Aer Lingus offers passengers the flexibility to adjust their flight plans when necessary. However, such modifications usually come with a change fee and a fare difference. Hence, the total Aer Lingus flight change fee depends on the fare type, travel route, and the process to make the changes (online, via Guest Services, or at the airport). Understanding these fees and conditions ensures one can make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary costs.

When Can You Change an Aer Lingus Flight?

Aer Lingus allows changes to most bookings, but only if they meet certain eligibility requirements. Not all fares or routes permit modifications. So it is important to check before attempting to alter the trip.

You can change your Aer Lingus flight if:

  • The flight is operated by Aer Lingus or Aer Lingus Regional (not a partner airline).
  • It is booked directly through aerlingus.com, its mobile app, or the contact center.
  • The flyer is changing the date, time, or destination within the same travel region.
  • It includes Europe-to-Europe or Transatlantic-to-Transatlantic.
  • Changes are made at least two hours before the original departure time.
  • The new travel date must fall within one year of the original booking date.

You cannot change:

  • The origin airport of your booking.
  • Routes between Europe and North America.
  • Cabin class (e.g., Economy to Business) through “Manage Trip).
  • Flights booked through third-party travel agents (contact them directly).

Aer Lingus Flight Change Fee

The Aer Lingus flight change fee depends on the route and fare type. Making changes online is usually the most affordable option. While handling them at the airport or through customer service may cost more. Nonetheless, the change fee per person per flight is mentioned below. These charges apply only to Aer Lingus-operated flights.

  • Flights from Cork, Knock, and Shannon to London Heathrow
    • Online change – €49 / £45 / $55
    • Via Guest Services or airport – €50 / £40 / $80
  • All other flights within Europe
    • Online change – €40 / £35 / $60
    • Via Guest Services or airport – €50 / £40 / $80
  • Transatlantic flights (North America to Ireland/Europe)
    • Saver Fare (online) – €100 / £90 / $150
    • Saver Fare (Guest Services or airport) – €140 / £120 / $210
    • Smart Fare (online) – €59 / £55
  • Other related service fee
    • Name change – €100 / £80 / $157
    • Late check-in or missed departure- €75
    • Refund Administration Fee –  €12 / £12
    • Direct booking (via Guest Services or airport) – €20 / £13.50 / $20

Extra Charges for Aer Lingus Flight Changes

Beyond the base change fee, some additional costs may apply when you modify the booking with Aer Lingus.

  • Fare Difference: 
    • If the new flight’s fare is higher than the original, one will pay the difference.
    • Aer Lingus does not refund the difference if the new fare is lower.
  • Taxes and charges:
    • Government taxes and airport fees are not recalculated or refunded when you make a change.
  • Ancillary services:
    • Checked baggage allowance transfers automatically to your new flight.
    • Seats, meals, lounge access, and priority boarding must be rebooked separately.
    • Third-party services (such as car hotels or car rentals) are not automatically changed.
    • These must be managed directly with the provider.

How to Make Changes with Aer Lingus Flight?

Aer Lingus provides several ways to modify the flight. It depends on the platform where the flight is booked and what changes need to be made.

Online:

  • It can be done via the “Manage Trips” tab on the official website of Aer Lingus.
  • This method is the simplest and cheapest for eligible bookings.
  • Here, the following options are available:
    • Update travel date/destinations 
    • Pay the applicable fee or fare differences
    • Receive the updated itinerary

Through the Contact Center or Airport:

  • Communicate with airline/airport authorities if your booking involves:
    • Name change
    • Group reservation
    • Interline/partner airline connection
  • These types of changes can not be done online.
  • Also, one should be aware of the specific terminal of an airport to make any request.
  • For example, at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, one can head to Terminal 2.
  • At Dublin Airport, approach Terminal 1 to talk to the authorities.

After Check-in:

  • One can still make changes even after check-in.
  • To do so, contact the airport/airline officials.
  • But he/she will be offloaded from the original flight and must check in for the new one.

Key Rules to Remember While Changing Flights with Aer Lingus

Before you proceed with a booking modification, keep these important things in mind.

  • Each modification has a new change fee and fare recalculation.
  • Name changes are permitted only via the contact center.
  • These must be completed at least two hours before departure.
  • Once a flight is changed, it can not be reverted to the original without another fee.
  • Partner or codeshare flights must be changed through the airline that issued the original ticket.
  • For group bookings, only the travel organizer or agent can request changes.

To conclude, Aer Lingus applies a structured change fee policy to maintain flexibility. The fee depends upon the fare type, route, and method of change. Hence, always review the current fee schedule and ensure your fares allow modifications before proceeding.

FAQs

Can I change my Aer Lingus flight for free?

Yes, under certain fare types, including Advantage, Flex, or Business Fares, the itinerary change fee for an Aer Lingus flight is cancelled. One has to pay only the fare difference. 

How far in advance can I change my Aer Lingus flight?

One can make changes to one’s Aer Lingus flight up to 2 hours before scheduled departure.

Do I get a refund if I change my Aer Lingus flight to a cheaper one?

No, a flyer will not get any refund of the fare difference if the new fare is lower than the original fare.

Can I make multiple changes to my Aer Lingus flight?

Indeed, one can change his/her flight multiple times. But each change will incur an applicable change fee plus fare differences.

If my flight is changed by Aer Lingus, do I have to pay any fee?

No, if Aer Lingus initiates the schedule change, they may rebook the flyer on an alternate flight without charging a change fee.

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THE AUTHOR

Arthur Morena

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