For this short journey I have a choice of Aer Lingus or Ryan Air. Both have many really poor recent reviews on the Airlinequality website. Aer Lingus travellers report luggage not being loaded or going missing even on short direct flights. Ryan Air have recently put extreme restrictions on cabin bagage. Many complaints about poor communication and denial of own mistakes for both companies. And who Stobart Air whcih actually operate the Aer Lingus flights?
Which is least bad?
Posted by
Freedonia
15000 posts
I have flown Aer Lingus (Stobart Air) from Dublin to Glasgow. No problems. I'd fly them again.
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
4319 posts
The one time I flew Air Lingus, from Heathrow to Dublin, it was not a memorable flight-in a good way. I would definitely fly them again. I much prefer them over BA, for which my two most recent flights were quite memorable in a bad way.
Posted by
11156 posts
We had no problems flying RyanAir, on time, excellent pre flight communications. I would fly with them again.
Posted by
Sweden
6379 posts
Go with Aer Lingus, and you won't need to spend as much time reading the fine prints.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
Stobart Air is the subsidiary of Aer Lingus which operates their short flights, at least some on propeller planes.
In October 2016, I flew New York via Dublin to Glasgow on Aer Lingus, so I was on Stobart Air for the last part (the one you're taking, in the reverse direction). It was fine. My biggest issues were:
1) The flight left from Dublin gate 337, but the signage only went up to gate 335. What I eventually learned was, just follow the signs to gate 335, and eventually the signs for gate 336 (Edinburgh flights) and gate 337 (Glasgow flights) will appear. Leaving Glasgow, there shouldn't be any problem finding the gate. And I haven't been back since 2016, so maybe the signage in Dublin is better.
2) At gates 336 and 337, there are only vending machines (taking only euro coins), as well as bathrooms. If you need or want more services, the closest ones, per a sign in the waiting area, are 10 minutes away each way.
3) The plane is boarded via steep and narrow stairs. Getting on wasn't hard for me, but getting off, with luggage, was a bit precarious.
I'd definitely fly them again. Note their baggage restrictions, which will be stricter if you're not connecting to a trans-Atlantic flight.
If you're looking for an airline with good reviews, you'll be looking for a while. Unlike, say, a hotel or restaurant, where people often post about good experiences, for flights, people almost only post if there's a problem. A "good" flight is unremarkable, not exciting, so few take the time to write out the kinds of things I just did.
Posted by
OP
English but living in Melbourne, Australia
420 posts
Many thanks for the replies, and to Harold for explaining the role of Stobart Air.
I agree that reviews of airlines are more likely to be bad than good, but some airlines manage to attract many good reviews and score highly on Airlinequality.
I am still conflicted about which airline to use.