Aer Lingus Compensation - What are my chances?

Dekota

This operator seemingly is highly reliable re no delays, but me and my mum travelled with them the first time last month and had a disappointing experience. Travelled from london.

Not being familiar with check-in time restrictions, having arrived at the airport around 45mins before flight departure, when I went to check-in, they told me I was too late to board the flight and they can't let me on because of rules. I was told I will have to re-purchase a 'rescue' ticket for the next flight scheduled. I admit, that not checking in on time because of being unaware is unacceptable and thats my fault. (Although I still think some attempt should have been made to get me on because there was 30mins left till departure)

I thought I'll be charged a reasonable sum having already had original tickets, I was charged 75 euros per person (150 euros) which I was shocked about.

The next flight was scheduled for 3.30pm set to land for 4.50pm. We made our way to the gates well in advance. Initially, the screen showed it will be delayed by 20mins, we waited, there was no aircraft at the gate in sight, it said it'll be delayed by a further 20mins, waited, another 15mins and then got an apology by the cabin crew and the aircraft arrived and had to wait further for passengers to vacate it. Having boarded on, we were told by the pilot there was a delay because of a mechanical fault on the aircraft and we will be further delayed because a part needs to be checked by an engineer. I knew at this point that my £40 national express ticket to get home from the airport had gone to waste and I'll have to buy another one. Having waited further, I looked behind my seat and saw about 6 seats empty - I don't understand why I should have been charged 150 euros extra when they had vacant seats anyhow. We got advised by the pilot that the part is being replaced and will be further delayed.

Suffice it to say, it wasnt worth the money we paid to travel with them - a 2hr 20 minute delay with minimum of apologies and a 5euro in flight food voucher didn't ease the pain.

Having verified that it was a 2hr 20min delay, is it worth while to try to claim for compensation and has anyone had success with aer lingus?

thanks

CobyBenson

Yes, others have had success with Aer Lingus.

Unfortunately your flight wouldn't qualify for compensation though so I wouldn't even waste the cost of a stamp.

Dekota

CobyBenson wrote: »

Yes, others have had success with Aer Lingus.

Unfortunately your flight wouldn't qualify for compensation though so I wouldn't even waste the cost of a stamp.

Thanks but the reason why I'm asking is because I saw this chart on the FAQ of the delay compensation page over here

Caz3121

that table refers to your arrival time after you are placed on an alternative flight following your original flight being cancelled

The fact that there were empty seats on the later flight does not entitle you to change to that flight for free unless you have a flexible ticket, otherwise you are bound by the ts & cs of the ticket you purchased

no compensation is due in your situation.