just a flight, nothing more, nothing less (Aer Lingus)

Member Name: bex_boo

Product:	Aer Lingus
Date:	22/07/09 (20 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: cheap, easy to book

Disadvantages: added extras can incur costs

My friends and I have just had our first experience of flying with Aer Lingus last week. And we were surprised to find that they were in fact a very good airline.

We flew from Gatwick to Malaga and back again. The cost of the flights was cheap - much cheaper than with any of the other airlines, including EasyJet and espcially BA. The timings suited us better, and you can chose your outgoing and incoming times to fit in around you.

The website is user-friendly, and I had no problems with it crashing, or taking too long to load. It made me feel that it was safe and secure to use.

In terms of the actual flight, it was certianly no frills, in the sense that there is no meal provided and no entertainment either. But to be honest for a 2.5 hour flight - I don't need that and would rather pay less and not have those things.

The leg room in the plane was pretty standard, but the seats themselves were very generously sized, and would even be suitable for the larger traveller to remain comfortable.

The staff were friendly and polite. They do the usual serving of drinks, which are overpriced but not extortionate. they accepted GPB and Euros for payment. They had the standard sweets, perfumes and make up for sale too. No cigarettes or alcohol duty free, but that is standard in Europe now.

My one thing that I don't like about flying with budget airlines are the added extras they charge you for. I'm sure BA charge for them too but just build it into the cost they show you. But with Aer Lingus we were charged for bags to go in the hold, and also for pre-booking your seats. It's not a huge expense, another £5 each way to select your seat in advance (if you want to be sure to be seated with your friends/family). I just don't particularly like the added extras, makes me feel that they are conning you slightly, although I'm sure they're not.

To submit our advanced passenger information we decided to do it via our manage booking" page on the website. This was very easy and quick to do and no hassle at all.

I would certianly use Aer Lingus again for any short-haul flight, and would recommend it to others - unless you like your creature comforts like a TV etc, then it's certianly not for you. If you accept that it is basic - just a flight, nothing more, nothing less then you won't be disappointed.

Summary: a no frills airline, and if you accept it as just that, you won't be disappointed