We go to Ireland often and always fly direct to Shannon...dont know what the person meant in earlier post. Usually fly 747's or 767's so not small. Food is about like any and space. You are in Ireland when you board and I prefer them to other carriers.

I have been flying Aer Lingus since I was a child (over 30 years!) and I prefer it to virgin or continental. I always feels the seating is roomier. I took Virgin to NY from London once and was frightened how tight the seats were and I am not a big person. My cousin is on the Aer Lingus Cabin Crew and she told me they cram more seats on the Virgin planes and make seating tighter. <BR><BR>As for going to Dublin before shannon, I don't think they do this anymore...usually its the other way round and you stop at Shannon first. <BR><BR>Overall I feel people are friendlier and relaxed on Aer Lingus but maybe that's an Irish thing! I try to book them first and then if booked pout I seek alternatives.

To each his own. D, I'm wrong about so many things, but not this.<BR><BR>I just paid more than double the airfare that Aer Lingus was offering simply because I hate flying them. It's always a miserable trip. I've tried to warn my friends, who have come back to me after their trips and said &quot;Oh, how I wish we had listened to you.&quot;<BR><BR>And if you feel like you're in Ireland the minute you step on an Aer Lingus flight, then I guess the Olive Garden makes you feel like you're in Italy.

mlf, Service from LAX to Shannon is on an Airbus 330 so the seating is very tight. You must be flying from a prime destination if you get a 747 or 67---I envy you your room. Also flights from LAX go first to Dublin and then Shannon unless you fly on the &quot;Saturday special&quot;. But, we're happy to have them fly from California.

Aer Lingus does not have any 747s any more.Flights to America are on Airbus.See www.aerlingus.com. I often travel from Scotland to New York and I tend to fly through Dublin because American immigration can be cleared there.

I hate Aer Lingus and would not use them again the plane I went on (Chicago to Dublin)was that old I thought Biggles must be the pilot the air stewards were unfriendly and rude the seating was very tight .The food was horrible I booked a veggie meal which they had run out of they then tried to tell me it was my fault,I had booked the flight six months before and confirmed my veggie meal before boarding.There were no tv behinds seats.I would never use them again.My favourite air line is Virgin followed by Ba

Try flying BA or Virgin into Shannon my friends.....I still love Aer Lingus

It's easy enough to fly BA or Virgin to London and get a cheap flight to Ireland. True, I hate to transfer, but I hate Aer Lingus more. Also, they dumped their BWI-Dublin-Shannon route, and now it's suddenly been reborn. How long until they yank it again?

Aer Lingus is fine, but certainly nothing special. The planes are pretty old. At one time they we're known for legendary service. Their flight attendants are pretty much like every other airline's today. Years ago, Airline such as Aer Lingus, KLM, and SAS were known for incredible hospitality. No more, the flight attndants are older, locked in with seniority, and basically indifferent. These days I prefer to fly American Airlines because they have more legroom.<BR>

One of the problems that Aer Lingus faces is that its headquarters are in Dublin,just like Ryanair,which is Europe`s most competive airline.They fight like cats and dogs for business and right now Ryanair are offering a lot of free flights where you pay only the taxes (www.ryanair.com) while Aer Lingus charges as little as $8 plus taxes for some of its flights (www.aerlingus.com).As the old saying goes it is an ill-wind.

My husband and I just flew AL from Chicago-Dublin-Shannan and back out of Dublin for our honeymoon. I think their service was fantastic! We flew American to Chicago and got such attitude from both the counter and flight crew! I really did feel like we were in Ireland once we were on the plane, especially on the return flight as we were surrounded by Irish who chatted the entire flight home, to strangers! The leg room was a bit cramped, but they all are. I flew AA to London a few years ago and feel it was about the same as far as comfort. I would rather spend $400 less for a little 8 hour flight and spend that money once I'm in Ireland!<BR>

Kate:<BR><BR>What, specifically, has scared you?<BR><BR>Bill

Aer Lingus was ok, definately nothing special about it. I would definately upgrade to business or first class next time no matter who I flew with. Just not enough room in coach and that makes it hard especially for overnight trans-atlantic flights.

THEY WERE A FINE AIRLINE TO FLY ON. NO WORSE NO BETTER. THEY DID HOWEVER CUT ME OFF FROM THE FREE WINE. THE PEOPLE WERE NICE. YOU MAY WANT TO BRING YOUR ON HEADPHONES AND JUNK FOOD.

Ann you are full of crap...give us a break - you will pay twice as much to fly on someone else? Why? What is the reason you hate AL so much? I think you are a liar.

Glad to know I can inspire so much passion. Rex and the others must be jealous.<BR><BR>I hate Aer Lingus because I've only ever had bad service on their flights, and have always felt cramped. Simple.<BR><BR>And I did just pay double the Aer Lingus fare for a flight after Christmas on Virgin. Would you like to see my credit card receipt?<BR><BR><BR>

Ann..You must be real fat to feel cramped on the seats. I was fine in the plane. Just purchase 2 aerlingus seats and you will save $$$$.

Hey Ann, you really got some of the kids here mad. For the record, Aer Lingus is only inexpensive if you happen to live in or near the 4 (and occasionally 5) cities that they fly from. I beat any combination of a deal that I could get from them by over $100 with Delta this year and about $300 with Continental last year. That's per person by the way.<BR><BR>Bill

Ann, you have the right to spend your money any way you want to, BUT, if you pay double to go somewhere then that is just plain stupidity. Makes no sense at all, none, nada. Perhaps you are so wealthy you can do this but most people prefer to save money on flights and perhaps upgrade their hotel, meals, etc. Well, anyway, at least we will never have to be on the same AL plane with you and listen to you bitch and moan the whole trip about the service, etc. Thank God for small favors. I also hope I never have to stay in the same hotel as you since I am sure you are the type that spends every waking hour at the front desk screaming at the help about every little thing. You are also no doubt the type that makes scenes at cafes and bars.....so sad Ann, so sad.

Hi Chris,<BR>I just returned from Ireland yesterday on an AL flight Shannon-JFK. We were seated in coach, and the flight took about 7 hours (5 to get there) due to strong winds - the pilot decided to go the &quot;long way&quot; to try to avoid them. I found there to be no problems with Aer Lingus. The service was fine, and the seats were no more or less comfortable than other airlines that I have been on. They didn't have individual TV monitors though...good thing I brought a good book! I would have no problem flying AL again (except that we had to use JFK, which is not close for us). <BR><BR>Enjoy your trip...Ireland is wonderful!<BR><BR>Sincerely,<BR>Keri