Aer Lingus - Ireland's popular national carrier
Aer Lingus is Republic of Ireland's second largest carrier. It has followed the trend for low-cost flights, in direct competition with no-frills airlines like Ryanair, but a business class is offered on longhaul flights.
The airline dates back to the 1930's, when the first flight service started up between Dublin and Bristol.
Currently Aer Lingus concentrates on scheduled flights to the UK and a largely seasonal short-haul European flight network, plus 6 long-haul destinations to the United States.
|
Aer Lingus Routes and Destinations
Aer Lingus main base is in Dublin with the most flight choices from here, including to UK cities (London Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Jersey). Other hubs are at Belfast, Cork and London Gatwick. They offer a good choice of flights to many major European cities and Meditteranean holiday destinations.
Aer Lingus longhaul flights go to 6 destinations in the USA: Boston, Chicago, New York (JFK), Orlando, San Francisco and Washington (Dulles).
AerLingus Direct Routes from UK
Other Useful Information
| Booking tips and charges |
Aer Lingus is a no-frills ticketless airline, so keep safe your confirmation email and booking reference. Credit or Debit card handling fee costs £5 per person per flight, unless paid for by Visa Electron card. There is also an extra passenger surcharge on all flights to or from the USA, and an Irish Government Airport Departure Tax charged for departures from the Irish Republic.
Infants up to 2 years old may travel on a parent's lap for £19. |
| Seats |
Most of Aer Lingus legroom seat pitch is 31 inches. Specific seats may be reserved for a small fee, but otherwise a seat is allocated for you at check-in free of charge. Passengers requiring special assistance must call 0871 718 2021 (10p/min) at least 48 hours before flight.
|
| Food |
Meals are not free but can be purchased onboard during shorthaul flights. On longhaul flights, meals are included in the flight price.
|
| Baggage charges |
Free cabin hand luggage is maximum 10kg (56x45x25cms), extra small items such as a camera or handbag are allowed.
Aer Lingus check-in baggage allowance is 20kg, every kilo above that falls under excess baggage charges which will cost £9/kg at the airport, cheaper if booked online.
Check-in baggage costs £15 per bag per single flight, £10 if paid online. On longhaul flights the first bag up to 23kg is carried free but a second bag up to 23kg is charged £36 per single flight.
|
| Check-In |
Recommended check-in time for flights to Europe is 2.5 hours before flight, 3.5 hours for longhaul flights. All desks close 45 minutes before departure. Fast self-service kiosks are provided at some airports. Online check-in is also possible.
|
| Flight Changes |
No refunds for cancellations, but flight changes can be made up to 2 hours before flight departure and fees start from £28-£40 shorthaul and £65 longhaul per person per single flight. A name change costs £80. Aer Lingus website helpdesk telephone number for the UK is 0871 718 2020, (10p/min).
|
| Reviews |
According to Skytrax surveys, many passengers approve of Aer Lingus food, amount of legroom, friendly and helpful staff and value for money fares. Another advantage is the allocated seating which avoids a scrum during boarding.
|
| Fleet |
Aer Lingus uses all Airbus aircraft, with Airbus 320 for short haul flights and Airbus 330 used for long-haul routes. |
Back to Low Fare Airlines Guides
|
|
