When it comes to airlines, we tend to stick with one that is tried and true. It can be hard to switch it up when you do not have the trust in a new airline, and trying out something different can be scary because you want to be sure that you will be comfortable and safe. However, it also needs to be affordable. If you’re wondering whether or not Aer Lingus is a good airline or thinking of giving it a fair try, here is what you should know to help you decide. In short, safety is guaranteed but the reviews of passengers’ experiences vary widely.
Aer Lingus is the flag carrier airline of Ireland. It was founded in 1936 and began operations in 1940. The airline’s hub and headquarters are located at Dublin Airport. It also has hubs at Cork Airport and Shannon Airport. The airline was formerly owned by the Irish government before being privatized between 2006-2015. Currently it is owned by International Airlines Group (IAG), which also owns British Airways and Iberia. As of 2022, Aer Lingus operates a fleet of over 50 aircraft that serve around 70 destinations primarily in Europe, the United Kingdom, and North America.
What Kinds of Aircraft do Aer Lingus Fly?
Aer Lingus’ aircraft models include Airbus A320 family jets. The Airbus A320 Family is a popular narrow-bodied family that includes the A318, A319, A320, and A321 variants. These planes are known for their fuel efficiency, low noise, and range capabilities. Other airlines that use them include Delta, American, United, Lufthansa, Air France, etc.
Why Fly Aer Lingus?
The airline is known for having an extensive transatlantic route network serving major cities in the U.S. and Canada like New York, Boston, Chicago, Toronto, etc. This is a key part of its business. Aer Lingus is also the only major international airline that provides US border preclearance facilities at some Irish airports, allowing passengers to complete immigration and customs checks before departure.
Is Aer Lingus a Good Airline?
Where Aer Lingus Excels
If you look generally at this airline’s price, services and reputation, the answer to “is Aer Lingus a good airline?” is mostly yes. For example, Aer Lingus provides fairly reliable service and good amenities for the price point. While it’s not a luxury airline, it offers comfortable seats, complimentary snacks and beverages and free in-flight Wi-Fi on most flights.
Aer Lingus also has an excellent safety record, reflected by high safety ratings and a long history without accidents or incidents. This gives travelers confidence in the airline. Additionally, the airline is known as one of the most punctual airlines globally. In 2021 among major European airlines, it had the 2nd highest on-time performance record. This reliability is valued by those who fly Aer Lingus.
By pairing Aer Lingus with partner airlines in Star Alliance and integrating it with sister company British Airways, travelers can access an extensive route network around the world. This makes it a convenient option for many fliers. Lastly, for what is included, Aer Lingus offers very competitive fares across cabins of service. This includes quality service without unnecessary frills, making it an attractive airline for many budget-conscious travelers.
How Aes Lingus Can Improve
While Aer Lingus scored notably higher than many other airlines in terms of punctuality in 2021, it has since dropped from its spot at second and remained out of the top five since 2022. According to a study done by UK consumer informative organization, Which?, Aer Lingus placed at number nine out of 24 in terms of punctuality in 2023. It was also reported about 72% of the airline’s flights are considered on time (meaning within 15 minutes of the time it is scheduled for). Most notably, Aer Lingus ranked number 22 out of 25 in terms of most flight cancellations within 24 hours of its scheduled departure. The airline ranked as one of the lowest with 3.1% of its flights being canceled last minute.
Another ranking for Aer Lingus is amongst the Skytrax World Airline Awards. The Skytrax World Airline Awards are the highest recognition for airlines globally and are conducted by British-based firm Skytrax. The awards are often described as “the Oscars of the aviation industry” and are conducted through an annual survey measuring air passenger satisfaction across a wide range of service criteria. This includes frontline standards like cabin service, entertainment, seat comfort, on-board catering, cleanliness and staff service, as well as other factors. In 2023, Aer Lingus placed at 57 out of 100. This is down three spots from 2022.
Lastly, AirHelp ranked Aer Lingus at 40 out of 83 for global airlines based on on-time arrival, customer opinion and fair treatment when problems occur. Aer Lingus’ overall score of 6.98/10 is not too far below the top-scored airline Qatar Airways with 8.38/10. Both airlines’ scores for on-time performance (Aer Lingus: 7.5/10 and Qatar Airways: 8.4/10) and customer opinion (Aer Lingus: 7.8/10 and Qatar Airways: 8.8/10) remain within a point or less from each other. However, Aer Lingus’ claim processing score of 5.6/10 is what significantly lowers its overall score compared to Qatar Airways’ 8/10.
Should You Fly Aer Lingus?
Trying out a new airline is never an easy choice. So, should you consider Aer Lingus for your next flight? The answer is yes in terms of standard safety and procedural requirements being met for its budget-friendly price. However, customer reviews based on extra amenities, services and comparisons to other airlines may vary.