Check in early for Aer Lingus flight, be allowed onto earlier flight?

eko

I have an Aer Lingus flight to LHR from Dublin scheduled for 17:00. If I showed up and checked in at the airport much earlier (say, 12:00), would they be able to get me onto an earlier flight, seat permitting? Or are they obligated to ensure I only travel on my designated flight?

Not a big deal really, just wondering how it worked.

Cheers!

godtabh

eko wrote: »

I have an Aer Lingus flight to LHR from Dublin scheduled for 17:00. If I showed up and checked in at the airport much earlier (say, 12:00), would they be able to get me onto an earlier flight, seat permitting? Or are they obligated to ensure I only travel on my designated flight?

Not a big deal really, just wondering how it worked.

Cheers!

I get the first flight to Manchester every monday. When I check in they give me the option of checking into any of the manchester flights. Never picked any of the late ones.

Trampas

eko wrote: »

I have an Aer Lingus flight to LHR from Dublin scheduled for 17:00. If I showed up and checked in at the airport much earlier (say, 12:00), would they be able to get me onto an earlier flight, seat permitting? Or are they obligated to ensure I only travel on my designated flight?

Not a big deal really, just wondering how it worked.

Cheers!

They use to let you move onto an earlier flight if room.

The benefit to AL is that it allows them to resell your seat as cost them nothing to put you on an earlier flight.

No harm in asking in the airport.

Worse they can say so no

Davidth88

Years ago , the answer would have been yes. I pulled this stunt with BMI for six months , I used to book onto the 21:15 on a Friday , turn up in time for the 17:15 and never failed to get on it.

However , recently ( last 3 years ) NO I am afraid not. I have had a number of occasions when getting an earlier flight would suit me, I ask at the airport and I am told .. of course you can , that will be xxx euro, to which I say no thanks.

However saying that in April my brother was flying here from LHR , it was foggy . He turned up about 2 hrs before his flight , was told your flight will be x hrs late due to fog , but the earlier flight is still here do you want toget on it. He arrived 1.5 hrs earlier than I was expecting him !

I think generally the answer is no however , Aer Lingus have learnt too much from Ryanair in that respect I am afraid ( ie turn this into a revenue opp )

eko

Thanks for the replies, guys. No harm in asking, I guess, but won't plan my schedule around it happening. Good to have.

Cheers!

carlow_kid

Never had much look changing flight at DUB or LHR. Best chance is when ops are in difficulty (typically due to weather).

teresasaunt

I flew back from the USA via LHR twice this year and was able to change flights to the earlier one on both occasions. I asked at the gate, never tried it at check-in.

(Ask for an exit row at the gate in LHR - they never charge you. Dublin can be hit or miss.)