If you were at the counter more than 75 minutes before departure then you have every right to be upset, and you could even pursue involuntarily denied boarding compensation. If you weren’t at the counter at least 75 mins before then I am sorry this is a giant learning experience.

You got there too late OP. Usually check in closes 60 minutes before, but it’s earlier in DUB I think bc of the US preclearance. That’s too bad luck and responsibility to know that. Plus Aer Lingus is basically a discount airline and they will never refund you. So you are SOL on that. Just suck it up as a learning experience and do your homework next time.

It's not Aer Lingus' fault that you booked 3rd party.

Ugh I’m sorry and sorry for all the rude posters.
I’m also curious how far ahead you had to be there/when it actually closed. Also that they didn’t allow you to check in online?

I'm sorry this happened to you, OP. I like to arrive 3 hrs early for my international flights, and try not to book with 3rd parties (even though I've done so many times).

I hope you can get a partial reimbursement.

We flew out of Dublin today via a code share United/Aer Lingus flight. My experience with Dublin is that you have to be there 3-4 hours early, especially if you are going through US preclearance. We had an 11:30 flight today and arrived at 8am. We bought the fast track and have global entry too. The queues are ridiculous and the process sucks - we stood in no less than 4 queues before boarding the plane. Wishing you a better experience on your next flight.

Anonymous wrote:2.5 hours is plenty early. How long were you in line for OP?

We flew American and did have bags to check (we had already checked in for flight) and it was utter utter ridiculsous waiting for the one person to do all the bags. Slowly. Almost missed the flight.

American might be the problem here.

Right.
Line was 45 mins. Was still
Within the 75 min guideline suggested on website to check in..

2.5 hours is plenty early. How long were you in line for OP?

We flew American and did have bags to check (we had already checked in for flight) and it was utter utter ridiculsous waiting for the one person to do all the bags. Slowly. Almost missed the flight.

American might be the problem here.

OP here. I was doing 3 different legs. Was easier to use one website.
Don’t lots of people use Travelocity, Expedia, smart fares etc?

Should’ve shown up to the airport earlier and booked directly through the airline. Nobody to blame except yourself.

The lesson is don’t book through a discount third party. Bet you were pretty pleased you got a cheap fare but then look what happened.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow. That's horrible.

What is the 3rd party? A discounter?

Yeah Smart Fares. Found tickets online thru them.

You get what you pay for.

Anonymous wrote:Wow. That's horrible.

What is the 3rd party? A discounter?

Yeah Smart Fares. Found tickets online thru them.

Wow. That's horrible.

What is the 3rd party? A discounter?

Supposed to leave Dublin today. Got to airport 2.5 hours early. No bags to check but told to stand in line, can’t use machine for American flight booked thru 3rd party. Get to check in person. Told flight closed 4 mins prior. No leeway. Told to go to ticket desk. They told me next flight avail is 2 days. I begged, anyway to get on flight. We have 2 seats paid for. I’m then told flight is full my seats are gone because flight was overbooked.
Had to buy brand new ticket on United for tomorrow. That cost $2,500 plus expenses for extra night stay etc.
I have a child with me. I was so upset I was in tears but now I’m angry.
No idea the flight closed that far in advance of actual take off.
Aer Lingus online won’t help because booked thru 3rd party. There is no customer service email either. It’s madness. I did call, no help there either, they said go online to fill in refund form which I can’t do…..
Terrible customer service.