Hello!
This is my first time posting, and I am grateful for this form! My husband and I are going to Ireland for the first time in June. I got the new 2020 Rick Steves Ireland guidebook, and it is fantastic. Based on the guide book’s recommendations, I emailed Aer Arann to reserve two tickets on a flight from Connemara to Inishmore and back, plus I asked to reserve seats on minibus to the airport (the one that leaves from the Victoria Hotel). After a few emails back-and-forth, they said my tickets for the flight and the minibus are reserved, that I’ll pay cash or credit at the check in desk upon arrival at the airport, and that the email serves as confirmation of booking. Probably I’m overthinking this, but is that... it? I’m so used to airport reservations being complicated that this seemed to easy! On the day of we just show our email and pay at that time? Anyone who’s done this before and has advice, thank you in advance for your reassurance or suggestions! - Kathy
Posted by
Sunnyside, New York, United States
439 posts
It is probably fine. Did you call to reconfirm?
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you for your reply. I did not call to confirm because the only number I saw listed is an overseas number, and my cell phone plan will charge extra for overseas calls.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
6790 posts
You're fine. That's how it works. Stop worrying, relax and go with the flow.
We did this last summer. It's simple, uncomplicated, reliable, relaxed. You go there, give them your name, they check their list, you pay. You get to the airport, they weigh you and your bag (to balance the load in the plane, which is quite small). Then you go. It's that simple.
You need to get out of the mode of thinking that air travel is some bureaucratic torture. Flying on Aer Arann to Inish Mor is like Mayberry with an Irish accent. Small town, friendly folk, no stress, no hassles, quite informal, and once you get over the shock of how cavalier it seems, it's perfectly logical (this is the way flying was meant to be, and actually used to be).
When you get there to "check in", ask if you can get the seat up front (what many would call the "co-pilot's seat"). I am a licensed pilot and own a small plane at home in the USA. I told them that, asked if I could sit "right seat" up front, and they gladly put me there (I half-joked I could help the pilot if he he got busy). That right seat up front has the best view - huge windows all around you. There are just 8 seats in the plane, including the pilot's. If you get lucky enough to sit right up front, just keep your hands and feet away from the flight controls, and don't touch anything (there will be a control yoke/wheel, and rudder pedals all right in front of you, within reach), and all the instruments/radios/controls right in front of you.
The flight is unbelievably low (ours was about 200 feet altitude...which would be considered "treetop" altitude (though there are no trees...it's all over water...). If you enjoy flying (and who doesn't?), it's quite a hoot. Shame the whole journey lasts no more than 10 minutes from when they fire up the engines for departure until the plane shuts down after landing. Actual flight time is about 8 minutes, but that is 8 thrilling minutes, so they all count!!! And it's dirt cheap. So much fun!!!
Posted by
OP
3 posts
David, thanks so much! All the context and reassurance you provided are supper helpful. Much appreciated.