Aer Lingus Missed Flight Policy

Overview

If you miss an Aer Lingus flight, the airline's policies outline specific consequences and options. Missing a flight without prior notification may lead to being classified as a "no-show," which can result in the cancellation of your entire itinerary, including connecting or return flights. Below are the key details of the missed flight policy.

Consequences of Missing a Flight

No-Show Policy: If you do not show up for your scheduled flight without notifying Aer Lingus in advance, you will be considered a "no-show." This results in the automatic cancellation of all subsequent flights in your itinerary, including return or connecting flights, without a refund.
Non-Refundable Fares: For non-refundable fare types (e.g., Saver, Smart, or Plus), you are not entitled to a refund of the ticket price if you miss your flight. However, you can claim a refund of government taxes and charges within 30 days of the flight date, though a refund administration fee may apply.
Flexible Fares: If you have a flexible fare (e.g., Flex or Business Flex), you may be able to reschedule your flight to a later date with minimal cost, subject to availability and fare differences.

Options if You Miss a Flight

Rebooking: If you miss your flight, you may be able to rebook on the next available flight, subject to availability. Rebooking typically incurs a fee (e.g., a change fee plus any fare difference). For example, a passenger was rebooked for a $200 fee in a similar situation. Contact Aer Lingus customer service immediately to explore rebooking options.
Tax Refund: You can request a refund of government taxes and charges within 30 days of the missed flight. This can be done online via the Aer Lingus website. A refund administration fee may apply.
Travel Insurance: If you have travel insurance, check if it covers rebooking fees or other expenses related to missing a flight. You may need to provide documentation, such as proof of delay or cancellation from the airline.
Airport Assistance: If you miss a flight due to circumstances beyond your control (e.g., a delayed connecting flight on a separate ticket), speak to an Aer Lingus representative at the airport. While they are not obligated to assist, they may offer rebooking options for a fee, depending on availability and the agent’s discretion.

Missed Connecting Flights

If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay in an earlier leg:

Same Booking: If both flights are on the same Aer Lingus booking, the airline will typically rebook you on the next available flight at no additional cost and may provide compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 if the delay exceeds 3 hours at your final destination.
Separate Tickets: If the flights are on separate bookings, Aer Lingus is not obligated to assist, and you may need to purchase a new ticket or pay a rebooking fee.
At Dublin Airport: If your connecting flight is disrupted, visit the "Flight Connections" desk at Dublin Airport for assistance with rebooking and baggage transfer.

How to Avoid No-Show Consequences

Cancel in Advance: If you know you cannot make your flight, cancel it in advance through the Aer Lingus website, mobile app, or by contacting customer service. This may allow you to receive a voucher for future travel or avoid losing the entire booking.
Arrive Early: Aer Lingus recommends arriving 2–2.5 hours before departure for flights within Europe and 3–3.5 hours for transatlantic flights to account for check-in, security, and potential delays.
Check-In Online: Check in online up to 30 hours before departure to secure your boarding pass and reduce the risk of issues at the airport.

Compensation and EU/UK Regulations

If you miss a flight due to an airline-related issue (e.g., a delay or cancellation caused by Aer Lingus), you may be eligible for compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 or UK Regulation 261, depending on your flight’s departure or arrival location. Compensation can be up to €600 (£520 for UK flights) if:

The flight arrives at your destination more than 3 hours late.
The disruption is due to reasons within the airline’s control (e.g., operational issues, not weather or air traffic control).

Claims can be submitted online via the Aer Lingus website or through third-party services like AirAdvisor or Skycop.