I am looking for a Fall trip from the US to Dublin. Aer Lingus wants around $750. United (my usual carrier) wants around $1,200. This is calculated for Economy with one checked bag and a seat with extra legroom. Both are for non-stop flights.
Why the large difference in price?
Who knows? Go with the cheaper fare...jump on it, may not last long.
I too would jump on it. Wish we were going to Dublin this year with that great fare.
Although the two carriers could be operating at different or limited capacities, but also airlines determine their prices depending on competition for specific routes and the time of year you're flying too. Best bet is to keep an eye on the fares and scoop up the really good deals.
Wow! Are they both direct flights, no intermediate connections? Maybe be an Irish airline has figured out how to cut expenses at an Irish airport, and passing the savings on to passengers?
I know OP isn't talking about West Coast flights, but just checked Aer Lingus R/T LAX-DUB, non-stop both ways, for Fall (first week in October) and they're selling flights (with a checked bag and seat selection) for $800. They just seem to have low prices right now.
I love Aer Lingus, and take them whenever I can. Their are classified as a "low cost " carrier, but I see no evidence of that when traveling with them. The flight crews are great. And on my trips the food has always been much better than the inedible swill I got on Delta last summer!
Maybe the Irish carrier wants you to come to Dublin?
A plane full of passengers is a good thing, if you run an airline. Of course the non-revenue passengers will deduct from the bottom line.
Have you checked the equipment Aer Lingus is using for the flights you are needing? I have always been a fan of AL. However, last Sept/Oct flights with them made me rethink using them in the future. There were several problems which I won't detail here. Just be sure to check which AirBus they are flying on your routes. If it is the Air Bus with 'neo' at the end it can be 6 across, 3 on each side of 1 aisle, not the 2 aisle 2 4 2 seating plan. My flight from Dublin to Toronto last year was the 1 aisle type and was completely booked, making for a very uncomfortable flight. Many times it was impossible to get to any of the toilets as the flight attendants were serving and the aisle was blocked for lengthy periods.
I’m happy to take the more affordable flight , so long it’s not ridiculous times, multiple transfers.
I got o’Hare - Reykjavík- Rome round-trip on Icelandair for less than $600 a person for August.
Everything else, regardless of stops, was $1500 a person or more.
The prices have always been lower on Aer Lingus than United on that route.
Maybe employees make more money at United than Aer Lingus. Maybe the taxes are higher in the USA for United.
