olafman
Jul 7, 02, 11:13 am
Aer Lingus #145
DUB-LAX
6/13/02
Airbus 330-200
Depart: 11:50am (20 minutes late)
Arrive: 2:50pm
Seat: 1A
After a quick trip to Europe for a cousin’s wedding, it was time to head back to Los Angeles. On the way over I flew Iberia. So for a change I thought I’d try EI on the way home since they have a non-stop from Dublin. I get tired of changing planes midway. I’d rather have the connection up front or at the end. This Trip Report starts off a bit negative but quickly becomes positive.
CHECK-IN: Grade: C
My day began in London where I checked in at LHR. I asked about taking an earlier flight to DUB since I was there early but he said that it had just left. So I got my boarding passes and went on the long walk to the gate/lounge area. When I got there I saw that there was a flight to DUB that hadn’t even begun to board yet. I asked the customer service rep if I could get on it and they said yes there was room in C but since I had checked baggage, it would not be possible. I sure wish the check-in guy would have figured this out!
LOUNGE: Grade: D
The Premier lounge at LHR is dismal: no TV, no windows, no computers/internet, uncomfortable chairs. The whole while I was thinking that I could have been on the early flight and then been sitting in the Premier lounge in DUB which is bound to be better since DUB is their home.
FLIGHT LHR-DUB: Grade: B The flight was delayed getting in and so it left about 45 minutes late making my DUB connection quite tight.
BOARDING: Grade: A+
As I was waiting to exit the aircraft in DUB, I was paged. Once up front they said an EI was here to escort me to my next flight. Interestingly, there was a passenger in Y who was also on my flight to LAX but they didn’t call her name!
The very nice woman apologized for the delays and said that we would be going through “back way” to get to my flight. Several security doors and an elevator ride later we were at the Pre-Clearance US Customs station where she whisked me through brought me to the gate where they were just about to board. Aer Lingus gets an A+ for this personalized service.
I boarded our Airbus 330-200 and easily found my seat, 1A. The staff was very friendly from the very first moment. I look fairly young and dress very informally (i.e. jeans, old t-shirt, old leather jacket, beat up boots…). Sometimes I get attitude from flight staff and was pleased to see that they were very gracious.
Luckily C class was about 1/3 full so I had the seat next to mine free and no one was behind me. We were offered water, OJ and champagne. Because it was a vacation, I chose the Pannier Brut Champange which was only decent. CX FC has spoiled me on Brut!!. They passed out the menu and the amenity kits which contained the usual plus ear plugs and refreshing spray like CX. All the flight staff introduced themselves to me when they first spoke which I really appreciate.
IN-FLIGHT SERVICE: Grade: A
We took off just a few minutes late but the pilot said we’d make up lots of time in the air. As soon as we were in the air, the entertainment system began. It offered a handful of movie channels and then a variety of others. It also had about 8 games including blackjack. I enjoy having the free seat next to me so I can play games on one screen while watching a movie on the other. I was pretty lucky at blackjack on that flight; I was up about $3,000! I just wish it was real.
Here’s the menu the flight:
Appetizer:
SHOYU OF SALMON MARINATED JAPANESE STYLE, Thai Dressing
or
TERRINE OF DUCK BREAST with Cumberland and port sauce
Both served with mixed salad with dressing and freshly baked breads
Main Courses:
FILLET OF BEEF FORESTIERE with Madeira sauce, mixed wild mushrooms, wholebeans and rosti potato
or
HONEY ROAST LOIN OF KASSLER, smoked pork with sweet and spicy sauce, cabbage and parsnip parcels, pomme parsley
or
SEAFOOD PANCAKE, prawns and lobster in a cognac sauce glazed with cheese and served with asparagus
or
VEGETARIAN KEBABS, marienated vegetables in rosemary on rice pilaf with kidney beans, raisins and a mild curry sauce
Dessert:
A selection from the trolley (a variety of cakes and tarts)
Cheese:
Cheese plate and fresh fruit with port or liqueur
Tea or Coffee
White Wine:
Yarra Valley Chardonnay, De Bortoli, 1999
Savingnon Blanc, Kenwood, 2000
Red Wine:
Chateau Cantemerle 1998, Haut-Medoc
Cabernet Sauvignon 1998, Raymond, Napa Valley
Shiraz 1999, Geyser Peak, Sonoma Valley
Drinks were passed out quickly and I had my usual vodka tonic, the vodka was surprisingly Smirnoff red label! I’d expect something more for C class service. Along with the drink, came a pre-lunch canapé of fresh veggies and cheese/crakers
Photo of Canapé (http://home.pacbell.net/terryjon/eicanape.JPG)
Then just as soon as I finished, the purser came around with a tray of different canapés from which we could choose. Most were previously fried but all had good flavor.
Photo of Second Canapés (http://home.pacbell.net/terryjon/eicanape2.JPG)
Next came a deliciously marinated smoked salmon served with a side salad. Very good!
Photo of Salmon and Salad (http://home.pacbell.net/terryjon/eisalmon.JPG)
For the main course, I choose the seafood crepe. It was one of the best courses I have ever been served on a plane. It had HUGE chucks of prawns and lobster.
Photo of Seafood Crepe Main Course (http://home.pacbell.net/terryjon/eicrepe.JPG)
For dessert I choose some sort of chocolate cheesecake which I ate even though there was hardly any room.
Photo of Cheesecake dessert (http://home.pacbell.net/terryjon/eicake.JPG)
Finally the meal ended with some cheese, fruit and chocolates.
Photo of cheese and fruit course (http://home.pacbell.net/terryjon/eicheese.JPG)
I watched “Vanilla Sky” throughout the meal. Not a very good movie but perfect for a plane because you could miss part of it and still know what is going on. One of the movie selections was “Tootie” which I always enjoy even though I’ve seen it many times.
About two-thirds the way through the flight, they served “Light Snack” which included a selection of sandwiches and fresh gateaux. I had to pass on most of it but did manage to get a little gateaux down!
I slept for three hours somewhere along the flight. I had only gotten three hours of sleep in London so I was pretty tired. By the way, we dined at Orrery’s in London and it was stunning. VERY GOOD French food though a little pricey at £80 per person. A perfect date restaurant!
Prior to landing they served the “Afternoon Meal” of VEGETABLE QUICHE or MEDALLIONS OF BEEF with mixed lettuce leaves with Horseradish sauce both served with FRESH PATRIES. I had the beef which was quite good. The pastries were also tasty.
I was VERY IMPRESSED with the quality and quantity of food. No one went hungry on this flight. Throughout the entire flight, the flight attendants kept all our drinks filled.
SEAT: Grade:B
The seat was fully electronic and had the typical international business recline. I haven’t heard if they’re going to compete with their neighbor BA and put in 180 degrees seats. But for a non-flat seat, it was very comfortable.
We landed about 40 minutes early at LAX. Unfortunately a Thai 747 was at our gate so we had to wait a about 30 minutes.
I was the first one off the plane and was met by an EI ground staff who led the way to customs and baggage claim. She was VERY friendly and asked me about my flight experience. I told her that I had flown over on IB and this easily topped that.
I had checked two bags and of course since the connection was tight in DUB, one did not make it. They delivered it to my house the next day. I was impressed that they called three times updating me of its status.
Overall I really enjoyed the flight. I wish I had seen the lounge in DUB because I would like to use EI in the future on my way to other European points. It’s very convenient that they have a non-stop from LA.
[This message has been edited by olafman (edited 07-07-2002).]
DUB-LAX
6/13/02
Airbus 330-200
Depart: 11:50am (20 minutes late)
Arrive: 2:50pm
Seat: 1A
After a quick trip to Europe for a cousin’s wedding, it was time to head back to Los Angeles. On the way over I flew Iberia. So for a change I thought I’d try EI on the way home since they have a non-stop from Dublin. I get tired of changing planes midway. I’d rather have the connection up front or at the end. This Trip Report starts off a bit negative but quickly becomes positive.
CHECK-IN: Grade: C
My day began in London where I checked in at LHR. I asked about taking an earlier flight to DUB since I was there early but he said that it had just left. So I got my boarding passes and went on the long walk to the gate/lounge area. When I got there I saw that there was a flight to DUB that hadn’t even begun to board yet. I asked the customer service rep if I could get on it and they said yes there was room in C but since I had checked baggage, it would not be possible. I sure wish the check-in guy would have figured this out!
LOUNGE: Grade: D
The Premier lounge at LHR is dismal: no TV, no windows, no computers/internet, uncomfortable chairs. The whole while I was thinking that I could have been on the early flight and then been sitting in the Premier lounge in DUB which is bound to be better since DUB is their home.
FLIGHT LHR-DUB: Grade: B The flight was delayed getting in and so it left about 45 minutes late making my DUB connection quite tight.
BOARDING: Grade: A+
As I was waiting to exit the aircraft in DUB, I was paged. Once up front they said an EI was here to escort me to my next flight. Interestingly, there was a passenger in Y who was also on my flight to LAX but they didn’t call her name!
The very nice woman apologized for the delays and said that we would be going through “back way” to get to my flight. Several security doors and an elevator ride later we were at the Pre-Clearance US Customs station where she whisked me through brought me to the gate where they were just about to board. Aer Lingus gets an A+ for this personalized service.
I boarded our Airbus 330-200 and easily found my seat, 1A. The staff was very friendly from the very first moment. I look fairly young and dress very informally (i.e. jeans, old t-shirt, old leather jacket, beat up boots…). Sometimes I get attitude from flight staff and was pleased to see that they were very gracious.
Luckily C class was about 1/3 full so I had the seat next to mine free and no one was behind me. We were offered water, OJ and champagne. Because it was a vacation, I chose the Pannier Brut Champange which was only decent. CX FC has spoiled me on Brut!!. They passed out the menu and the amenity kits which contained the usual plus ear plugs and refreshing spray like CX. All the flight staff introduced themselves to me when they first spoke which I really appreciate.
IN-FLIGHT SERVICE: Grade: A
We took off just a few minutes late but the pilot said we’d make up lots of time in the air. As soon as we were in the air, the entertainment system began. It offered a handful of movie channels and then a variety of others. It also had about 8 games including blackjack. I enjoy having the free seat next to me so I can play games on one screen while watching a movie on the other. I was pretty lucky at blackjack on that flight; I was up about $3,000! I just wish it was real.
Here’s the menu the flight:
Appetizer:
SHOYU OF SALMON MARINATED JAPANESE STYLE, Thai Dressing
or
TERRINE OF DUCK BREAST with Cumberland and port sauce
Both served with mixed salad with dressing and freshly baked breads
Main Courses:
FILLET OF BEEF FORESTIERE with Madeira sauce, mixed wild mushrooms, wholebeans and rosti potato
or
HONEY ROAST LOIN OF KASSLER, smoked pork with sweet and spicy sauce, cabbage and parsnip parcels, pomme parsley
or
SEAFOOD PANCAKE, prawns and lobster in a cognac sauce glazed with cheese and served with asparagus
or
VEGETARIAN KEBABS, marienated vegetables in rosemary on rice pilaf with kidney beans, raisins and a mild curry sauce
Dessert:
A selection from the trolley (a variety of cakes and tarts)
Cheese:
Cheese plate and fresh fruit with port or liqueur
Tea or Coffee
White Wine:
Yarra Valley Chardonnay, De Bortoli, 1999
Savingnon Blanc, Kenwood, 2000
Red Wine:
Chateau Cantemerle 1998, Haut-Medoc
Cabernet Sauvignon 1998, Raymond, Napa Valley
Shiraz 1999, Geyser Peak, Sonoma Valley
Drinks were passed out quickly and I had my usual vodka tonic, the vodka was surprisingly Smirnoff red label! I’d expect something more for C class service. Along with the drink, came a pre-lunch canapé of fresh veggies and cheese/crakers
Photo of Canapé (http://home.pacbell.net/terryjon/eicanape.JPG)
Then just as soon as I finished, the purser came around with a tray of different canapés from which we could choose. Most were previously fried but all had good flavor.
Photo of Second Canapés (http://home.pacbell.net/terryjon/eicanape2.JPG)
Next came a deliciously marinated smoked salmon served with a side salad. Very good!
Photo of Salmon and Salad (http://home.pacbell.net/terryjon/eisalmon.JPG)
For the main course, I choose the seafood crepe. It was one of the best courses I have ever been served on a plane. It had HUGE chucks of prawns and lobster.
Photo of Seafood Crepe Main Course (http://home.pacbell.net/terryjon/eicrepe.JPG)
For dessert I choose some sort of chocolate cheesecake which I ate even though there was hardly any room.
Photo of Cheesecake dessert (http://home.pacbell.net/terryjon/eicake.JPG)
Finally the meal ended with some cheese, fruit and chocolates.
Photo of cheese and fruit course (http://home.pacbell.net/terryjon/eicheese.JPG)
I watched “Vanilla Sky” throughout the meal. Not a very good movie but perfect for a plane because you could miss part of it and still know what is going on. One of the movie selections was “Tootie” which I always enjoy even though I’ve seen it many times.
About two-thirds the way through the flight, they served “Light Snack” which included a selection of sandwiches and fresh gateaux. I had to pass on most of it but did manage to get a little gateaux down!
I slept for three hours somewhere along the flight. I had only gotten three hours of sleep in London so I was pretty tired. By the way, we dined at Orrery’s in London and it was stunning. VERY GOOD French food though a little pricey at £80 per person. A perfect date restaurant!
Prior to landing they served the “Afternoon Meal” of VEGETABLE QUICHE or MEDALLIONS OF BEEF with mixed lettuce leaves with Horseradish sauce both served with FRESH PATRIES. I had the beef which was quite good. The pastries were also tasty.
I was VERY IMPRESSED with the quality and quantity of food. No one went hungry on this flight. Throughout the entire flight, the flight attendants kept all our drinks filled.
SEAT: Grade:B
The seat was fully electronic and had the typical international business recline. I haven’t heard if they’re going to compete with their neighbor BA and put in 180 degrees seats. But for a non-flat seat, it was very comfortable.
We landed about 40 minutes early at LAX. Unfortunately a Thai 747 was at our gate so we had to wait a about 30 minutes.
I was the first one off the plane and was met by an EI ground staff who led the way to customs and baggage claim. She was VERY friendly and asked me about my flight experience. I told her that I had flown over on IB and this easily topped that.
I had checked two bags and of course since the connection was tight in DUB, one did not make it. They delivered it to my house the next day. I was impressed that they called three times updating me of its status.
Overall I really enjoyed the flight. I wish I had seen the lounge in DUB because I would like to use EI in the future on my way to other European points. It’s very convenient that they have a non-stop from LA.
[This message has been edited by olafman (edited 07-07-2002).]