hours later.
Family going to Miami with American Airlines were rerouted to New York AND Dallas before arriving in California.
Family of 4's delay at Birmingham Airport led to missed connection in Dubai and new flight given 3 days later.
What Happens If Aer Lingus Cancels My Flight?
If Aer Lingus cancels your flight, you have the right to choose between receiving a refund or being rerouted to your final destination.
If you still want to travel, Aer Lingus must arrange a replacement flight to get you to your final destination at the earliest opportunity. When necessary, this can include booking you onto a flight operated by another airline if it can get you there sooner.
Alternatively, you can choose to travel at a later date that is convenient for you, subject to seat availability.
If you no longer want to travel, you can choose a full refund instead. However, once you accept the refund, Aer Lingus is no longer responsible for arranging a replacement flight to your destination.
How To Claim Compensation From Aer Lingus For Cancelled Flights
If Aer Lingus has cancelled your flight less than 14 days before you are due to fly, you can choose between a full refund or a replacement flight.
If you choose to take a replacement flight, you may also be able to claim up to £520 in compensation. Whether you can claim depends on why your original flight was cancelled, when you were told about the cancellation, and the departure and arrival times of your replacement flight.
How Much Compensation Can You Claim When Aer Lingus Cancels Your Flight?
You may be able to claim between £110 and £520 in compensation per passenger if Aer Lingus has cancelled your flight.
How much you can claim will depend on when you were told about the cancellation, the distance of your flight, and the departure and arrival times of any replacement flight offered by the airline.
For flights under 1,500km, compensation can be £110 or £220 per passenger. For flights between 1,500km and 3,500km, you could receive £175 or £350, while for flights over 3,500km, compensation can be £260 or £520 per passenger.
The amount of compensation Aer Lingus may be required to pay for a cancelled flight will depend on the circumstances of your cancellation.
Read our guide to how much you can claim for a cancelled flight, or simply add your details to our free flight compensation calculator to get an instant answer.
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What Should I Do If My Aer Lingus Flight Is Cancelled?
If Aer Lingus cancels your flight while you are at the airport, speak to Aer Lingus staff as soon as possible to find out why the flight was cancelled and what arrangements are being made for affected passengers.
Ask Aer Lingus to confirm the reason for the cancellation in writing, and keep your boarding pass and any information you receive about the cancellation. If you are offered an alternative flight, make a note of its departure and arrival times, as this information may be important if you later make a compensation claim.
If you have to wait at the airport or stay overnight, ask Aer Lingus what food, refreshments, accommodation and transport it will provide. If you have to pay reasonable expenses yourself, keep your receipts so you can ask Aer Lingus to reimburse you.
When Can I Get A Refund From Aer Lingus?
Under EU261 and UK261, Aer Lingus is legally required to offer you a refund in certain circumstances when your flight is delayed or cancelled. These rights may apply regardless of Aer Lingus’ own stated refund policy.
When a refund has been agreed, it must be paid by electronic transfer, bank orders or cheques within seven days.
Can I Get A Refund If Aer Lingus Cancels My Flight?
Yes, if Aer Lingus cancels your flight and you decide not to accept a replacement flight, you can choose to receive a full refund instead.
Your right to a refund is the same no matter how far in advance of your departure date your flight was cancelled, or whether the cancellation was considered Aer Lingus’ fault.
Can I Get A Refund For A Delayed Aer Lingus Flight?
Yes, but only in certain circumstances. If your Aer Lingus flight is delayed by at least 5 hours and you decide you no longer want to travel, you have the right to receive a refund under EU261 or UK261.
Once your flight has been delayed by 5 hours or more, EU261 and UK261 give you the same right to a refund as if your flight were cancelled. This right applies even if the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances outside Aer Lingus’ control.
Unlike flight compensation, the reason for the delay does not determine whether you are entitled to a refund after a delay of 5 hours or more.
However, if you choose a refund rather than continuing your journey, Aer Lingus will no longer be responsible for arranging a replacement flight to your destination.
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When Can I Claim Compensation From Aer Lingus For Denied Boarding?
You can claim compensation from Aer Lingus for denied boarding if you were involuntarily refused boarding because the flight was overbooked and, as a result, arrived at your final destination more than 3 hours late.
To claim compensation for denied boarding, you must have met your responsibilities as a passenger.
This includes checking in and arriving at the departure gate on time, having the correct travel documents and being fit to travel. You must also not have given Aer Lingus a reasonable reason to refuse you boarding, such as being intoxicated, behaving in an anti-social manner or posing a health or safety risk to other passengers or airline staff.
If you had a valid ticket, met these requirements and there was no justifiable reason for Aer Lingus to refuse you boarding, you may be entitled to compensation for the disruption to your journey.
Aer Lingus Made Me Miss My Connecting Flight, Can I Claim Compensation?
Under EU261 and UK261, you may be entitled to compensation if an Aer Lingus flight delay or cancellation causes you to miss your connecting flight and you arrive at your final destination at least 3 hours late.
Aer Lingus must also arrange a replacement flight to get you to your final destination and provide care and assistance during your delay, including hotel accommodation where an overnight stay is necessary.
To claim compensation, the delay or cancellation must have been Aer Lingus’ fault, and the connecting flights must have been booked as part of the same journey. If you booked your connecting flight separately, you would not normally be protected for the missed connection under EU261 or UK261.
Aer Lingus Overbooked My Flight, Can I Claim Compensation?
If Aer Lingus has overbooked your flight, and you are involuntarily bumped from the flight, you may have the right to claim compensation.
If you are bumped without your agreement, Aer Lingus must put you on the next available flight, including on another airline, or offer you a refund.
If you choose a replacement flight and arrive at your final destination at least 3 hours later than your originally scheduled flight, you may be entitled to claim up to £520 in compensation.
However, if you voluntarily give up your seat, your rights would be limited to what was agreed with Aer Lingus at the time.
When Doesn’t Aer Lingus Have To Pay Compensation?
Aer Lingus does not have to pay compensation when circumstances considered to be outside of its control caused a flight delay or cancellation.
Under EU261 and UK261, these are known as extraordinary circumstances.
Examples of extraordinary circumstances where compensation may not be due include:
However, examples of flight delays or cancellations caused by circumstances where Aer Lingus would normally be responsible, and compensation may be due include:
Whether Aer Lingus has to pay compensation ultimately depends on the cause of the disruption.
Below, we look at some of the most common reasons Aer Lingus flights are delayed or cancelled and whether you may be entitled to compensation.
Can I Claim Compensation From Aer Lingus If My Flight Is Delayed Or Cancelled Because Of Bad Weather?
If your Aer Lingus flight is delayed or cancelled, your right to claim compensation will depend on whether the weather is considered unexpected or not.
Airlines are expected to take expected weather conditions into account when operating their flight schedules. It is only when the weather is considered freak or exceptional that you may not be able to claim.
Additionally, the bad weather must directly affect the flight in question for Aer Lingus to rely on it as a defence. For example, if bad weather affected the aircraft on an earlier flight and the knock-on disruption delayed your flight, you may still be able to claim compensation.
However, if bad weather has caused air traffic control to limit flights or the airport has been closed, these decisions are taken outside of the airline’s control, and you would not be able to claim compensation.
Can I Claim Compensation From Aer Lingus If My Flight Is Delayed Or Cancelled Because Of Air Traffic Control?
No, you would not be able to claim compensation from Aer Lingus if your flight is affected by decisions made by air traffic control, as this is considered outside of the airline’s control.
Decisions made by air traffic control, such as limiting the number of flights or imposing other restrictions, are considered extraordinary circumstances under EU261 and UK261.
Can I Claim Compensation From Aer Lingus If My Flight Is Delayed Or Cancelled Because Of A Strike?
Your right to claim compensation from Aer Lingus if a strike has affected your flight will depend on who is taking strike action and the circumstances surrounding the disruption.
You may be able to claim compensation from Aer Lingus if your flight is delayed or cancelled because of strike action taken by Aer Lingus’ own employees, such as pilots or cabin crew.
However, strikes involving workers who are not employed by Aer Lingus, such as air traffic controllers, airport baggage handlers or border control staff, are generally considered outside the airline’s control, and Aer Lingus would not be liable to pay compensation.
Can I Claim Compensation From Aer Lingus If My Flight Is Delayed Or Cancelled Because Of A Technical Fault?
Technical problems with an aircraft are generally considered to be Aer Lingus’ responsibility when they arise as part of the normal operation or maintenance of the plane. This can include mechanical faults or problems discovered during routine maintenance and safety checks.
However, a hidden manufacturing defect that Aer Lingus could not reasonably have identified or prevented may be considered an extraordinary circumstance. In these cases, Aer Lingus may not be required to pay compensation.
Can I Claim Compensation From Aer Lingus If My Flight Is Delayed Or Cancelled Because Of Staff Shortages?
Yes, you may be able to claim compensation from Aer Lingus if your flight is delayed or cancelled because Aer Lingus did not have enough airline staff available to operate the flight.
Providing sufficient crew is Aer Lingus’ responsibility and is within the airline’s control. This includes situations where pilots or cabin crew have reached their permitted working or flying-hour limits and Aer Lingus does not have replacement crew available to operate the flight.
Can I Claim Flight Compensation If Aer Lingus’ Check-In System Is Broken?
Yes, you may be able to claim compensation if a technical problem with Aer Lingus’ check-in system prevents you from checking in for your flight as expected. This can apply to problems with both online check-in and airport check-in.
Providing passengers with a working check-in system is Aer Lingus’ responsibility, so disruption caused by a failure of its own systems would be considered within the airline’s control.
Can I Claim Flight Compensation If My Aer Lingus Flight Is Delayed Or Cancelled Because Of Disruption At The Airport?
It is unlikely that you would be able to claim compensation if disruption at the airport outside of the airline’s control led to your flight being delayed or cancelled.
This can include long queues or delays at customs and airport security, as well as strikes involving airport staff, baggage handlers, or air traffic control. As Aer Lingus is not responsible for these services, disruption caused by them would not normally entitle you to compensation.
Do I Have To Accept Vouchers From Aer Lingus Instead Of Compensation Or A Refund?
If Aer Lingus offers vouchers instead of the monetary compensation or refund due to you, you are under no legal obligation to accept them.
However, once you accept the vouchers, you forfeit your right to a monetary refund or any compensation if you decide to change your mind at a later date.
Can You Help If Aer Lingus Has Rejected My Flight Compensation Claim?
Yes, we can. Many of our clients come to us after Aer Lingus has rejected or declined their claim. If Aer Lingus won’t pay your compensation or has refused your claim, just add your flight details to our flight compensation calculator, and we can take over your claim.
We have an unparalleled level of legal expertise, having successfully negotiated with Aer Lingus for thousands of passengers since 2013.
How Long Does It Take For Aer Lingus To Pay Compensation?
The processing time for receiving your compensation will depend on how quickly Aer Lingus processes your claim.
Many of our clients have come to us after being unsuccessful in claiming compensation directly, having their claims rejected or declined.
Our experience over the last decade and access to extensive flight data mean we have more information to prove when a claim is eligible for compensation, making it much harder for the airline to turn it down.
In addition, if we do not receive a response within 30 days, we issue court proceedings to ensure compensation is paid as quickly as possible.
Our award-winning team has an industry-leading success rate, with many claims paid in less than 60 days. If you’d like us to represent you, start by adding your flight details to our flight compensation calculator and submit your claim in less than a minute.
Meet Our Solicitors
Coby Benson
A member of The Law Society and a SRA Registered Solicitor, Coby has been instrumental in establishing flight delay compensation law in the UK, including playing a significant part in the landmark cases of Huzar v Jet2 and Dawson v Thomson at The Supreme Court.
Coby is regularly asked for comment in the national media, regularly featuring in The Daily Telegraph, The Times, The Guardian and The Independent as well as appearing on BBC Television, Sky News, ITV and BBC Radio 4 and Radio Five Live.
About Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus is Ireland’s flag carrier, operating flights across Ireland, the UK, Europe and North America. The airline is part of International Airlines Group (IAG), alongside British Airways, Iberia and Vueling.
Aer Lingus operates from numerous UK airports, including London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow, with Dublin providing connections to its wider European and transatlantic network.
Read Aer Lingus guidance on your rights under EU261 for flight delays and cancellations.