Here's what you're entitled to if your Aer Lingus flight is cancelled due to strikes

According to the IAA, if your flight is cancelled or is subject to a long delay due to industrial action by pilots at Aer Lingus you are entitled to your choice of a refund or re-routing to your destination, with care and assistance while awaiting rerouting and compensation. 

Flight cancellations 

Air passengers have rights under EU regulation EC261/2004, which includes the following: 

In the event that your flight is cancelled then your air carrier must offer you the choice between the following:  

• re-routing as soon as possible 
• re-routing at a later date at your convenience: or 
• a refund 

If you choose the first option (re-routing as soon as possible) then your air carrier must provide you with care and assistance whilst you wait for the alternative flight.

Care and assistance comprises: 

• meals and refreshments in reasonable relation to the waiting time 
• hotel accommodation where an overnight stay becomes necessary 
• transport between the hotel accommodation and the airport 
• two free telephone calls/access to email 

Flight delays 

If your flight is subject to a long delay (over 2/3/4 hours depending on destination), your airline must provide you with the same care and assistance as for flight cancellations. 

In addition, if your flight is delayed by more than 5 hours, it must offer you the choice between: 

• continuing with your journey: or 
• a refund of the cost of your ticket 

If your airline does not provide the appropriate care and assistance, passengers should make their own reasonable arrangements and retain all receipts in the process. 

Passengers are advised to then submit copies of these receipts to the air carrier for reimbursement. 

Compensation 

According to the IAA, compensation is payable in certain circumstances where the cause of the delay or cancellation is within the control of the airline.

Industrial action by the airline’s own staff is considered within its control. 

However, you are not due compensation if the airline gives you 2 weeks’ notice of the cancellation.  

If you receive between 7 days and 2 weeks’ notice and your arrival times are later than 4 hours on the reroute, then you may be due compensation from the airline. 

You are entitled to compensation if you receive less than 7 days’ notice and your arrival times are later than 2 hours on the reroute.  

The amount of compensation payable depends on the distance of the flight. If the flight is classed as:

• short haul, the amount payable is €250 per person
• medium haul, the amount payable is €400 per person
• long haul, the amount payable is €600 per person 

In situations where an air carrier is unable to provide a suitable alternative flight and passengers travel at their own expense with an alternative air carrier, the original air carriers liability is limited to a full refund of the original flight costs. 

Compensation may also be due.