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How to Complain to Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus says customers who were unhappy with any part of their experience can use its online complaints form. It also offers separate online forms for delay or cancellation compensation under EU Regulation 261 and for expenses caused by disruption. No response time was stated on the pages read.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Complaining to Aer Lingus
How to Complain
Aer Lingus says customers who were unhappy with any part of their experience can use its online complaints form. It also offers separate online forms for delay or cancellation compensation under EU Regulation 261 and for expenses caused by disruption. No response time was stated on the pages read. source
When the UK Rules Apply
Which Flights Are Covered
UK flight rules (UK261) cover flights leaving a UK airport on any airline, flights arriving in the UK on an EU or UK airline, and flights arriving in the EU on a UK airline. source
Connecting Flights
Connecting flights on a single booking are judged by the distance between your first and last airports. Separate bookings (self-transfer) have no statutory right to care, compensation or onward transport for the missed connection. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 3 hoursDelay that qualifies for compensationMore than 3 hours late arriving at your final destination
- 2 to 4 hoursCare and assistance for a delayFrom 2 hours (under 1,500 km), 3 hours (1,500 to 3,500 km) or 4 hours (over 3,500 km)
- 5 hoursChoose a refund instead of travellingIf the delay is at least 5 hours
- 14 daysCompensation for a cancellationOnly if you were told less than 14 days before departure
- 6 yearsLegal claim for compensationGenerally 6 years in England and Wales, 5 years in Scotland (the CAA page does not state a limit, so check before you wait)
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Gather your evidence: order, account or booking number, dates, receipts, screenshots, emails and notes of calls.
Step 2 of 5
Complain to Aer Lingus in writing using the route below, and ask for a complaint reference. Say what went wrong, what you want, and by when (14 days is reasonable). Our free letter templates can write it for you.
Step 3 of 5
Keep a record of every contact: dates, names and reference numbers. Use email or a form where you can, so you have proof.
Step 4 of 5
If you are not getting anywhere, ask for a final response in writing.
Step 5 of 5
If it is still not put right, ask your card provider about Section 75 or chargeback, or get free advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies. All are free.
Aer Lingus Complaints
Always start here, in writing.
Ask About An ADR Scheme
We could not confirm a general ombudsman or ADR scheme for Aer Lingus from its own pages. If it cannot settle your complaint, ask it in writing which approved ADR provider it uses.
Aer Lingus Compensation or Delay Claims
The official page from Aer Lingus.
Your Card Provider
If you paid by card, Section 75 (credit card) or chargeback (debit card) may help.
Citizens Advice Consumer Service
Free advice. It can pass a report to Trading Standards.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
The Aer Lingus pages read did not name an ADR scheme for UK passengers.
Keep your booking confirmation, boarding passes and receipts for extra costs.
For a long delay, cancellation or denied boarding on a flight covered by UK261, compensation of £220, £350 or £520 may be payable depending on distance (on flights over 3,500 km it is £260 if you arrive 3 to 4 hours late), unless extraordinary circumstances applied.
For damaged baggage, make a written claim within 7 days. For delayed baggage, within 21 days.
Consumer Protection UK is independent and is not connected to Aer Lingus. This guide uses information published by Aer Lingus and the schemes named here. All product names, logos and brands are property of their respective owners.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 12 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- aerlingus.com/support/customer-care/requests-and-enquiries Checked 4 October 2026
- aerlingus.com/support/customer-care/contact-us Checked 4 October 2026
- caa.co.uk/passengers/resolving-travel-problems/delays-and-cancellations/cancellations Checked 12 October 2026
- caa.co.uk/passengers/resolving-travel-problems/delays-and-cancellations/delays Checked 12 October 2026