JAP
Jul 17, 02, 8:12 am
OK, this is my first trip report, so be gentle with me …… http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif
RE are relatively new, and I would imagine that this is the first report involving them. RE are primarily an intra-Ireland commuter airline who also fly some short hops to the UK. They have taken over many of the local routes that Aer Lingus cut during recent cost reduction exercises.
BHX (Birmingham International) – ORK (Cork)
Aer Arann Express RE402
ATR 72 Turboprop
Load: 30 (+ 2 babies!) of 64 seats
Departed 1135
Flight time est. 1 hr 20 mins
I arrived from Birmingham City centre by car and was dropped off at about 1030 outside departures by my colleague. We were both a little delicate after last nights exploits with our customer in the city, which made me a little more tired and less inclined to be bothered by anything …. Also is the reason I am typing this report on the plane – couldn’t motivate myself to do any work emails … J
Checked-in at the (one) desk which was painless, allocated seat 16A (this is a one-class service), and proceeded through security. You know the drill ….. I am also very familiar with it by now, so on auto-pilot as I put my bag on the belt etc. etc. etc.
Went to my usual airline lounge to find that Aer Arann have not yet signed any agreement with lounges outside Ireland – inside Ireland, I can use the Aer Lingus lounges and also earn FF points with EI. Wasn’t overly happy with this situation, but as I mentioned before, I wasn’t in the humour to argue (or even discuss) so I just wandered out into the airport for a little while.
Bought a book on improving your own life quality (note to self: must read soon !!), logged on to Flyertalk for 20 mins on a pay-as-you-go computer. Cost me £2 Stg. A bargain even at twice the price !!
Flight was called at about 1105 and I walked through boarding card check, down some steps and straight out onto the tarmac. The plane was about 100 yards from the terminal and I walked out into the 15 degrees C morning. Overcast skies but pleasant enough for the short walk.
Entered the plane by the (only) steps at the back, and took my seat in 16A. No one in my row except me – C, D & F all empty. Leg room is OK and seats are fairly comfortable. (not leather).
Captain and co-pilot Bart and Kurt introduced themselves (is it just me, or do they sound like characters from Sesame Street ??!!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif).
Air stewardesses Sharon & Shiela also introduced themselves, carried out the safety briefing, and we’re off !!
Take off was on time, but a little bumpy as we climbed through the clouds. Soon after, Sharon came around and offered an Irish daily newspaper, which I duly accepted. She and Shiela then came around with the juice/water service which again due to my fragile state, I happily accepted !
Shiela came around soon after with a skyroad.com mousemat “for everyone in the audience” – looks like RE are taking an interesting approach to their advertising.
(skyroad.com is their website, and they heavily promote taking the plane for those weekend breaks in Ireland, “to miss all the Friday and Sunday traffic”)
Now at our cruising altitude, and weather is nice outside (even if the sun is a little bright for my taste this morning ….). Time to read my paper ……..
Landing now after a pleasant flight – in about 15 mins early – always a positive. Weather in Cork is warm and dry (for a change http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif)
Collect my bag after about a 5 minute wait at the carousel (only 2 carousels in Cork – it is a small local airport), and in my car in a further 2 mins.
Home, James ……..
RE are relatively new, and I would imagine that this is the first report involving them. RE are primarily an intra-Ireland commuter airline who also fly some short hops to the UK. They have taken over many of the local routes that Aer Lingus cut during recent cost reduction exercises.
BHX (Birmingham International) – ORK (Cork)
Aer Arann Express RE402
ATR 72 Turboprop
Load: 30 (+ 2 babies!) of 64 seats
Departed 1135
Flight time est. 1 hr 20 mins
I arrived from Birmingham City centre by car and was dropped off at about 1030 outside departures by my colleague. We were both a little delicate after last nights exploits with our customer in the city, which made me a little more tired and less inclined to be bothered by anything …. Also is the reason I am typing this report on the plane – couldn’t motivate myself to do any work emails … J
Checked-in at the (one) desk which was painless, allocated seat 16A (this is a one-class service), and proceeded through security. You know the drill ….. I am also very familiar with it by now, so on auto-pilot as I put my bag on the belt etc. etc. etc.
Went to my usual airline lounge to find that Aer Arann have not yet signed any agreement with lounges outside Ireland – inside Ireland, I can use the Aer Lingus lounges and also earn FF points with EI. Wasn’t overly happy with this situation, but as I mentioned before, I wasn’t in the humour to argue (or even discuss) so I just wandered out into the airport for a little while.
Bought a book on improving your own life quality (note to self: must read soon !!), logged on to Flyertalk for 20 mins on a pay-as-you-go computer. Cost me £2 Stg. A bargain even at twice the price !!
Flight was called at about 1105 and I walked through boarding card check, down some steps and straight out onto the tarmac. The plane was about 100 yards from the terminal and I walked out into the 15 degrees C morning. Overcast skies but pleasant enough for the short walk.
Entered the plane by the (only) steps at the back, and took my seat in 16A. No one in my row except me – C, D & F all empty. Leg room is OK and seats are fairly comfortable. (not leather).
Captain and co-pilot Bart and Kurt introduced themselves (is it just me, or do they sound like characters from Sesame Street ??!!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif).
Air stewardesses Sharon & Shiela also introduced themselves, carried out the safety briefing, and we’re off !!
Take off was on time, but a little bumpy as we climbed through the clouds. Soon after, Sharon came around and offered an Irish daily newspaper, which I duly accepted. She and Shiela then came around with the juice/water service which again due to my fragile state, I happily accepted !
Shiela came around soon after with a skyroad.com mousemat “for everyone in the audience” – looks like RE are taking an interesting approach to their advertising.
(skyroad.com is their website, and they heavily promote taking the plane for those weekend breaks in Ireland, “to miss all the Friday and Sunday traffic”)
Now at our cruising altitude, and weather is nice outside (even if the sun is a little bright for my taste this morning ….). Time to read my paper ……..
Landing now after a pleasant flight – in about 15 mins early – always a positive. Weather in Cork is warm and dry (for a change http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif)
Collect my bag after about a 5 minute wait at the carousel (only 2 carousels in Cork – it is a small local airport), and in my car in a further 2 mins.
Home, James ……..