From Monday 15 May, Aer Lingus will (for the first time) introduce long-haul fuel surcharges of €35 on flights to and from the US and the Middle East ... click here for full story.

David

Ryanair launches bid for Aer Lingus

Ryanair has launched a €1.48bn bid to buy Aer Lingus.

The low-cost airline said it had bought a 16% stake in Aer Lingus and was offering €2.80 per share for remaining stocks.

Earlier this week, Aer Lingus shares were floated on the stock market in London and Dublin after the Irish government decided to sell more than 50% of its 85.1% share in the company, with staff holding on to a 15% stake.

Shares began trading at €2.20 each, giving the firm a value of €1.13bn.

Chief Michael O'Leary said if the bid was successful the two airlines would continue to compete and operate as separate entities on the 17 routes they both operate on.

Altogether, around 500 routes are operated by the two airlines.

"This offer represents a unique opportunity to form one strong airline group for Ireland and for European consumers," he said.

"We will expand, enhance and upgrade the Aer Lingus operations."

He also said that Aer Lingus would be able to cut its short-haul fares and its fuel surcharge.

With permission from Travelmole

I think that this is very worrying news for travellers. In effect it is creating another monopoly in the Irish market. Aer lingus standards particularly for customer service are well above the basic standard service we are used to from low cost no frills Ryanair. Dont get me wrong both have their merits, but its good to have choice. Its a sad day I think

Its unlikely a merger will go ahead as the EC will block it on competition grounds, also the Irish government are not too keen on a merger and still hold 28.3% stake in the airline, they are against a monopoly being created and will keep their stake as a block to protect the state's strategic interests.
Although O'Leary has vowed to cut fares, inevitably there will be jobs cuts also unprofitable routes would be cut. Ryanair and the Irish government have an acrimonious history previously tangling over regulations and the funding of expansion at Dublin Airport. sounds familiar? also it seems strange that Ryanair are persuing what would amount to a monopoly when it spends a great deal of time complaining and wanting other percieved monopolies to be broken up. In all , it looks like a no-goer.

Aer Lingus has announced a number of new routes from Ireland, as well as some additional services on existing routes .... click here for more.

David

I am trying to find an email addy for their customer service - can anyone help?

I want to know do their A330 from DUB - JFK have seatback IFE?

We flew Continental BFS - EWR last month on a 757 and no seatback IFE , want to return to NYC again but one thing on our lift is seatback IFE (selfish I know).

Any help appreciated.
Thanks
Jaime C

Jamie,

It seems some of the A330-200 fleet do have seat back IFE fitted, and some don't. Some of the aircraft in EI's fleet are early airframes, some are newer hence the difference in onboard facilities. Here's a photo with seat back IFE, and without. It all depends on the assigned aircraft I suppose, luck of the draw. You can contact EI from their website. If you have a flight number, I'll check ACARS for aircraft reg's most commonly used and try and tie that it to aircraft which are fitted with seat back IFE or not, might give you a better idea of your chances.

Darren

Thanks for that Darren. Luck of the draw then. Just like Continental from Dublin, sometimes a 757 and some a 767. Though I can't find an email addy on their site for general enquiries.

Thanks
Jaime C

'Sun Worshipper' raises the general issue of some airlines now charging fees for checked baggage (click here) and specifically mentions Aer Lingus.

Please note that Aer Lingus are to start charging baggage fees on short haul flights departing on or after 17 January 2007. The charge applies to bookings made after 9 August 2006. Click here for more details.

David

i have put a package together for ireland for 20 of my friends, i have booked flights, transfers and accommodation.

And this morning i received this e-mail

Dear Sir/Madam

I am contacting you as a result of a revision to the Aer Lingus
schedule and would like to advise you of a change to your previously confirmed
itinerary.

Aer Lingus will discontinue its service between Cork and Manchester
from 05Jun '07. Unfortunately this affects your travel plans however we
would like to offer you the option of travelling to/from
Dublin-Manchester. If this is not a suitable option for you, we are pleased to arrange
a full refund to your credit/debit card.

If this schedule change affects only one leg of your journey you will
be fully reimbursed for any unused portion and taxes should you decide
to cancel.

Now we were suppose to travel on the 16th.

How can airlines get away with this

Sorry to hear your bad news Chris, would appear that EI are having trouble getting sufficent numbers on that route and pulled it. This is standard practice with all low cost carriers, Ryanair being a specialist at it.Its also a risk that many people are not aware of as well. If the route pays it flys, if it doesnt its binned. Brutal but thats a major part of lo-co`s business plans.

Hope you get something sorted out though. All the best...

Just heard on local news update that Aer Lingus is to make Belfast International their UK hub!

Nothing on websites as yet. (lets hope I heard it right ! )

There has been some speculation in recent days, including a report in the Belfast Telegraph today ... click here.

David

Post edited due to copyright infringement. The article referring to new Aer Lingus services from Belfast to can be found by clicking HERE.
David HT Mod

Hi all

Just also to note that AL are pulling off the Shannon to London Heathrow route- there is a lot of bickering going on about that this side of the water as many feel it will adversely affect businesses/trade for the west of Ireland. Many lobby groups/opposition parties are putting pressure on the government to try to get AL to reverse this decision. Unfortuntely for those affected I feel the government have their hands tied on this one.. comes with privatising our state airline when your country is an island.. but there goes.

Its a pity for those who will lose jobs with some companies threatening to relocate as a result of the move by AL.

Many open another airline will take up this route.

As for those in Belfast great news for you guys. If they offer a good price on those flights I might take myself up the motorway myself to sample some of the new routes!!

Following last week's decision to end its Shannon-Heathrow service and create a new international hub at Belfast, Aer Lingus pilots are planning to strike on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week in a protest over pay and conditions. It is reported that Aer Lingus pilots and staff based at the new Belfast hub will be paid less than their counterparts south of the border. If the strike goes ahead, up to 200 flights and 30,000 passengers could be affected ... click here for full story.

There's an article in todays Belfast Telegraph which explains why there's difference in working conditions for workers in Belfast.

The strike planned for Tuesday and Wednesday of this week has now been called off. Passengers who cancelled bookings in anticipation of the proposed strike action may now reinstate them free of charge.

A full short haul service is now expected to operate, however the news has come too late to reinstate some of the long haul flights which have already been cancelled.

More info is available at http://www.aerlingus.com or by phoning Aer Lingus in Ireland on 0818 365044, or in the UK on 0870 876 2020.

David

Just heard another rumour that there is a strike, maybe, next Tuesday? Anyone have any idea on this? Another thing, I have booked an Aer Lingus flight for 1st December. Last time I travelled with them was end of September. At that time I was put to a screen where I could choose my seat. This time, I was put to the same screen, but, when I went to choose a seat, they all cost money I did exit the screen without choosing a seat. Now I am wondering, when I go to check in will they actually charge me for a seat