Aer Arann » Economy » User reviews

TominScotland flew Aer Arann Economy, on a ATR 72-500 (31/03/2012 10:35)

This review refers to the Aer Lingus service from Glasgow to Dublin, operated by Are Arann and the same-day return leg.

I had printed all my boarding passes in advance so headed straight through Security at Glasgow for the 08.25 departure. There was a slight delay - after all, we are coming into the holiday season and this was clearly evident by the number of families in the queue.

I headed straight for Gate 8 at the end of what used to be the low-cost pier where Irish flights always depart. Seating there allowed me to read in comfort. The in-bound was on time and we were soon called to the gate.

The ATR is rear boarding via steps so the thing to remember that, for a fast get away, a high number seat is advisable - I had chosen 17D. We were airborne on time and inflight service for purchase was soon on offer - for such a short flight they always do really well with drinks (hot and cold), tasty sandwiches and snacks available plus an Irish newspaper.

We landed slightly ahead of time and taxied close to the Gate and deplaned via steps and into the departures hall. I was in my taxi and away 10 minutes later.

On the rerun, I was accompanied and started off with Bag Drop at Dublin Airport. Since the opening of the new Aer Lingus Terminal, what used to be the main terminal and which Aer Arann use for their franchise flights is very quiet so new queues to drop the bag or at Security.

Time for a quick snack and then we boarded by bus, only to find ourselves waiting while they resolved a technical issue and transferred us to another aircraft.

Take-off was, therefore, delayed by about 15 minutes and arrival, after the same service as in the morning, was about 10 minutes behind schedule. Seat choice (15D this time) is not so important on the return to Glasgow as all passengers are bussed in to the dedicated Irish Republic entrance to collect luggage and pass through customs - bus and the wait for luggage were quick and we were on our way.

With four return ATR flights a day, this service is way more flexible and, therefore, superior to the old once or twice daily A321. It is also well priced if you book well in advance and really the only option from Glasgow now that Ryanair have downgraded their service to, frequently, just one flight a day from Prestwick.

NTarrant flew Aer Arann Economy, on a ATR 42-300 (16/03/2012 18:16)

Check in at LCY was quick and easy, although I was not offered window or aisle, not that it was a bother as there were only 15 of us on the flight.

Calling to gate was on time and a bus was required to take us to the aircraft. The crew member was polite and friendly and welcoming. Seats are a little cramped and could have been a bit uncomfortable if someone had been sat next to me.

During the flight complimentry tea and coffee was served. I had a tea which was fine and was also given a KitKat which was most acceptable.

We arrived early at IOM and bags arrived within around two minutes of arriving at the belt.

All in all a good experience

mmolloy flew Aer Arann Economy (29/07/2010 11:38)

Flew Aer Arann from Luton to Galway on a one-class ATR 72/201 aircraft. 18 rows configured 2-2 (AC-DF), I was in seat 13D. Seat was in blue fabric with black leather armrests. Fold-down table and mag rack in front. Recline button in armrest. Found it quite comfy, legroom okay for me as I am short but I noticed it was tighter for other people. Exit seats at 13AC and 5DF offer more legroom. Toilet at back and you can board from front or back. Crew friendly and efficient. Snack pack consisting of a sandwich, packet of crisps and bottle of water was EUR3.50 which I thought was good value and the sandwich (chicken and stuffing) was nice.

Soft drinks EUR2, wine EUR5, beer EUR4, spirits EUR6. Newspapers were handed out but they had run out by the time they got to me. Took off and landed on time, enjoyable flight and it is a very handy service for this part of Ireland – Galway is a tiny airport but it is well run and Shannon and Knock are both quite a drive away.