Aer Lingus Business Class: Not Perfect, but a nice alternative to BA to Ireland/UK
I had a last minute trip to the UK to see a friend and with BA’s fare sale and the AARP discount, I settle on a BA code-share but Aer Lingus operated flights from Chicago O’Hare to Dublin, and then BA between Dublin and London Heathrow, and then once again BA code but EI operated nonstop from Dublin to Los Angeles. There were a few mishaps during the trip, and the transit at Dublin was not as straightforward as I have originally imagined. However, I prefer Aer Lingus to British Airways, especially most of the seats have direct aisle access. I love the throne seats that I have familiar with on JetBlue Mint. There are still things that Aer Lingus needs to work on especially on baggage delivery (actually delivering the bag) plus the long wait. Catering in general is stronger than BA, but I miss the Club World kitchen especially on the return segment. Aer Lingus somehow finds it acceptable to serve the same main meal and afternoon tea routine on the West Coast flights; despite they are longer than ten hours. There will be more pictures than commentary on this trip report.
Full Album:
http://s1213.photobucket.com/user/Ca...0Summer%202016
July 26, 2016; Tuesday
EI 124 Chicago O’Hare to Dublin Lv2020 Arr0935+1 Airbus A330-300 EI-ELA “St. Patrick”
Booking:
I used ba.com to book the flight and despite my ability to pull up the Aer Lingus’ record at EI’s website, I had to call Aer Lingus to get a seat assignment.
Check-in:
Lots of advertisement on Aer Lingus’ arrival lounges at DUB and JFK
Aer Lingus used terminal five at O’Hare, which had gone through some changes from my last visit years ago. The check-in area was not busy at all and there was a business check-in line. The agent was efficient but was rather cordial and cold, than personal. I received both my boarding passes and the agent told me that I had access to the BA Galleries Lounge.
I did not want to say much about the BA Galleries lounge, but it was a bit underwhelming as most BA lounges were around the world. I had some beef barley soup, which was nice. The lounge was busy but I found seats in the back area, and avoided that FOX News channel blaring in the main room. EI passengers had no access to pre-flight dining, and perhaps that would change once BA and EI got a bit closer in their relationship.
St. Patrick arriving from Dublin
Boarding:
Priority boarding
Boarding began at 7:32pm and business class cabin was already filled with pre-boarding families and passengers, who needed extra assistance. Not many pictures of the cabin on this segment, due to the late nature of the flight.
My seat 5K
Side storage bin
I had a last minute trip to the UK to see a friend and with BA’s fare sale and the AARP discount, I settle on a BA code-share but Aer Lingus operated flights from Chicago O’Hare to Dublin, and then BA between Dublin and London Heathrow, and then once again BA code but EI operated nonstop from Dublin to Los Angeles. There were a few mishaps during the trip, and the transit at Dublin was not as straightforward as I have originally imagined. However, I prefer Aer Lingus to British Airways, especially most of the seats have direct aisle access. I love the throne seats that I have familiar with on JetBlue Mint. There are still things that Aer Lingus needs to work on especially on baggage delivery (actually delivering the bag) plus the long wait. Catering in general is stronger than BA, but I miss the Club World kitchen especially on the return segment. Aer Lingus somehow finds it acceptable to serve the same main meal and afternoon tea routine on the West Coast flights; despite they are longer than ten hours. There will be more pictures than commentary on this trip report.
Full Album:
http://s1213.photobucket.com/user/Ca...0Summer%202016
July 26, 2016; Tuesday
EI 124 Chicago O’Hare to Dublin Lv2020 Arr0935+1 Airbus A330-300 EI-ELA “St. Patrick”
Booking:
I used ba.com to book the flight and despite my ability to pull up the Aer Lingus’ record at EI’s website, I had to call Aer Lingus to get a seat assignment.
Check-in:
Lots of advertisement on Aer Lingus’ arrival lounges at DUB and JFK
Aer Lingus used terminal five at O’Hare, which had gone through some changes from my last visit years ago. The check-in area was not busy at all and there was a business check-in line. The agent was efficient but was rather cordial and cold, than personal. I received both my boarding passes and the agent told me that I had access to the BA Galleries Lounge.
I did not want to say much about the BA Galleries lounge, but it was a bit underwhelming as most BA lounges were around the world. I had some beef barley soup, which was nice. The lounge was busy but I found seats in the back area, and avoided that FOX News channel blaring in the main room. EI passengers had no access to pre-flight dining, and perhaps that would change once BA and EI got a bit closer in their relationship.
St. Patrick arriving from Dublin
Boarding:
Priority boarding
Boarding began at 7:32pm and business class cabin was already filled with pre-boarding families and passengers, who needed extra assistance. Not many pictures of the cabin on this segment, due to the late nature of the flight.
My seat 5K
Side storage bin
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