AerLingus or RyanAir?

Posted by whitneychaoscoordinator on 12/27/23 05:41 PM

Thanks to the kind advice here, I have arranged to stay in Naples on the final night of our late June visit. Given that bit of scheduling flexibility, I’m looking at morning flights more closely.

We have flown Aer Lingus before but not RyanAir. I can get us on a nonstop to Dublin that morning on either airline but RyanAir is literally half the cost (all-in with seats and bags). I know RyanAir has an ala carte system for amenities and is an no frills airline. For a three hour flight, we don’t need anything really.

Any opinions you would care to share?

Posted by Paul

Eastern Iowa, USA

12/27/23 05:56 PM

8123 posts

I have always had excellent service from Ryanair, things are run efficiently, never had a delay. They are basic transportation, get you where you need to go, I did Rome to Palermo with them, and then Catania to Naples, on my Sicily trip; and will be doing Malaga to Cologne at the end of April.

As you pointed out, just figure out what you need for bags and buy that option. Too many skimp, tell themselves they can fit it into the advertised size and weight, and are amazed when they are called out for being over by a few pounds. I know that 10 kilos is tight for me, so I almost always opt to check a 20 kilo bag, the "Plus" option they offer. My bag is usually well under 20 kilo, but hovering just over 10 kilo. The "airport check-in" is also nice, a back-up plan if I am having trouble with the app or phone service.

Posted by Arnold

Denver, CO, USA

12/27/23 06:38 PM

1609 posts

I too have not had any issues with Ryanair. I just did two fights with them last month and had no issues. My flights were MAD-TFN and ACE-DUB

Posted by Kenko

Citizen of the World

12/27/23 06:58 PM

2065 posts

Another factor worth weighing is that Ryanair has periodically been specifically targeted for strike action by Italian Labor unions when they have taken issue with the low wages Ryanair pays its employees.
Ground crews in Italy have, for example, refused to remove or load luggage onto Ryanair planes when directed to take action by union leadership.

Aer Lingus, on the other hand, has not been a specific target of the Italian labor unions.

Posted by whitneychaoscoordinator OP

12/27/23 07:14 PM

12 posts

Thanks for the input! I think we will give it a shot. The cost difference for four people is well worth it I’d say.

I would also like to say that I have greatly enjoyed my limited use thus far of this forum. Online forums and social media have become so snarky and judgmental in recent years but everyone’s comments and advice here have been almost completely helpful and kind. Quite a welcome change and very much appreciated!