We need to head to Berlin from Ireland. Looks like the only 2 airlines that offer nonstop service from Dublin is Ryanair and Aer Linguus. I am unfamiliar with those airlines anyone with experience with either airline good or bad? Also seems they only offer 2 flights a day to Berlin I was wondering if I can expect that they add more flights during peak travel times. Thanks
Posted by
31 posts
We were less than impressed with Aer Lingus (LAX-DUB) in 2019. Old aircraft, old seats, and not so friendly FAs. Charged for pop in coach. Food pretty mediocre. Never been on Ryan Air but remember to read fine print regarding extra charges for carry on bags, checked bags, etc. as you may be surprised.
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8319 posts
RyanAir is the largest budget airline in Europe. They've got a very low cost business model and also charge for bags, drinks, etc. But their airplanes are modern and you'll just be on the plane an hour or so.
You'd be okay with either.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
6790 posts
We loved flying on Aer Lingus from Seattle to Dublin, Dublin to Edignburgh, and back. Flew business class for the trans-atlantic legs, coach for the short hops between Dubln and Edingburgh. Business class was lovely in every way. Coach was, well, coach, and it met my (fairly low) expectations. Flights all on time, no issues with checked bags. Service was good. Food was actually good (it was business class). Very friendly, very Irish, warm, welcoming service at the airport and on board. I've had nothing but positive experiences with Aer Lingus customer service (including no-hassle refunds for cancelled flights).
I avoid RyanAir whenever there's an alternative and will continue to do so. I am not big a fan of flying ultra-low-cost airlines.
Aer Lingus is the legacy national airline of the Irish Republic. These days, like many airlines in Europe, they have a kind of hybrid business model, in order to compete with the ultra-low cost carriers (like RyanAir), so on some tickets they have "unbundled" some traditional amenities (eg a checked bag, choosing your own seat, etc.). Many airlines in Europe do the same thing. So you need to pay close attention to exactly what is (and what is not) included in your ticket. If you want any of those unbundled amenities, you can opt-in to them for a fee.
Expect more of this business model in the future, as airlines fight to remain in business during this era of ultra-low airfares where customers demand ticket prices below the cost of a fancy coffee drink.