Recent strikes by Aer Lingus pilots in Ireland have led to numerous flight cancellations. If your flight is affected, it’s essential to know your rights and the compensation you are entitled to under European law.
Who Gets the Rights?
These rights apply to everyone traveling through airports in the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA). The same rights are valid for arrivals at EU/EEA airports from non-EU airports on an EU/EEA licensed service carrier.
Who Doesn’t Get the Rights?
These rights do not apply if you are traveling for free or at a reduced fare not available to the general public. You also won’t be eligible if you don’t have a confirmed ticket, lack necessary travel documents (like a visa), arrive late for boarding, or create security problems.
Rights and Benefits if Your Flight is Canceled
If your flight is canceled after your ticket is confirmed, the airline must:
- Notify you in writing.
- Offer two free telephone calls, fax messages, or emails if the cancellation occurs after check-in.
- Display a board specifying passenger rights at the check-in point.
In case of cancellation, airlines usually provide:
- A refund within 7 days.
- A replacement flight as soon as possible.
- A ticket for another date at your convenience.
You can choose the option that suits you best. Additionally, passengers are entitled to compensation under certain conditions.
Compensation
You are entitled to compensation unless:
- You were informed of the cancellation at least two weeks in advance.
- You were given 7-14 days’ notice and offered a flight that departs within 2 hours of your original departure time and arrives within 4 hours of the original arrival time.
- You were given less than 7 days’ notice but offered a flight that departs within 1 hour of your original departure time and arrives within 2 hours of the original arrival time.
- The cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather, air traffic control restrictions, security issues, or strikes affecting services.
Refund and Compensation Details
If you want both a refund and compensation, the amount depends on the distance of your flight:
- Flights of 1,500 km or less: €250
- Flights over 1,500 km within the EU and other flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km: €400
- All other flights: €600
If you choose re-routing and the new flight is delayed, compensation is based on the delay duration:
- Flights of 1,500 km or less:
- 2 hours or less: €125
- More than 2 hours: €250
- Flights over 1,500 km within the EU and other flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km:
- 3 hours or less: €200
- More than 3 hours: €400
- All other flights:
- 4 hours or less: €300
- More than 4 hours: €600
During the waiting period, the airline should provide free food, overnight accommodation, and transportation if necessary.
For more information, visit Citizens Information.