I think the extra charges for seating with no added advantage and the added charges for baggage are excessive compared to other airlines.
I had zero issues with the flight. I did have issues with the staff at the airport. We missed out flight due to a delay with another airline. Talking to the staff and trying to get a new flight arranged was challenging. One guy was able to try to help us and got us on a new flight, but other staff was dismissive and clearly let us know it wasn’t their problem. All I kept thinking was… this is why air lingus has such a poor customer service reputation. I will be avoiding this airline in the future.
I liked that I went thru customs in Dublin instead of having to do that in LA.
Aer Lingus unfortunately seems more like a budget airline than a national carrier. The plane was fine. The crew seemed a bit hurried and without that Irish charm (which may be an inappropriate stereotype and maybe not to be expected on a long international flight but other carriers seem to pull it off). My biggest complaint was that my gold status on Alaska Airlines--which gets me into lounges with BA and other partner airlines--was not accepted at lounges in Rome or Dublin, despite Aer Lingus on paper anyway partnering with Alaska. But the flight itself through Kayak was several hundred dollars cheaper than others, so overall, the right decision. Also, be aware that US customs on flights from Dublin occurs in Dublin (like Canadian airports) so if you have a connection or are just departing from Ireland, give yourself enough time (up to 30 minutes) to negotiate all of the lines. Still better than going through customs in the US after a 10 hour flight.
Fast and sensible boarding was absolutely amazing. But extortionate wifi and seats that barely moved, making me unable to sleep, didn't do a lot of favors.
Dinner was fabulous. Would have enjoyed a wine with it. None offered... for sale??? Breakfast was disappointing but adequate amount of food.
Conveyer belt at the check in area stopped working and check in process was significantly slowed down.
A caveat, we flew during the ransomware attack that hacked the boarding and luggage tracking systems. I wouldn't ever be angry at the employees for that, but I WOULD be (and am) angry that communication was incredibly poor, that we got few live updates, and that the employees seemed uninformed and ill-equipped to handle the situation. Clear, honest, open communication and instructions would have benefited the situation. Unfortunately, there were literally no gate agents to talk to, no airport employees to direct people, and no clear signage (the app pretty much said "we don't know what gate your flight is."). Beyond this nightmare, the security was the usual dehumanizing circus of "Security Theater" which is... as we all know... only for show and completely useless. All three airports on this journey dropped the ball so hard. The flight industry can do so much better. Aer Lingus can do so much better.
I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the services of the airline since flying is not my favorite thing. My goal was to be with my brother's family in Manchester after his death. All staff was helpful, the food appreciated since I selected an overnight flight. Every aspect of the experience was comforting. I plan to return to Manchester in order to attend my brother's funeral in October and hope that I am able to find a reasonable priced flight. Thank you
The worst Terrible Late for connecting flights. Made flight without luggage! I am still waiting for my luggage to be returned! I paid premium for this flight. My luggage should have been flown to Hartford instead they keep telling me it was put on a jet blue flight and is in New York! I flew Hartford to avoid New Yofk! The flight over was also unpleasant. We were stuck in a bus at Edinburgh airport for 30 minutes then our luggage again could not be found! Very poor service. Very disappointed . I need my luggage to be returned. Shirley Baliki 42 Blaine Sreet Fairfield CT
