Aer Lingus and Ryanair

Nonoperational · 21-12-2010 01:07AM #1

Flew Cork to Lanzarote last week on Aer Lingus and back on Ryanair. Very stark difference in the experiences.

Flight out left on time and I carried on my cabin bag and a bag from duty free which had a bottle of whiskey, a paper and a few sweets. Got on the plane no problem. Staff were all Irish and very pleasant and friendly. There was a medical "emergency" on board and we stopped in Porto and the man was taken off. Two hours later we took off for Lanzarote but it was too windy and we had to divert to Fuertaventura (were very unlucky as as far as I could see online we were the only flight that didn't land). Would different airlines have different policies on landing in wind?

That aside we landed in Fuertaventura and the communication from the pilot and cabin crew was exceptional. We got off the plane and as soon as I switched out of flight mode (which was allowed on board no problem) there was a text from Aer Lingus saying we were to be put up in a hotel and would fly the Lanzarote at 11am the next day. Hotel was amazing. 4 star and very nice. No food that night but it was about 11pm. Free breakfast the next day. Overall I was pleasantly surprised with the flight and was encouraged to see all the no frills airlines are not the same.

Flight home was with Ryanair to Dublin. Left about 40 mins late (due to being held coming in, no problems there). Carrying on the bags was a complete nightmare. I had a duty free bag with another bottle of whiskey and a camera and I couldn't bring it on board. I had to pay €35 to check in my cabin bag and carry on only the duty free bag. Very unfair I thought. Staff were all foreign and spoke so fast I couldn't hear them clearly at all. They were good and helpful but not as good as Aer Lingus. Seats are uncomfortable and couldn't be reclined in the aircraft we were in. I'd be pretty sure there was less legroom than the Aer Lingus flight out.

Apologies if this is a pointless thread but I just thought it was interesting. I'm not ranting about Ryanair, you get dam cheap flights and I appreciate it, but I thought not being allowed bring on a duty free bag was poor form. I'd pay the extra few quid for Aer Lingus in futute if I had the choice and that surprises me.

andy_g · 21-12-2010 01:23AM

The reason for the divert would be due to the wind being out of limits on the aircraft.

All different type aircraft are certified for different cross wind speeds.

For example a A320/1 can land in 28kts (knots) of cross wind while a 737 could land in 35kts cross wind.

Hope this helps

Stevek101 · 21-12-2010 01:31AM

In fairness you are warned more than enough about the 1 item max of baggage during and after booking. It is also clearly shown on your ticket where it states duty free is included in that 1 piece of luggage.

adamski8 · 21-12-2010 01:33AM

gpf101 wrote: »

Flight home was with Ryanair to Dublin. Left about 40 mins late (due to being held coming in, no problems there). Carrying on the bags was a complete nightmare. I had a duty free bag with another bottle of whiskey and a camera and I couldn't bring it on board. I had to pay €35 to check in my cabin bag and carry on only the duty free bag. Very unfair I thought. Staff were all foreign and spoke so fast I couldn't hear them clearly at all. They were good and helpful but not as good as Aer Lingus. Seats are uncomfortable and couldn't be reclined in the aircraft we were in. I'd be pretty sure there was less legroom than the Aer Lingus flight out.

Apologies if this is a pointless thread but I just thought it was interesting. I'm not ranting about Ryanair, you get dam cheap flights and I appreciate it, but I thought not being allowed bring on a duty free bag was poor form. I'd pay the extra few quid for Aer Lingus in futute if I had the choice and that surprises me.

I honestly dont know why you did start this thread. seems a bit like airline bashing to me.

You accepted the terms and conditions when you bought your flight. They make it very clear ONLY ONE ITEM OF BAGGAGE IN THE CABIN.
How hard is that?
When I book a flight and follow the rules I want some space to be able to put my bag in the overhead compartment and not have people like you get away with bringing loads of bags in!

Also I'm glad there is no reclining, do people like you ever think that the person behind you is being squashed?

Nonoperational · 21-12-2010 02:01AM

andy_g wrote: »

The reason for the divert would be due to the wind being out of limits on the aircraft.

All different type aircraft are certified for different cross wind speeds.

For example a A320/1 can land in 28kts (knots) of cross wind while a 737 could land in 35kts cross wind.

Hope this helps

That's interesting. I'd imagine there would be a fair few 737s flying into ACE alright maybe the wind was marginal.

I started this thread because I was pleasantly surprised with the Aer Lingus flying experience. For a budget airline I thought they dealt with things very well. I paid the €35 no problem on the way home I just thought it was a bit sharp. I have been on hundreds of flights and I'd always carry on a bag and have a duty free bag with a paper or sweets or something like that. This was the only time I was not allowed bring it on the plane. I thought small plastic duty free bags were allowed (incorrectly) and with a load of just over 50% I thought it was harsh. I know what the terms and conditions say and I didn't argue I paid up.

adamski8 wrote: »

I honestly dont know why you did start this thread. seems a bit like airline bashing to me.

You accepted the terms and conditions when you bought your flight. They make it very clear ONLY ONE ITEM OF BAGGAGE IN THE CABIN.
How hard is that?
When I book a flight and follow the rules I want some space to be able to put my bag in the overhead compartment and not have people like you get away with bringing loads of bags in!

Also I'm glad there is no reclining, do people like you ever think that the person behind you is being squashed?

As i said it ws about half full, and I'd never put the small plastic bag up anyway I'd put it under the seat in front. I guess it's another plus you wouldn't think of with Aer Lingus. You can take a small extra piece like a camera.

Reclining isn't a problem for me and being over 6 foot it's nice to recline the seat a small bit.

mikemac · 21-12-2010 02:04AM

gpf101 wrote: »

Seats are uncomfortable and couldn't be reclined in the aircraft we were in.

I for one am delighted the seats can't be reclined.
But a pity if you found them uncomfortable

Manic Moran · 21-12-2010 07:10AM

gpf101 wrote: »

Reclining isn't a problem for me and being over 6 foot it's nice to recline the seat a small bit.

It's not the problem for you that I'd be concerned about, it's the chap over 6 foot who's behind you.

They make it very clear ONLY ONE ITEM OF BAGGAGE IN THE CABIN.

In fairness, that's defined in the US as 'one item of baggage', but not 'one item of any description'. You can carry on a piece of luggage or backpack or whatever will fit into the overhead that you need to carry a week's clothing, and one personal item such as a handbag, laptop bag or such. I'd have fallen afoul of the same confusion.

NTM

scudzilla · 21-12-2010 07:16AM

Manic Moran wrote: »

It's not the problem for you that I'd be concerned about, it's the chap over 6 foot who's behind you.

Now i'm 6'2 and this has happened to me many times, got it down to an art now, as soon as the person in front reclines the seat, i'll knee the crap out of it till they get the message, doesn't normally take long.

castie · 21-12-2010 07:23AM

scudzilla wrote: »

Now i'm 6'2 and this has happened to me many times, got it down to an art now, as soon as the person in front reclines the seat, i'll knee the crap out of it till they get the message, doesn't normally take long.

Could always chance asking...I had to ask some guy to move his chair forward and he apologised and did it right away. No need to be rude about it.

Stevek101 · 21-12-2010 08:32AM

It is impossible to be any way confused about this it clearly states on your boarding card, your booking and a special reminder email before your flight.

Cabin Baggage

Make sure you adhere to your personal cabin baggage allowance, each passenger (excluding infants) is permitted to carry one piece of cabin baggage on board (free of charge). Strictly one item of cabin baggage is permitted per passenger (excluding infants), Handbag, briefcase, laptops, shop purchases, camera etc must be carried within your permitted 1 piece of cabin baggage. Your cabin baggage should weigh no more than 10kg and not exceed the maximum dimensions of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm.

Also the seat pitch is identical between airlines. However the two Aer Lingus aircraft which were received from a cancelled Iberia order have a smaller pitch in the middle of the a/c.

This is just typical Ryanair bashing post. If you object to the clearly defined rules take your business elsewhere. :rolleyes:

cyrusdvirus · 21-12-2010 09:02AM

i love the way that infants are regarded as cabin baggage!!

Bearcat · 21-12-2010 09:39AM

andy_g wrote: »

For example a A320/1 can land in 28kts (knots) of cross wind while a 737 could land in 35kts cross wind.

Hope this helps

A moderator should know better:D. Max x=wind for a 320 is gusting 38kts. The probable reason why the aircraft didnt get into Lanzarote is that the winds either really picked up or a more likely scenario was by the time they had left porto santo re the medical emergency it was dark and the favourable rwy was now the southerly one. Aer Lingus can not use the southerly rwy in the dark due to undulating terrain with a dodgy VOR approach together with hill at 3nm from the threshold. Day light only for this runway. This scenario has caused numerous diversions over the years.

Nonoperational · 21-12-2010 11:56AM

Why is it just Aer Lingus cannot use that runway (or is it)? We did hold for 18 minutes waiting for the winds to die down but no joy.

I'm not bashing them I was simply making the point Aer Lingus was a more pleasant experience.

cson · 21-12-2010 12:08PM

Well yes, this is a pointless thread. Everyone should know the deal with Ryanair by now; play by their rules and you'll manage, don't and it'll likely be a horrible experience. Given the choice I'd fly Aer Lingus all day and when I'm earning enough to justify it I will but you can't argue with the prices Ryanair charge.

Stevek101 · 21-12-2010 12:14PM

gpf101 wrote: »

Why is it just Aer Lingus cannot use that runway (or is it)? We did hold for 18 minutes waiting for the winds to die down but no joy.

I'm not bashing them I was simply making the point Aer Lingus was a more pleasant experience.

You didn't make any point at all except show that you didn't bother to read any of the information Ryanair provided.

Landa2 · 21-12-2010 12:24PM

Personally im a broke student and i would still pay the extra to fly with Aer Lingus.. Ryanair is a low fare no frills airline with a bit of a sordid history when it comes to customer service.. Im a 6 foot 6 passanger that wants to get from A to B with as little hassel as possible

Stevek101 · 21-12-2010 12:32PM

I've flown with Ryanair at least 100 times and never had any issues that I haven't had with other airlines. They only people who were ever moaning didn't follow the simple rules.

Lapin · 21-12-2010 12:32PM

gpf101 wrote: »

Carrying on the bags was a complete nightmare. I had a duty free bag with another bottle of whiskey...... I had to pay €35 to check in my cabin bag and carry on only the duty free bag.

I'm wondering if the bottle of whiskey you bought on the way back was actually worth €35 in Ireland?

If not, it would probably have been cheaper to leave it in Spain and buy another bottle when you got home.

COYW · 21-12-2010 12:48PM

I love flying with Aer Lingus. I love the extra comfort and the staff but I have had an awful run of flights with them in relation to delays. Out of the last 12 flights I have taken with them, 10 have been delayed. My last last flight, Nice-Dub was 1 hour late in arriving to Dublin.

I fly Ryanair an awful lot and find them extremely punctual and have never had a problem. I have flown with them on hundreds of occassions. If you are flying light with no extra baggage, they are the way to go. Stick to their rules and you will get great value for money. I fly from Dub-UK for €20-€30 most of the time, carrying one small bag. You cant ask for more than that.

Nonoperational · 21-12-2010 01:32PM

Lapin wrote: »

I'm wondering if the bottle of whiskey you bought on the way back was actually worth €35 in Ireland?

If not, it would probably have been cheaper to leave it in Spain and buy another bottle when you got home.

There was an offer in Cork and they had Tyrconnel single malt for €18. I have friends in Lanzarote and I thought they'd like it. It's very nice.

Apologies for the thread, Mods delete it if you like.

Lapin · 21-12-2010 02:06PM

Why delete it. Its a good thread and its no harm to compare the differences between our two biggest carriers.

I fly Ryanair more often myself purely on cost grounds and I've never had a problem with them. Although if I get a flight with Aer Lingus that is marginally more expensive I'll take it. They are marginally more comfortable and I like being able to choose my seat.

Another thing, when flying to London or Paris its worth paying up to €30 more for an Aer Lingus flight as the onward travel costs from the outlying airports Ryanair use outweigh the cost of a tube ticket from Heathrow or the RER from CDG.

I mention the duty free in my post above because that is one of the downsides of flying Ryanair. The idea of having to pay €35 to check in hand luggage because you want to purchase something at the airport takes the good out of it.

I'm surprised the airports haven't lobbied Ryanair to protest against this policy as they must be losing out as a result. Especially the smaller ones who rely heavilly on such retail outlets for their survival.

I don't buy into the argument that an extra bag with duty free goods takes up too much space on the aircraft. Even on a fully occupied 737 there is more than enough room for all 189 passengers to carry one piece of hand luggage and a bag containing duty free goods.

Perhaps if Ryanair charged something like €5 (which more than compensates for the added weight) to passengers at the gate for a maximum of one bag containing duty free goods, more people would be encouraged to shop at the airport, the customer would be happier, and the airline would probably generate more income than their current restrictions earn.

Tenger · 21-12-2010 02:10PM

andy_g wrote: »

The reason for the divert would be due to the wind being out of limits on the aircraft.

All different type aircraft are certified for different cross wind speeds.

For example a A320/1 can land in 28kts (knots) of cross wind while a 737 could land in 35kts cross wind.

I always thought that it was the other way round.....that the A320 had a higher limit than the B737.

In terms of the OP: I got the impression he was expressing his opinion on the different experiences rather than deliberately bashing Ryanair.

It is true that FR very clearly display/communicate their very rigid rules, and many of the complaints you heard from people are about them not following the rules.
I personally disagree with the FR single ITEM rule but they do make it clear. I much prefer the industry standard of 1 piece of baggage and personal items.
Whatever airline you travel on the experience can be ruined by the fools with 5 bags between 2 people.......

If you know how to play the FR system you can consistently get great deals.

I was under the impression that FR had less seat pitch then EI? I thought EI was 32" (apart from the aforementioned A320) and that FR was 30"?

pclancy · 21-12-2010 02:40PM

I see no airline "bashing" here I just see people discussing their respective experiences of two airlines and comparing the different products offered by both.

As someone thats 6"1 I've never reallly been comfortable in any airline seat. I usually fly long haul a lot due to living mostly on the other side of the planet so i'm well used to the moment when the passenger in front reclines their seat and i'm forced to do the same. On a recent flight from Bangkok to Frankfurt a russian passenger behind me got annoyed with my partner for her reclining her seat. I was amazed at this, the person in front of her had reclined so she was well within her rights to put her own seat back. I don't get what the issue is, everyone's paid for their seat so why not have the freedom to recline it? The only people that don't are those pour souls stuck in front of a bulkhead, i'd hate those seats!

adamski8 · 21-12-2010 03:00PM

pclancy wrote: »

On a recent flight from Bangkok to Frankfurt a russian passenger behind me got annoyed with my partner for her reclining her seat. I was amazed at this, the person in front of her had reclined so she was well within her rights to put her own seat back. I don't get what the issue is, everyone's paid for their seat so why not have the freedom to recline it? The only people that don't are those pour souls stuck in front of a bulkhead, i'd hate those seats!

well you do have it but i guess most people would wish people didnt.
It crushes my legs and makes things like reading a paper much more difficult.

what if i was sitting in an aisle seat and someone wanted to get by me to go to the bathroom? I payed for the seat so why should i have to move?! of course you should get up or move you legs and not be a jerk. its the same way i feel about people reclincing, people should have consideration for crushing people, maybe ask do you mind if i recline my seat?
On the other hand im sure alot of people dont realise they are crushing the people behind them and if you dont speak up you dont really have a reason to complain.

I asked someone before to put their seat back up and they said no. so now ive paid for my seat but have to sit sideways because of the seat in front of me. thats not fair!

It should either be no recline ala ryanair or more leg room

Dogwatch · 21-12-2010 03:35PM

Lapin wrote: »

Why delete it. Its a good thread and its no harm to compare the differences between our two biggest carriers.

I fly Ryanair more often myself purely on cost grounds and I've never had a problem with them. Although if I get a flight with Aer Lingus that is marginally more expensive I'll take it. They are marginally more comfortable and I like being able to choose my seat.

Another thing, when flying to London or Paris its worth paying up to €30 more for an Aer Lingus flight as the onward travel costs from the outlying airports Ryanair use outweigh the cost of a tube ticket from Heathrow or the RER from CDG.

I mention the duty free in my post above because that is one of the downsides of flying Ryanair. The idea of having to pay €35 to check in hand luggage because you want to purchase something at the airport takes the good out of it.

I'm surprised the airports haven't lobbied Ryanair to protest against this policy as they must be losing out as a result. Especially the smaller ones who rely heavilly on such retail outlets for their survival.

I don't buy into the argument that an extra bag with duty free goods takes up too much space on the aircraft. Even on a fully occupied 737 there is more than enough room for all 189 passengers to carry one piece of hand luggage and a bag containing duty free goods.

Perhaps if Ryanair charged something like €5 (which more than compensates for the added weight) to passengers at the gate for a maximum of one bag containing duty free goods, more people would be encouraged to shop at the airport, the customer would be happier, and the airline would probably generate more income than their current restrictions earn.

Maybe Ryanair/other airlines are trying to encourage you to buy your alcohol onboard and up their profits. If you have already got it at the airport, you are not going to buy more on the aircraft.

xflyer · 21-12-2010 03:55PM

Never had a problem with Ryanair or Aer Lingus. Ryanair does I believe over play the no frills thing thanks to it's irrepressible boss. It's uneccessary but you cannot be surprised by it.

But you can't argue with their fares. The last time I had a holiday, it was to Cannes. There was a choice of Ryanair to Marseille or Aer Lingus to Nice which was nearer. Aer Lingus cost twice as much even including the cost of hiring a car in Marseille. It was a no brainer. If Aer Lingus matched Ryanair we would all fly with them.

christy c · 21-12-2010 04:32PM

xflyer wrote: »

Never had a problem with Ryanair or Aer Lingus. Ryanair does I believe over play the no frills thing thanks to it's irrepressible boss. It's uneccessary but you cannot be surprised by it.

But you can't argue with their fares. The last time I had a holiday, it was to Cannes. There was a choice of Ryanair to Marseille or Aer Lingus to Nice which was nearer. Aer Lingus cost twice as much even including the cost of hiring a car in Marseille. It was a no brainer. If Aer Lingus matched Ryanair we would all fly with them.

I wouldn't, Aer Lingus represents a lot of what's wrong with our country, a board made up of cronies and idiots, and unions still trying to run the show. Don't get me started on the ownership structure.

I personally try to avoid them if at all possible.

Plowman · 21-12-2010 06:03PM

This post has been deleted.

xflyer · 21-12-2010 06:14PM

Well Christie, I wasn't thinking of political reasons even though you are right. But I don't choose my flight on the basis of ideology!

Plowman, true but that included all extras. It really was cheaper. That's the name of the game.

cson · 21-12-2010 07:31PM

Lapin wrote: »

Another thing, when flying to London or Paris its worth paying up to €30 more for an Aer Lingus flight as the onward travel costs from the outlying airports Ryanair use outweigh the cost of a tube ticket from Heathrow or the RER from CDG.

Don't agree with this tbh. Have you heard of EasyBus? I fly pretty frequently to London and generally due to my planning reasonably in advance I can fly to Stansted with FR for €30 Return and then a £2 each way EasyBus into London Victoria. If you're clever about it you'll only have an extra €20 max to add onto your fare to get into central London.

Remember; it ain't free into the City Centre from LHR and LCY either. If you pay for Stansted or Gatwick Express when time isn't an issue for you; you're an idiot imo.

pclancy wrote: »

As someone thats 6"1 I've never reallly been comfortable in any airline seat. I usually fly long haul a lot due to living mostly on the other side of the planet so i'm well used to the moment when the passenger in front reclines their seat and i'm forced to do the same. On a recent flight from Bangkok to Frankfurt a russian passenger behind me got annoyed with my partner for her reclining her seat. I was amazed at this, the person in front of her had reclined so she was well within her rights to put her own seat back. I don't get what the issue is, everyone's paid for their seat so why not have the freedom to recline it? The only people that don't are those pour souls stuck in front of a bulkhead, i'd hate those seats!

Tip re the reclining; I always feel it best to get my retaliation in first by reclining as soon as I get to my seat. Anyone who sits behind me can't have any excuses then. It has been a driver for a lot of Air Rage iirc.

Terrontress · 21-12-2010 08:58PM

It's interesting that a lot of the gripes some people have with Ryanair are a blessing for others on the flight. The hand baggage situation had got ridiculous with people being allowed to carry all manner on. People will not get stung more than once by it so now the overhead lockers aren't always bunged or the guy beside you isn't taking up your legroom by trying to cram in a full rucsac beneath the middle seat. Likewise with people being glad that the seat in front doesn't recline. Food is expensive - thank God I'm not paying whether I want it or not.

And as for the proposed charge for using the toilets, if it makes the person at the window seat, who has to get up and then you need to do a shifty manoeuvre to get the drinks trolley past you, the person in the middle seat and them, and vice versa on the way back, use the ample facilities in every airport before getting on the plane then I am all for it!

Sorry for derailing the thread a bit!

Aer Lingus and Ryanair

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