Dublin to Rome: Aer Lingus or Ryanair?

For such a short flight I wouldn't place too much distinction between the two. The only consideration I would have would be my luggage. What are you taking? Does it need to be checked and if so, is there a fee with both airlines?

As JC said, compare the luggage rules/fees

We both travel with carryon only, RS Classic and a RS Rolling Backpack. They will fit the allowed size on both airlines. I priced seats on each (airfare + seat selection + priority boarding) and Ryanair is approximately $40 CAD cheaper per ticket. Anything else to consider?

Any thoughts on CIA vs FCO if we choose Ryanair?

I don't have any problem with Ryanair, but you do need to be aware of their rules regarding boarding passes and other things. As far as which airport, take into account whee you want to go from each airport. What are the transportation costs to get into the city? Which is closer to where you want to be?

We flew from Dublin to Rome CIA a few days ago on Ryanair and it was a good flight. We paid ahead for seats and bags. When I checked in online it said our boarding passes could not be displayed and to collect them at the airport, which was strange but not worrisome. When I told the person at the counter she seemed unhappy but the second person who helped us was great (no charge, there had been some kind of glitch). The flight to CIA was on time and a taxi into the city was 30 Euro. The Dublin airport was busy that morning (even at 5:30) so give yourself plenty of time.

Check the service level on that Aer Lingus flight too. They operate as, effecting, two airlines. The long haul is full service but their short haul product is a low cost airline with the same catches.

Don't assume it'll be like the Boston flight 😀

Good advice from Peter. Aer Lingus has to compete head-to-head with its Irish rival Ryanair and that can't be done by lavishing money on in-flight extras. The luggage issue has been pointed out; the only other main difference I can think of is that Ryanair doesn't connect with anything while Aer Lingus does. That's not an issue here. Just check out the ground transport into Rome. This website covers both airports. http://www.adr.it/web/aeroporti-di-roma-en-/pax-fco-fiumicino

I completed a little more research this morning and it seems there is a lesser need for seat selection and priority boarding with Aer Lingus. This is what I read:

• online check-in opens 30 hours prior to departure and seats are assigned, if the assigned seats are not suitable they can be freely changed for another available seat
• boarding is by row number which lessens the need for priority boarding
• boarding pass can be loaded on phone using the Aer Lingus app, no charge

This brings the costs within a couple of euros between AL and RA. I am leaning towards AL for this journey as there seems to be better customer satisfaction and a little less activity at the boarding gate. We are not looking for any in-flight extras, not even concerned if they offer a glass of water. We are renting a car upon arrival in Rome and are likely heading towards Umbria.

Does this look reasonable?

Thanks,

I'd go with AL then, if I can avoid lining O'Leary's pockets then I will.