If your Aer Lingus Flight Delay Compensation for over three hours, you may be entitled to financial compensation under EU law. Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 grants passengers the right to claim up to €600 if the delay was within the airline’s control. Whether it's a short-haul or long-haul flight, knowing your rights puts you in a stronger position to demand what you’re owed. Don’t settle for travel vouchers unless they match your full entitlement.
Before you start the process, it’s important to understand if your situation qualifies. To claim Aer Lingus delay compensation, your flight must:
Be delayed by 3+ hours at arrival
Originate in the EU or be operated by an EU carrier arriving into the EU
Be disrupted due to issues within the airline’s control
If your flight meets these conditions, you're legally entitled to compensation for lost time and inconvenience.
Filing a compensation claim with Aer Lingus is easier than you think. First, gather your flight information, including the booking reference, flight number, and arrival times. Next, visit the Aer Lingus claims portal or use a verified compensation tool. Clearly state the reason for the delay and how it impacted your journey. If your claim is rejected, you can escalate it to national enforcement bodies or legal services.
4. Aer Lingus Flight Delays Due to Technical Issues
Delays caused by technical problems are often within the airline’s responsibility. If your Aer Lingus flight was delayed because of a mechanical issue, you can usually claim under EU 261. Don’t be misled by claims that technical faults are “extraordinary circumstances.” Courts have repeatedly ruled that they are foreseeable and preventable, making them valid reasons for compensation.
The amount of compensation you receive depends on the flight distance and duration of the delay. Short-haul flights (under 1,500 km) qualify for €250, while long-haul flights (over 3,500 km) qualify for €600. For example, a delayed flight from Dublin to London has a smaller payout than a delayed flight from Dublin to Boston. Make sure you check your flight category before submitting a claim.
6. Flight Delay vs. Flight Cancellation: What’s the Difference?
Many passengers confuse flight delays with cancellations, but each has its own rules. If Aer Lingus delayed your flight by several hours, you’re eligible for delay compensation. If your flight was cancelled and you were notified less than 14 days before departure, you could claim cancellation compensation, depending on your rebooking options. Both scenarios fall under EU 261 protections.
Even if your Aer Lingus flight departs from the United States or Canada, you can still be eligible for compensation if your final destination is in the EU. As long as Aer Lingus operates the flight, and it's EU-regulated, passengers are covered under the EU 261 framework. This includes routes like New York to Dublin or Toronto to Shannon.
To ensure your Aer Lingus compensation claim is successful, prepare the following:
Booking confirmation and flight details