Overview
Aer Lingus offers a flexible flight change policy to accommodate changes in travel plans. Passengers can modify their bookings online or through customer service, subject to specific conditions and fees based on fare type and route.
Key Policy Highlights
- Eligible Tickets: Most tickets, except certain promotional or economy saver fares, are eligible for changes.
- Time Constraint: Changes can be made up to two hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Fare Difference: If the new flight is more expensive, passengers must pay the fare difference. No refund or credit is provided if the new flight is cheaper.
- Change Fees: Fees vary by fare type and route. Some fare types, such as Flex, Business, and Business Flex, may have change fees waived, though fare differences apply.
- Same-Day Changes: Same-day changes are permitted for a fee, provided the new flight departs within 24 hours of the original flight and has the same origin, destination, and number of stops.
- Origin Restriction: Changes are allowed only from the same country of origin.
- Travel Completion: All travel must be completed within one year of the original booking date.
- Non-Transferable Extras: Travel extras like seat selection, priority boarding, or pre-purchased meals are non-transferable and must be rebooked for the new flight.
- Third-Party Bookings: If booked through a travel agent or third-party, changes must be made through the original booking source.
- Name Changes: Name changes are permitted for a fee on Aer Lingus-operated flights, up to two hours before departure, but not for bookings involving other airlines.
How to Change Your Flight
Online:
- Visit the Aer Lingus website and navigate to the "Manage Trip" section.
- Enter your booking reference number and last name.
- Select the flight you wish to change and choose a new flight.
- Review any applicable fees or fare differences and confirm the changes.
Offline:
- Contact Aer Lingus customer service via phone or social media.
- Visit an Aer Lingus ticket desk at the airport for assistance.
Special Circumstances
- Schedule Changes by Airline: If Aer Lingus changes your flight schedule, you may be rebooked on the next available flight, and change fees may be waived. Compensation may be available under EU Regulation 261/2004 for significant disruptions.
- COVID-19 Flexibility: Change fees were waived for bookings affected by COVID-19 restrictions until September 30, 2022, with only fare differences applied.
- Bereavement: In case of a death in the immediate family, a full refund or free change up to 45 days may be granted upon presenting a death certificate.
Additional Notes
- Bookings involving partner airlines or group bookings cannot be changed online and require contacting Aer Lingus or the original booking agent.
- Baggage allowances transfer to the new flight, but other extras must be rebooked.
- For flights to/from the USA, Canada, or the Caribbean, cancellations within 24 hours of booking (made at least seven days before departure) qualify for a full refund.
