Aer Lingus

Europe Based Discount Carrier

One of the most recognisable tailfins both sides of the Atlantic is Aer Lingus’ bright green shamrock. Adorning 46 Airbus aircraft flying to 69 destinations, expect to see it in popular holiday spots such as Nice, France and Faro, Portugal, as well as some not associated with the Irish, like Morocco’s Agadir.

Thirty percent owned by Ryanair, Aer Lingus runs a small, full-service longhaul network but concentrates mainly on its low-cost European operation. After September 11th, there followed a swathe of cost-cutting and reorganisation. Judging by recent reviews, with customer service slated on several occasions, this had an adverse effect.

Aer Lingus operates a pricing structure similar to other discount carriers. This means that, whilst a ticket may only cost US$15 one-way, by the time the handling charge (US$12), checked baggage (US$15), and taxes (around US$35) are added, it’s hard to find the ‘discount’ aspect. Bit of a recurring theme, really! Search!