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Aer Lingus: A Comprehensive Review of Ireland’s Flag Carrier

Summary Table: Aer Lingus Review

Aspect	Rating (out of 5)	Summary
Booking & Website/App Experience	★★☆☆☆ (2/5)	Functional but plagued by technical issues and poor customer support.
Check-in Process	★★☆☆☆ (2/5)	Online check-in available but unreliable; long airport queues reported.
Airport Experience	★★★☆☆ (3/5)	Decent lounges; inconsistent ground staff assistance.
Punctuality	★★★☆☆ (3/5)	Mixed record with notable delays and cancellations.
In-flight Comfort & Cleanliness	★★★☆☆ (3/5)	Business class is comfortable; economy seats lack padding; cleanliness issues.
In-flight Services	★★★☆☆ (3/5)	Complimentary meals; limited entertainment options; inconsistent Wi-Fi.
Baggage Handling	★★☆☆☆ (2/5)	Frequent reports of lost or delayed luggage; poor customer service.
Value for Money	★★★☆☆ (3/5)	Competitive fares but additional fees can add up; service inconsistencies.
Overall Experience	★★★☆☆ (3/5)	Affordable option with notable drawbacks in service and reliability.

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Booking & Website/App Experience with Aer Lingus

Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

Aer Lingus offers a straightforward booking process through its website and mobile app. The interface is clean, and fare options are clearly presented. However, many users have reported technical issues, especially when trying to select seats or complete payments. The app, in particular, has been criticized for glitches during the payment process and for not displaying fare details properly. Customer support response times are also a common point of frustration.

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Check-in Process with Aer Lingus

Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

While online check-in is available, passengers have encountered difficulties, particularly with connecting flights or codeshare bookings. At airports like Seattle and Dublin, long queues and understaffed counters have led to significant delays. Some travelers have reported that even after paying for premium seats, they were among the last to board, negating the benefits of early boarding.

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Airport Experience for Aer Lingus

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Aer Lingus operates lounges at major airports, including a revamped lounge at London Heathrow’s Terminal 2, featuring updated seating and various food options. However, the overall airport experience can be inconsistent. Some passengers have praised the lounges, while others have noted issues like confusing signage and lack of assistance from ground staff, especially during disruptions.

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Punctuality of Aer Lingus

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Aer Lingus has a mixed record regarding punctuality. While some flights depart and arrive on time, there have been numerous reports of delays and cancellations. In 2023, approximately 72% of the airline’s flights were considered on time, placing it ninth out of 24 in terms of punctuality. Passengers have also reported poor communication during delays, leading to further frustration.

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In-flight Comfort & Cleanliness of Aer Lingus

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

The comfort level on Aer Lingus flights varies depending on the aircraft and class. Business class passengers enjoy lie-flat seats and spacious cabins. However, economy class seats have been described as having thin padding, and some aircraft show signs of wear. Cleanliness is another area of concern, with reports of dirty tray tables and armrests.

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In-flight Services of Aer Lingus

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Aer Lingus offers complimentary meals and beverages on transatlantic flights, with some passengers praising the quality of the food. The in-flight entertainment system includes a selection of movies and TV shows, but the variety and functionality can be lacking. Wi-Fi is available on some aircraft, but connectivity and speed are inconsistent.

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Baggage Handling of Aer Lingus

Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

Baggage handling is a significant area of concern for Aer Lingus passengers. There have been numerous reports of delayed, lost, or mishandled luggage. The airline has been criticized for its lack of communication and assistance in resolving baggage issues. In some cases, passengers have had to wait several days to receive their luggage, with minimal support from customer service.

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Value for Money of Aer Lingus

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Aer Lingus offers competitive pricing, especially for transatlantic flights. The inclusion of meals and entertainment in the fare adds value. However, additional fees for seat selection, baggage, and other services can quickly add up. Given the inconsistencies in service and comfort, some passengers feel that the overall value for money is average.

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Overall Experience of Aer Lingus

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Aer Lingus provides a mixed travel experience. While there are positive aspects, such as competitive fares and friendly staff, the airline faces challenges in areas like punctuality, baggage handling, and customer service. Passengers seeking a budget-friendly option may find Aer Lingus suitable, but should be prepared for potential inconveniences.

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Final Verdict of Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus offers an affordable option for travelers, particularly on transatlantic routes. However, the airline’s inconsistencies in service quality, punctuality, and baggage handling can detract from the overall experience. For those prioritizing cost over comfort and reliability, Aer Lingus may be a viable choice. However, travelers should weigh the potential trade-offs before booking.

Final Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

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References:

1. Aer Lingus App – Apps on Google Play
2. Aer Lingus check in errors – FlyerTalk Forums
3. Inside new Aer Lingus lounge at major airport with new food options, comfortable seats and private meeting spaces
4. Aer Lingus Is Possibly the Most Chaotic Airline Experience I’ve
5. Aer Lingus Economy Review – The Best Budget Airline For Your .
6. Aer Lingus Delayed Baggage nightmare – FlyerTalk Forums
7. Aer Lingus Customer Reviews – SKYTRAX
8. Aer Lingus Reviews Autumn 2024 – Rick Steves Travel Forum
9. Aer Lingus Flights and Reviews (with photos) – Tripadvisor
10. Aer Lingus on the App Store

Note: This review is based on aggregated user experiences and publicly available information as of May 2025. Individual experiences may vary.