Aer Lingus

Details

In the face of intense competition from Ryanair, especially for flights between London and Dublin, Aer Lingus have had to cut costs dramatically, being one of the first European "legacy" airlines to stop giving out free drinks and snacks on shorthaul flights. Additionally, Aer Lingus have also been trying to push their customers towards direct booking via their aerlingus.com website, and consequently, many of their best deals on flights within Europe are not always available through internet travel agents such as Expedia or Ebookers.

The airline's fortunes were dramatically turned around by former chief executive Willie Walsh, who then moved on to tackle the British Airways unions. Prices on Aer Lingus flights to Ireland have become extremely competitive with Ryanair. Although Ryanair might always offer cutthroat competition during times when demand is low, it should never be assumed they will always be cheaper. In cities such as Glasgow and London, Aer Lingus offer the considerable advantage of using major airports which are closer to the city centre, and on other routes Aer Lingus offer a higher frequency of service.

Aer Lingus' long-haul route network is focused almost solely on transatlantic flights, with an unsurprising focus on cities with a large Irish population such as Boston and New York. Flights to the USA with Aer Lingus offer the huge advantage of being able to clear US immigration at Dublin airport, although this is often counterbalanced by the fact that many of these flights involve a time-consuming stop in Shannon.

Airline Profile

If you couldnt tell from the name a suppression of Aer-Loingeas, or air fleet in Gaelic Aer Lingus is Irelands national flag carrier, and has been ever since its formation in 1936. These days, the company forms the second largest operator in the Emerald Isle after Ryanair although as Ryanair presently owns a stake of nearly one third in Aer Lingus, and as the two airlines control more than 80% of all flights from Dublin Airport between them, that statistic may just be moot. Aer Lingus, for its part, flies to destinations across Europe, North America and northern Africa, with a separate brand Aer Lingus Regional, run in association with Aer Arann shuttling between Ireland and selected UK regional airports.

On its European routes, the company has adopted a similar one-class-fits-all model to that of Ryanair, with additional costs for baggage check-in and seat reservations. The policy has provoked a few grumbles most of which come with the territory, it has to be said yet most travellers appear satisfied that Aer Lingus has maintained its previous high standards. Particular plus points include good value for money, quick boarding times, friendly staff, tasty all-Irish breakfasts.

A small, shamrock-adorned gem that risks being overlooked behind louder-mouthed, better-subscribed budget operators, Aer Lingus in fact provides the best of both worlds: a good value airline that offers a thoroughly traditional service.

Quick Facts

  • Airline Code: EI
  • Alternative Name: Air Lingus, Irish Airlines, Air Ireland, Fly Aer Lingus
  • Type: ASC

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