Aer Lingus Flight Cancellations - What are your rights?

Apr 21, 2023, 08:24 by User Not Found

The Commission for Aviation Regulation is aware of severe disruptions today with Aer Lingus services resulting in flight cancellations. If you are an affected passenger, here are your rights https://www.flightrights.ie/your-rights/passenger-rights/cancellations/

Passenger rights are protected under European legislation and it is important that all passengers are aware of their entitlements. The Commission for Aviation Regulation expects that Aer Lingus will inform passengers of their rights and entitlements under EU Regulation EC 261/2004.

Passengers can also access details of their rights on our site, www.flightrights.ie.

In summary, the following should be noted by all affected passengers.

FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS

In the event that your flight was cancelled then your airline must offer you the choice between the following:

• re-routing as soon as possible;

• re-routing at a later date at your convenience; or

• a refund.

If you choose the first option (re-routing as soon as possible) then your airline must provide you with care and assistance while you wait for the alternative flight. Care and assistance comprises of:

• meals and refreshments in reasonable relation to the waiting time;

• hotel accommodation where an overnight stay becomes necessary;

• transport between the hotel accommodation and the airport;

• two free telephone calls/access to email.

If your airline does not provide the care and assistance described above, passengers should make their own reasonable arrangements and retain all receipts in the process. Passengers are advised to then submit copies of these receipts to their airline for reimbursement.

CLAIMS

If you need to make a claim for expenses, refunds or compensation, contact the airline directly. If you do not agree with their decision, you can refer the matter to the Commission for Aviation Regulation and we will deal with it at no cost to yourself. Details of our complaint process can be found on www.flightrights.ie.

It is important to remember that the Air Passenger Rights team in the Commission only deals with flights departing from Ireland and that expenses, refunds and compensation claims should be made initially to the airline.

For flights that do not depart from Ireland, you should contact the relevant National Enforcement Body where the flight departed. A list of other relevant national enforcement bodies can be found https://transport.ec.europa.eu/transport-themes/passenger-rights/national-enforcement-bodies-neb_en.