Aer Lingus

✅ Verified Review | Shannon to Boston: Booked with Aer Lingus as it was a direct flight to Boston from Shannon, getting through Shannon was a breeze with little or no queue at check in or security and the added bonus of clearing US immigration before you leave Ireland. The flight was only over half full so there was plenty of room to stretch out, particularly in the back cabin, as most passengers were up in the middle cabin. The seat was comfortable for the flight, with the only downside compared to United is Aer Lingus don’t have a headrest that you can adjust to your height. After takeoff the crew handed out a small lunch menu and then offered a drink and packet of pretzels (there was a charge for alcoholic drinks but soft drinks were free), this was followed by the main course. I chose to upgrade my meal on my booking to the steak meal, which was worth it as it was served before the rest of the cabin, was on Porcelain with a bottle of wine included, this was then followed by a tea/coffee after dinner. There was a decent choice of movies and tv shows provided on the AVOD system, and prior to landing a sandwich and a Butlers chocolate bar were handed out. I found the crew on the flight friendly and responsive to customer requests throughout the flight. The flight landed ahead of time into the Jet Blue Terminal in Boston, which is more cramped than Terminal E, which they previously used. Overall a good experience with Aer Lingus, their onboard service has improved over the last time and I used them and the crews I found friendly and helpful.

✅ Verified Review | We were loaded promptly at 11.50am and the seat was comfortable enough and reasonable space for the short flight to Dublin. The seats were leather and the flight was full. Once onboard the captain announced a delay in our flight and said that we had been given a slot for 13:45. As we were on the plane, there was no option but to sit and wait. I don't know why they do this. Why board us? On arrival to Dublin, there was a last minute gate change, which kept us on the tarmac for a few moments longer as there wasn't an airport marshal available at the gate to guide the aircraft to stand. Once at the gate there wasn't any OCS personnel available for my wheelchair assist and I had to sit and wait for a full 35 minutes longer, whilst they arrived. Not a good day for Aer Lingus.

✅ Verified Review | Heathrow to Manchester via Dublin. This routing provided me with the cheapest option for my dates. The first leg was on a very comfortable A320. I had hand baggage only so through security and dashed to gate 21 in time for boarding. At the gate priority boarding had begun and it was nice to see this being enforced. The pilot and first officer (both females) provided routing information several times during this short 52 minute hop to Dublin. The cabin crew provided their onboard service with a surprisingly large uptake, however sitting in row 15 I was one of the first to be served a tasty Irish breakfast for just €10. I whipped around T2 in Dublin via flight connections and was soon back in the departure lounge for my 12:15 flight to Manchester. Boarding was announced from gate 337 for 10:45. A little early if you ask me and it didn't actually get away until 12 so lots of sitting around but plenty of seats. This flight is operated by Stobart Air but everything is very similar except the aircraft. They boarded by row numbers this time so sitting in 13D I waited till last. The flight was not full but the plane was old. The crew brushed over the safety demonstration and we didn't hear from the cockpit at any point but we soon were up late and after 22 minutes were safely on the ground. The crew weren't very good they just offered the bare minimum. Overall the A320 was very good with professional service however I don't think I will be recommending their regional partner anytime soon.

Shannon to New York with Aer Lingus. We travelled as a family of 4 with 2 young children, 3 year old and 1 year old. We had a good flight on way to New York. On the return flight my 1 year old was tired and ratty, we were travelling over night, the flight crew were excellent, so helpful and attentive, it made our journey much easier, definitely should be complimented on their good work.

Overall we had a good experience flying Aer Lingus from JFK to Dublin for the first time. It's better to get two seats on the sides of the aircraft. The middle section does not have a lot of leg room and can be a bit uncomfortable during a long flight. Unfortunately, you cannot pick your seats when booking. The staff were extremely nice and helpful.

✅ Verified Review | Dublin to Washington with Aer Lingus. A dire experience - more akin to flying transatlantic 20 years ago. The food required cross-checking to the menu to see precisely what you were being served. They charge for even the first alcoholic drink. The entertainment system represented a selection of programmes/music from the 'bargain bin' of a now-defunct high street shop. There was a pathetic amount of leg room which, when you upgrade for more space - you get the joy of sitting next to the inflatable chute, and so get less space. Perhaps no surprise, the plane was 17 years old (according to the stewardess) - meaning that the overall appearance was in keeping with the experience, though was so poor relative to today's expectations.

Chicago to Dublin. My travelling partner had pre-arranged a wheel chair. On one segment of the flight of the flight, she had to be lifted onto the plane via the equipment used to load the food. It was apparent that no one was aware that she could not use the exterior steps. Upon arriving in Dublin after initially departing from Chicago, there were no personnel with a wheel chair. We had originally ordered one for myself as well, but chose to opt out. I had to carry my own bags while pushing her in the chair as assistance was unavailable. Those were my primary concerns, but in addition the food was sub par to say the least. What marketing person decided that a ham and cheese sandwich would make a gourmet breakfast? In summation, we will no longer consider Aer Lingus to be an option when travel plans include overseas flights.

✅ Verified Review | Dublin to Heathrow. Over the last few months I have travelled quite often for business and family purposes. This flight stood out. I had a very early check-in and found the staff on the check-in desk to be remarkably friendly and helpful too. Boarding was for a change, organised and well managed and the cabin crew were very welcoming too. One cabin crew member remembered me from a previous flight and went out of her way to make a conversation with me. I appreciated that. Drinks and snacks were for sale and the staff worked very hard to make the flight enjoyable and memorable. The crew of this Aer Lingus flight won me over and I will book Aer Lingus again in the future.

✅ Verified Review | Boston to Dublin. For a trip to Ireland I selected Are Lingus and had high expectation. However, this was one of the worst overseas flights I have been on. Food service was poor. The portions were tiny and not very tasty. They managed to make a bland chicken curry. No complementary beer or wine, in fact on a seven hour flight they have you one chance to buy a drink about half an hour before dinner service and announced that if you wanted a drink with dinner this was you one and only chance. Getting water was a challenge and what they gave you was a tiny sealed cup. The worst of all was on the flight to Dublin. It was a morning arrival and they passed out little snack boxes. When asked for coffee we were told they don't serve coffee on flights that get in in the morning - no morning coffee is unbelievable. When they finally picked up after dinner trash they has a large cardboard box on a serving cart they pushed down the aisle. Coming back there was a 90 minute delay, after the plane was towed to the gate. You would think that after that long a delay the cabin would be clean and ready for a seven hour flight - it was not. There was prior flight paper trash in the seat back pockets and the carpet looked like it needed a good cleaning. Flight attendant were efficient, but not very friendly. I plan to fly to Ireland again in the next year or two, but I will avoid Aer Lingus.

Aer Lingus, Dublin to Heathrow, 27 October 2016. This flight was a connection flight following on from a transatlantic flight with a different airline. This flight was delayed due to the inbound flight also being late arriving in from London. The delay was almost 1 hour which was tolerable. Boarding was not well managed and there was far too much luggage allowed into the cabin. The cabin crew seemed to rush the safety announcements and during the flight the priority seemed to be to sell as many drinks and snacks as possible. Disembarkation was also not well managed. I will however state that the ground staff and cabin crew were polite and civil. The hot drinks are far too expensive.