How much compensation can I claim for a delayed flight?

You can claim between £220 and £520 depending on the distance of your flight. Short-haul flights under 1,500km qualify for £220, medium-haul flights between 1,500-3,500km qualify for £350, and long-haul flights over 3,500km qualify for £520.

What is the 3-hour rule for flight delays?

Under EU261 and UK261 regulations, you are entitled to compensation if your flight arrives at your final destination more than 3 hours late. The delay is measured by when the aircraft doors open at your destination.

How long do I have to claim flight compensation?

In the UK, you have up to 6 years from the date of your flight to make a claim. However, we recommend claiming as soon as possible while the details are fresh.

What does no win no fee mean?

No win, no fee means you only pay if your claim is successful. If your claim is unsuccessful, you won't pay anything. This removes the financial risk of making a claim.

How do I claim compensation from Aer Lingus?

Aer Lingus has an online claims form on their website under Customer Care. You'll need your booking reference, flight details, and passenger information. They generally process claims professionally as part of IAG.

How long does Aer Lingus take to process claims?

Aer Lingus typically responds within 6-8 weeks. During busy periods like summer or after major disruptions, this can take longer. Follow up if you haven't heard back after 8 weeks.

Are UK-Ireland flights covered by compensation rules?

Yes! Flights between the UK and Ireland are covered by both EU261 and UK261 regulations. The UK-Ireland route is one of the busiest in Europe with frequent Aer Lingus services.

Can I claim for a transatlantic Aer Lingus flight?

Yes, Aer Lingus operates direct flights from the UK to the US via Dublin. These long-haul routes qualify for up to £520 compensation if delayed 3+ hours at your final destination.

What about Aer Lingus Regional flights?

Aer Lingus Regional is operated by Emerald Airlines. Claims for these flights should go to the operating carrier. Check your booking confirmation to see who operated your flight.

Aer Lingus Flight Delay Compensation

Was your Aer Lingus flight delayed or cancelled? Ireland's flag carrier must comply with EU261 and UK261 regulations. You could claim up to £520 compensation.

Check If You Can Claim

Claiming Compensation from Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus is Ireland's flag carrier and now part of the International Airlines Group (IAG), alongside British Airways, Iberia, and Vueling. They're one of the most popular carriers for UK-Ireland travel, operating dozens of daily flights between the two countries.

Beyond UK-Ireland services, Aer Lingus offers popular transatlantic routes via Dublin, allowing UK passengers to use US pre-clearance facilities. All these services are covered by passenger compensation regulations.

Aer Lingus's Claims Reputation

Aer Lingus generally handles claims fairly professionally. As part of IAG, they follow established customer service procedures. However, like all airlines, they may initially attempt to cite extraordinary circumstances — be prepared to challenge invalid rejections.

Your Rights When Flying Aer Lingus

UK-Ireland Flights

The busy UK-Ireland route qualifies for £220 compensation for delays of 3+ hours. Both EU261 and UK261 regulations apply.

Transatlantic Routes

Flights to the US via Dublin qualify for up to £520 compensation — the maximum available under the regulations.

Cancellations

Cancelled Aer Lingus flights entitle you to compensation unless you received 14+ days notice or a suitable alternative.

Dublin Connections

Missed your US connection in Dublin due to an Aer Lingus delay? You can claim based on your final destination arrival time.

Popular Aer Lingus Routes from the UK

Aer Lingus connects UK cities to Ireland and onwards to North America:

London Heathrow - Dublin

London Gatwick - Dublin

Manchester - Dublin

Birmingham - Dublin

Edinburgh - Dublin

Bristol - Dublin

Newcastle - Dublin

Leeds Bradford - Dublin

Glasgow - Dublin

US destinations via Dublin include New York, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Aer Lingus Compensation Amounts

Compensation is based on total journey distance to your final destination.

Flight Distance

Compensation

Example Routes

Under 1,500 km

£220

London to Paris, Dublin, Amsterdam

Most Common

1,500 - 3,500 km

£350

London to Rome, Athens, Marrakech

Over 3,500 km

£520

London to New York, Dubai, Bangkok

Compensation amounts are set by EU261 and UK261 regulations. Each passenger can claim individually.

UK-Dublin is short-haul (£220), but US connections via Dublin qualify for £520.

How Aer Lingus Handles Claims

IAG Standards

As part of IAG, Aer Lingus follows similar claims procedures to British Airways and Iberia. Expect a reasonably professional process.

Irish Aviation Authority

Unresolved disputes can be escalated to the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), which handles passenger rights complaints for Irish airlines.

Regional Services

Aer Lingus Regional is operated by Emerald Airlines. For these flights, you'll need to claim from the operating carrier directly.

Tips for Claiming from Aer Lingus

Check Operating Carrier

Regional flights may be operated by Emerald Airlines — claim from them directly.

US Pre-Clearance

Dublin pre-clearance doesn't affect your compensation rights — it's about arrival time.

Escalate to IAA

The Irish Aviation Authority can help if Aer Lingus rejects a valid claim.

Both Regulations Apply

UK-Ireland flights are covered by both EU261 and UK261 regulations.

Aer Lingus Compensation FAQs

Had an Aer Lingus Flight Disruption?

Check your eligibility in under 2 minutes and find out how much compensation you could claim.

Check Your Eligibility Now