Aer Lingus Fleet/ Routes Discussion Pt 2 (ALL possible routes included)

Ryanair increasing prices on their LGW route in 3, 2, 1....

Think that’s EI-CVA….went to Knock in September for part out. Strange to see it in the new paintwork when other operational aircraft are still in the old colours but I’m guessing it received the paintwork as planned/part of a C check and was then withdrawn from service shortly afterwards (maybe at short notice).

EI-CVA was the very first to be painted and also the oldest A320 owned by EI, so no surprises it was scrapped.

There was some talk it went in for a check and the decision was taken to scrap

Ryanair wasting no time:

https://corporate.ryanair.com/news/slan-leat-aer-lingus/

It’s a shame to see any route go, Virgins exit from Gatwick has probably affected bookings.

its probably not a huge loss of seats on Dublin - London considering DUB-LHR is up 2 flights a day with the slots gained from Belfast and the increased capacity on the A320NEO

Not much use when you have connections with BA…I fly to St.Lucia a lot for projects if I fly another airline its. No more checked in baggage , no more lounge , no more increased baggage allowance etc

so

ill have to fly the night before and have extra costs

Unfortunate decision. I seem to remember EI going off LGW before (circa 2001?) but then going back on.

For the LGW long haulers, there is a direct bus between the two airports via the M25. Takes about an hour and a bit pricey but does the job. BA used to route passengers with transfer flights with an airport change between the two, not sure if it still does.

You may be sure that your bag isn’t getting that bus and will be a few days behind you

There was a wonderful marketing video with a Queen lookalike going through the airport – "is there any champagne in your luggage, ma'am?".

I can't find it now though.

Going to mco via Gatwick with BA in June. Meant to be travelling with aerlingus to Gatwick. What will they offer or will the whole trip be cancelled

You should ask to be put on the direct service - they’ll prob try getting you to go to Heathrow and then self transfer. Tell em no thanks.

It’s due in for the refit in Mid Feb!

EI pulling out of LGW is one of the silliest things I've seen in years. My London business trips for the last 10 years - must be around 200-300 have been

1% southend

4% stansted

5% LCY

10% LHR

80% Gatwick split 50/50 between EI and FR, whichever was cheaper on the day

LHR is crap even with the Elizabeth line with BA or EI, unless I am going to Slough or Reading there is no point at all

LGW is straight off plane 5-10 mins waiting on a platform for Victoria or Thameslink and its every 5 mins for a fast service usually cheaper than Elizabeth line

Absolute madness and no justification . I'd let Easyjet in on no landing charges into Dublin to T2 just to annoy EI for this

I would strongly suggest that which airport is best in London is dependent on where in London you are going. Just because LHR is "crap" for you doesn't mean it is for others.

Incidentally, comparing rail fares using Oyster/Contactless, the devil is in the detail, and significantly what your travel plans within London are during the rest of the day.

Single fares are:

Thameslink to Blackfriars or Southern to Victoria from Gatwick - GBP 9.50 off-peak / GBP 17.50 peak (Peak is 06:30-09:30 to London and 06:30-09:30 and 16:00-19:00 from London Monday to Friday)

Gatwick Express to Victoria from Gatwick - GBP 21.80 anytime

Elizabeth Line to Tottenham Court Road from Heathrow - GBP 13.30 anytime.

London Underground Piccadilly Line to Piccadilly Circus from Heathrow - GBP 5.60 anytime.

Importantly both the Elizabeth Line and Piccadilly Line fares from Heathrow do count towards the Zones 1-6 daily cap of GBP 14.90, while the Gatwick fare does not.

The Gatwick fare cap is GBP 23.70 off-peak or GBP 37.30 peak (same time restrictions apply as above) and this only applies to Southern/Thameslink journeys and not Gatwick Express.