Aer Lingus Announces Free Unlimited Changes to Summer 2021 Flights

With the hopes of bringing more flyers to the Emerald Isle this year, Aer Lingus is extending their change policy to all tickets throughout the summer of 2021. All fares booked before Sept. 30, 2021 qualify for free, unlimited changes between booking and up to two hours before scheduled departure.

As travelers look forward to seeing the world again now that several COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed, Irish carrier Aer Lingus wants to welcome flyers back to the Emerald Isle on a timetable that works best for them. For all tickets booked before Sept. 30, 2021, the airline is offering full flexibility across all fare classes.

Flexibility Applied to Saver, Plus, Smart and Advantage Fares

Under the promotion, flyers are allowed to make unlimited changes to their bookings to any flight departing on or before Dec. 31, 2021. Bookings and changes must be made before Sept. 30, 2021, and a fare difference may apply if you select a more expensive flight. Flights can be booked directly on the Aer Lingus website.

If you decide to cancel your trip outright, you can either request a refund, or exchange the value of your ticket for a voucher. Cash refunds are available for Advantage, Flex, Business, or Business Flex fares. Flyers can apply for a refund on the the airline website.

For all other ticket classes, including Saver, Plus and Smart fares, flyers can cancel their trip and request a travel voucher. Aer Lingus vouchers are applied within 30 days of request, and can be used to purchase flights, or pay for bag fees, advance seat selection or single-use lounge passes.

The moves are part of an overall change to Aer Lingus’ fees, as they work to encourage new bookings in a post-Coronavirus outbreak world. Aer Lingus offers a 24-hour fare lock for a small fee, along with a split payment option: flyers can pay a 50 percent deposit at the time of booking, followed by the remaining balance 60 days before the departure date.

With New Year, Travel Brands Offer More to Encourage Travel

Aer Lingus’ flexibility promotion is one of many being offered by travel brands, as they hope to begin their pathways to recovery. Hilton Honors announced their Points Unlimited promotion to open 2021, offering recurring bonuses of 2,000 points per stay and 5,000 points after five stays, while Choice Hotels is partnering with Penn National Gaming to extend loyalty benefits to the casino hotels.