Review: Aer Lingus

When I studied abroad in Ireland, I chose to fly with Aer Lingus to and from John F. Kennedy International Airport and Dublin Airport. Aer Lingus was not only highly accommodating, but also the most flexible option as a student.

If you’ve never flown with large luggage on an international flight, picking a properly sized suitcase and following weight restrictions can be a daunting task. Luckily, Aer Lingus has an incredibly detailed baggage section on the website. I found this tool incredibly helpful when packing all my books and souvenirs to come home. Additionally, if travelers plan ahead and add their bags online, they can save 50 percent more than standard baggage charges at the airport.

Aer Lingus also has one of the best deals for students studying abroad in Ireland. Not only will students receive a discounted rate on their plane ticket, but their families can as well. If you are thinking about visiting someone while they’re studying in Ireland, check the availability of discounted rates before booking. The offer is only applicable for flights to Dublin and Shannon, but it can be well worth saving some cash by taking a bus ride to the university.

A unique offer from Aer Lingus is a policy on students changing their return flights. The airline waves the $150 fee to switch flights for studying abroad in Ireland. Whether they need to come home early or wish to squeeze in another adventure before heading home, students can change flights with ease.

As far as the actual flights were concerned, they were both incredibly smooth and I was able to sleep for most of the trip. The entertainment options were fairly standard, but I appreciated that they offered a selection of Irish indie film and music options on both flights.

On the way home, I was nervous about the weight of my checked bag (and happy I packed a luggage scale). I really didn’t want to pay the airline’s $100 fee for overweight luggage and was pleasantly surprised to find my bag was a few pounds under the limit. A friend I was traveling with packed her bag so tightly it burst at the seams! The Aer Lingus attendants at the check-in counter quickly helped her duct tape her bag back together to ensure she made it home with all of her belongings. It was incredibly helpful of them, and they also didn’t charge her for having her bag over the weight limit.

Overall my experience with Aer Lingus was great, and I would be happy to travel with them in the future!