Ryanair and Aer Lingus refund policies as some European countries head into lockdown

As Covid cases across Europe continue to rise, some countries have decided to introduce lockdowns.

Countries such as Austria, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands are currently experiencing sharp increases in the incidence of Covid-19, with some choosing to implement harsher restrictions.

Holidaymakers now fear they will lose money on flights and accommodation that was booked months ago.

So, just what can you do if the country you intended on travelling to enters a lockdown.

Scenes at Terminal 1 Dublin Airport (Collins Photo Agency)

Ryanair

Refund Policy

Once a Ryanair flight is operational and does not have a delay exceeding 5 hours, it is impossible to get a refund.

All Ryanair flights are changeable, but they cannot be cancelled.

Flight dates/times/routes can be changed up to 2.5 hours before the flight departure time using 'My Bookings' unless you have already checked in, in which case you can contact an agents using live chat.

Can I change my flight?

Yes, you can, and you can do so in the 'My Bookings' section once you have retrieved your booking.

You cannot change a domestic flight to an international flight or vice versa due to VAT related issues.

You can change:

• your flight date/route up to 2.5 hours before your flight is scheduled to depart
• you can change the name on the flight up to 2 hours before your flight is scheduled to depart

What if your flight is cancelled?

If your flight has been cancelled, you will be notified by email and SMS and given the option of a travel voucher valid for 12 months or refund or rebook your journey.

Aer Lingus

If you booked on aerlingus.com and need to cancel a booking, you will be asked to fill out a Refund Request Form.

If your flight has been cancelled

If your flight has been cancelled, Aer Lingus will contact you directly.

If you have booked via Aer Lingus, you can:

• Apply for a voucher by filling in your details on the voucher request form. They will send you a voucher for the full value of your flight - fare, taxes & charges, and ancillary purchases.
• Change either the date or destination of your journey online. Aer Lingus will waive the itinerary change fees that would normally be associated with doing so if the change is up to 7 days before departure.
• If you change your travel plans to more expensive flights than your original booking, the price difference will still be charged.
• Name change and other fees may also still be applicable. To change your booking, go to the Manage Trip section on aerlingus.com and make the change prior to your original flight scheduled departure time.

If you want to change your flight

Aer Lingus offer the following option if you have booked via their website:

• Change your flight without a fee
• You can change the date of your trip using the Manage Trip section.
• Aer Lingus have waived the itinerary change fees on any changes made before 30 September 2022.
• You may change your flight up to 7 days before departure regardless of your fare type, but please note that a fare difference may apply.
• Name change and other fees may also still be applicable.