Dub - JFK

Clonmel1000

Hi All

Fly with Aer Lingus on this route for the first time shortly. Flight is at 10.50am EI105. Just wondering what type of plane we are likely to get and what peoples general opinions are of the experience awaiting us.

Thanks in advance

LXFlyer

That flight is operated by Airbus A330.

Seating is 2-4-2 in economy.

You can pre-order an upgraded meal here:
http://www.aerlingus.com/inflight-experience/inflight-dining/longhaul-economy/bia-pre-order/

roundymac

Is the problem/dispute with catering over?

martinsvi

normally people ask these questions before buying a ticket, what difference does it make now?

Anyway, my experience was very good.. the entertainment screens could use an upgrade because the touch screens can sometimes be a bit unresponsive meaning you can end up with a guy behind you literally punching it, which of course is super annoying, but other than that, no complaints, A330 with 2-4-2 feels quite roomy comparing to emirates 777 with 3-4-3 seating

Preset No.3

Do they have private tv's on these flights or is the overhead screen? Could you also tell me about the 5 course meal and the all I can drink onboard? :rolleyes:

Yamanoto

Too high a proportion of EI crew in the Y cabin often strike me as being aloof and uninterested, doing the bare minimum to get by and many times appearing put out by what you'd consider some fairly routine requests - an extra blanket here, a glass of water there or helping a passenger resolve an issue with their IFE.

This may just be my imagination (as I've never timed it), but they also seem to disappear en masse for a markedly longer period than their counterparts on DL, BA or UA. I'm a low maintenance flyer & require very little from the crew, but when you hop TATL with different carriers on a regular basis, the marked disparity in the tone and manner of the respective service does become quite apparent.

Big fan of EI's short haul product btw.

Clonmel1000

martinsvi wrote: »

normally people ask these questions before buying a ticket, what difference does it make now?

Anyway, my experience was very good.. the entertainment screens could use an upgrade because the touch screens can sometimes be a bit unresponsive meaning you can end up with a guy behind you literally punching it, which of course is super annoying, but other than that, no complaints, A330 with 2-4-2 feels quite roomy comparing to emirates 777 with 3-4-3 seating

Its just a query. I booked EI out of loyalty and support to our national airline. I'm quite looking forward to flying Transatlantic for the first time and was just curious to see what I could expect.

Preset No.3

Expect nothing, then you won't be disappointed!

Tenger

Yamanoto wrote: »

Too high a proportion of EI crew in the Y cabin often strike me as being aloof and uninterested, doing the bare minimum to get by and many times appearing put out by what you'd consider some fairly routine requests - an extra blanket here, a glass of water there or helping a passenger resolve an issue with their IFE. ...........

EI dont have blankets for 50% of pax on westbound flights.
Crew cannot fix IFE infight, they can press "reset" only, which doesn't always work.
EI have reduced crew to 5 in Y on the A330, which is less total crew than US carriers on a B757. The disappearance can sometimes attributed to doing duty free at other end of cabin. I have seen the 5 crew (2 flights so far this year to US with them) working in cabin bu non being visible at the front galley area (ie where we board)

cml387

Clonmel1000 wrote: »

Its just a query. I booked EI out of loyalty and support to our national airline. I'm quite looking forward to flying Transatlantic for the first time and was just curious to see what I could expect.

I suppose I'm of an age that still marvel at the ability to cross the Atlantic in an afternoon, and don't really quibble at the quality of the peanuts or the inflight movie. But there you are.


Enjoy the trip.

Preset No.3

Tenger wrote: »

EI dont have blankets for 50% of pax on westbound flights.
Crew cannot fix IFE infight, they can press "reset" only, which doesn't always work.
EI have reduced crew to 5 in Y on the A330, which is less total crew than US carriers on a B757. The disappearance can sometimes attributed to doing duty free at other end of cabin. I have seen the 5 crew (2 flights so far this year to US with them) working in cabin bu non being visible at the front galley area (ie where we board)

Although I don't want this to turn into a EI bash thread, how is 5 in Y enough? No disrespect to any hard working crew but in an emergency how could some young slip of a girl control 50 panicked people?

Growler!!!

Preset No.3 wrote: »

Although I don't want this to turn into a EI bash thread, how is 5 in Y enough? No disrespect to any hard working crew but in an emergency how could some young slip of a girl control 50 panicked people?

To push costs down airlines are reducing staff numbers down to the regulatory minimum unfortunately.

Preset No.3

Growler!!! wrote: »

To push costs down airlines are reducing staff numbers down to the regulatory minimum unfortunately.

Oh I know its happening but who decided 1 crew per 50 passengers?

billie1b

Preset No.3 wrote: »

Oh I know its happening but who decided 1 crew per 50 passengers?

Its Ryanairs fault!!

Growler!!!

Probably ICAO or some other regulatory body. No doubt in the 1950's.

Tenger

billie1b wrote: »

Its Ryanairs fault!!

Dont be bold

cruais

As said already, unfortunately airlines do their best to provide a service for minimum cost which starts with providing the minimum amount of crew.

Considering in 2007, the amount of cabin crew on a TA route was 10 now it reflects 8.

I flew with EI to Boston 6 months ago. It was apparent that the crew were run off their feet, and I can see how it may appear to passengers that they disappear at stages throughout the flight, but if the person looked behind them, they would see the crew working at the back of the cabin towards the front.

Op, its a good service. Majority of crew are friendly, you have your own individual screen for a film or game and you will hear an announcement that drinks are available in the middle of the plane if you are thirsty.

I never believe in pressing a call bell for a glass of water if the seat belt sign is off, i would rather walk to get it. its exercise. And also another reason I request an aisle seat!

Enjoy the trip!

Clonmel1000

Thanks cruais that's exactly the type of information I was looking for. Is there a complimentary meal given or do we pay? Are soft drinks or snacks available and free?

L1011

Clonmel1000 wrote: »

Thanks cruais that's exactly the type of information I was looking for. Is there a complimentary meal given or do we pay? Are soft drinks or snacks available and free?

Food and soft drinks are free, booze is pay.

http://www.aerlingus.com/inflight-experience/inflight-dining/longhaul-economy/economy-dining/

you need to prearrange anything beyond the ordinary food wise, e.g. vegan, halal, kosher.

jaymcg91

Customer service on EI is notoriously dreadful, DL **** all over them.

However it's your first transatlantic flight so you don't have higher standards from other carriers to be matched so - I reckon you'll have a great time .

cruais

Clonmel1000 wrote: »

Thanks cruais that's exactly the type of information I was looking for. Is there a complimentary meal given or do we pay? Are soft drinks or snacks available and free?

Meal provided. All comp except for alcohol and later during the flight you can buy crisps and chocolate etc but water and cokes etc are free.

Id bring a hoodie or cardigan as sometimes it can be a bit chilly

Dardania

cruais wrote: »

Meal provided. All comp except for alcohol and later during the flight you can buy crisps and chocolate etc but water and cokes etc are free.

Id bring a hoodie or cardigan as sometimes it can be a bit chilly

This is mad - any time I cross the Atlantic I always price EI, but end up with AA or United, and they offer free booze, for a cheaper seat fee...

faceman

I fly Aer Lingus regularly transatlantic, mostly in economy. I rarely have an issue.

The cabins don't feel as cramped as other airlines. Service is totally fine. Most people who complain about the lack of attendants forget they have call bell if they need attention. Soft drinks are free, alcohol is not. Although if you pre pay for a meal, then you get a complimentary wine with your meal. I usually pre-purchase the meal as it's far superior to the standard one.

The inflight entertainment is weak unfortunately. The screen size is great but the movie selection is usually poor for anyone who is a movie buff. Also
I've found them using the same radio show tapes for a great many months.

Blankets can be scarce for daytime flights to the U.S. but never an issue for the return nighttime leg.

Their onboard wifi isn't free but is very reliable and cheaper than other airlines.

snubbleste

Just observed that AerLingus 102 has a day flight JFK 1200 - 2240 DUB

When did this start and is it an efficient use of resources?
Surely you would 'lose a day' flying rather than a red-eye.

Preset No.3

And be back home by midnight day of severely reducing jet lag.

L1011

snubbleste wrote: »

Just observed that AerLingus 102 has a day flight JFK 1200 - 2240 DUB

When did this start and is it an efficient use of resources?
Surely you would 'lose a day' flying rather than a red-eye.

12 week peak summer period trial this year

Noxegon

snubbleste wrote: »

Surely you would 'lose a day' flying rather than a red-eye.

I much prefer to lose a day rather than completely screw up my sleep pattern for the next week – besides, I don't think I've ever been functional by the afternoon after a red-eye.

sully2010

I found EI to be disappointing to JFK. Delta is hands down a much better service, and cheaper. Their staff are very friendly and attentive, I found the 767 roomier than the 330 and their IFE much better. The touchscreen on EI is very unresponsive and has to be pressed quite hard to get it to work, the knock on effect of that is your head starts bopping when the person behind is using their IFE.

EI staff seemed unhappy, they served drinks over half an hour before dinner service and we were told to keep those drinks for dinner as they wouldn't be giving drinks with dinner. I mean what??? I had a glass of wine before with and after dinner on DL all free of charge. All other long haul airlines I flew on provided this so is it really worth the cost saving when trying to grow your TA business.

Its very disappointing that I don't want to fly my own country's airline when going transatlantic. They need to up their game.

Locker10a

sully2010 wrote: »

I found EI to be disappointing to JFK. Delta is hands down a much better service, and cheaper. Their staff are very friendly and attentive, I found the 767 roomier than the 330 and their IFE much better. The touchscreen on EI is very unresponsive and has to be pressed quite hard to get it to work, the knock on effect of that is your head starts bopping when the person behind is using their IFE.

EI staff seemed unhappy, they served drinks over half an hour before dinner service and we were told to keep those drinks for dinner as they wouldn't be giving drinks with dinner. I mean what??? I had a glass of wine before with and after dinner on DL all free of charge. All other long haul airlines I flew on provided this so is it really worth the cost saving when trying to grow your TA business.

Its very disappointing that I don't want to fly my own country's airline when going transatlantic. They need to up their game.

That is a pity ! Hopefully from here on in onboard service will improve! I think key to this is the fact EI are short staffed in comparison to US airlines onboard but on the other notes it would be great to see EI offer free booze on transatlantic! I know BA do not sure about Iberia but fingers crossed for the future

Micky 32

faceman wrote: »

I fly Aer Lingus regularly transatlantic, mostly in economy. I rarely have an issue.

The cabins don't feel as cramped as other airlines. Service is totally fine. Most people who complain about the lack of attendants forget they have call bell if they need attention. Soft drinks are free, alcohol is not. Although if you pre pay for a meal, then you get a complimentary wine with your meal. I usually pre-purchase the meal as it's far superior to the standard one.

The inflight entertainment is weak unfortunately. The screen size is great but the movie selection is usually poor for anyone who is a movie buff. Also
I've found them using the same radio show tapes for a great many months.

Blankets can be scarce for daytime flights to the U.S. but never an issue for the return nighttime leg.

Their onboard wifi isn't free but is very reliable and cheaper than other airlines.

I'm a regular flyer on the A330, well if you count 2-3 times a year the over last 10 years regular.

Maybe i'm easy pleased but i like EI cabin crew. Unless it's my imagination they always seem polite friendly and they actually seem happy. They never gave me the impression they don't want to be there , they seem to like their job..

One time coming back i may have nodded off for a few minutes and when i awoke i found a blanket had been put over me

LXFlyer

snubbleste wrote: »

Just observed that AerLingus 102 has a day flight JFK 1200 - 2240 DUB

When did this start and is it an efficient use of resources?
Surely you would 'lose a day' flying rather than a red-eye.

EI 102/EI 103 is in operation for 12 weeks during the summer as posted above using one of the Boeing 757 aircraft normally based in Shannon (it has been replaced by a leased Boeing 767 there offering greater capacity).

The aircraft leaves Dublin at 07:50 and arrives at JFK at 10:20, thereby offering a full day effectively in New York.

It then returns at 12:00 and arrives back in Dublin at 23:40.

Seems pretty efficient to me - the aircraft is in the air all day long.

It offers an alternative option to passengers - I would imagine that plenty of people would welcome an alternative to arriving at the crack of dawn in Dublin and feeling wrecked by mid-afternoon.

Tenger

sully2010 wrote: »

.....EI staff seemed unhappy, they served drinks over half an hour before dinner service and we were told to keep those drinks for dinner as they wouldn't be giving drinks with dinner. I mean what??? I had a glass of wine before with and after dinner on DL all free of charge. All other long haul airlines I flew on provided this so is it really worth the cost saving when trying to grow your TA business.......

I would agree with your bewilderment over the "buy now for later" advice. However I happen to know the reason for it. (friends in high places and all that!!!)
EI used to have beer and wine on top of their meal carts when it was complimentary. With the reduction on crew in Y Class from 8 in 2007 to the 5 currently, the carts are now being pushed by a single crew member rather than 2. In addition the charge for drinks means that crew would need to have the machines and cash on top of the meal carts, this would then slow down the meal service throughout the cabin.
Thus some genius in EI decided that crew would have to shut the bar during the meal service otherwise it would take 3-4 hours rather than 2-3.



As for the early DUB-JFK, I can't offer any info on it except to say that the DUb-JFK is doing very well loadfactorwise (same mates as above)
EI had a little advert for it which pitched the idea of EI102 in the morning, meeting and lunch in NYC, then back to JFK for the 9pm EI108 back to DUB.
Seems a bit mad but you know that it would appeal to some people with business in NYC.

Preset No.3

Any idea of the load factor on the 102/103? Be nice to see that flight going past the 12 week period.

LXFlyer

Preset No.3 wrote: »

Any idea of the load factor on the 102/103? Be nice to see that flight going past the 12 week period.

Well unless the 767 lease is extended suddenly I can't see that happening.

They would need an extra aircraft.

I suspect though that it will return!

duskyjoe

Micky 32 wrote: »

One time coming back i may have nodded off for a few minutes and when i awoke i found a blanket had been put over me

Are you a celeb? ��

Jokes aside I think the EIN103/2 is a brilliant product and really hope it's passes it's trial phase. For some getting into NYC early in the morn is a gift be it business or pleasure but the ace is getting home at 11:30pm at night.......it just makes a world of a difference re jet lag. I know it really is a home market product with no transfer options at that hour but from having tried it I really hope this service is to stay . Flight I was on was full both ways.

Blut2

Arriving in DUB at 23:40 from the US would be fantastic. There's nothing worse than arriving in at 8am and being absolutely wrecked all day. Then trying to time how much of a nap to take thats long enough to make yourself semi-functional, but not so long you won't sleep that night. I've also heard plenty of Americans talking about how awful it is trying to kill time until they can check into their hotels at 14:00ish.

Between this and their newish 16:00 DUB > JFK departure EI are really offering some great flights that stand out from the usual US departure/arrival time window. Fingers crossed it becomes year round.

jaymcg91

Blut2 wrote: »

Between this and their newish 16:00 DUB > JFK departure EI are really offering some great flights that stand out from the usual US departure/arrival time window. Fingers crossed it becomes year round.

I've seen that around for years