Monday, April 27, 2015 – San Diego to San Francisco to Dublin – UA 1727 / EI 146
About mid-day Monday I flew up to San Francisco and laid over for the 10 hour flight to Dublin on Aer Lingus. The hours were pleasantly occupied in the United Club in the International Terminal. Gil Beaulieu, the barman at the United Club, and I shared a nice conversation while he kept my Scotch and soda replenished. Then a trip to the duty-free for a liter of John Jameson Irish Whiskey. In Irish pubs a 1/4 gill of whiskey (35.5 ml., about 1.2 ounces) will set one back € 5 or about $ 5.60.

For some reason I was offered early boarding by the Aer Lingus agent and picked up my whiskey on my way to my seat. There was nary an Irish lilt among the three gate agents, all east Asians.

Although boarding was delayed, the Airbus A330-202 pushed back exactly on time and we wee airborne about 20 minutes later. I had chosen a rather narrow aisle seat in the center section so that it was less likely someone would sit next to me. That wasn’t a problem; there were empty seats all over although I expect that the load factor will increase after Memorial Day.

Contrary to reviews of this flight that I had seen on the Internet, there was a blanket, pillow and modest amenity kit at every coach seat. Again, counter to my expectations, the flight attendants were smiling and courteous throughout the flight, if a little difficult to find.

The particular A330 on which I was flying was a newer one, tail number EI-DUO, named St. Columba, put in service in May 2007.

The plane was only about 40% full so beverage service got to my row rather promptly. A few Jameson’s with soda put me in the mood for dinner. I ordered two Jameson’s and one wine at € 5 each but found only a $ 5.50 total charge on my credit card.

I had ordered the Aer Lingus meal upgrade (€ 18): Smoked salmon, cucumber pickle, aioli and McCambridge's brown bread. Beef with gratin potatoes, creamed spinach, mushrooms and red wine jus. A raspberry panacotta, Lily O'Brien sweet with tea/coffee and a nice South African red. Rather good although the steak was overdone and tough.

Read much of Hitch 22, Christopher Hitchens’ memoir, on my tablet and then sleep.

An hour before landing we were offered a small, desiccated cold ham and cheese croissant with orange juice and coffee. The juice and coffee were good.


Tuesday, May 12, 2015 – Dublin to San Francisco to San Diego – EI 147 / UA 718
We arrived at Dublin Airport Terminal 2 at 09:45, two hours and 45 minutes before scheduled departure. I wanted some extra time for a few last pints of Smithwick’s.

There was a lengthy check-in line at Aer Lingus but the many PSAs moved the line quickly. We checked our single bags and got our DUB-SFO and SFO-SAN boarding passes. There was some trouble with my boarding pass but the PSA went to a desk nearby and rectified the issue in about five minutes.

Strangely the boarding pass had printed on it “Gate closes 10:35”. What is this about?

After leaving check-in we consulted the departures display and found the same notice.

“The United States Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) facility at Terminal 2 in Dublin Airport is a purpose-built facility that allows US bound passengers to undertake all immigration, customs and agriculture inspections at Dublin prior to departure.” It may be purpose-built but it is far from convenient and efficient.

At 10:15 we dutifully filled out our Customs Declarations and got into line. Show boarding pass and passport. Belts off; retain shoes. All happy families are alike; every security line is different in its own way. Briefcase with tablet computer into basket – not required to remove.

By 10:25 we find ourselves in the bar/restaurant for my last Smithwick’s.

The information display for our flight directs us to USA Pre-clearance at 10:35. Boarding passes and passports checked then security with shoes off this time. Go figure. Still no magnetometer scan.

Then into the long line at 1050 for the automated immigration kiosks which scan your passport, takes your picture and prints a receipt. It took three tries to get my passport scanned. Then still another queue for Immigration and Customs Enforcement – three agents. We surrender out Customs Declaration, have our boarding passes checked for the third time and our passports checked for the fourth time. A picture of my suitcase appears on a screen for me to identify.

At 11:15 we finally arrive at the boarding area. There are large groups of people queued at every stage; American, United, Delta and Aer Lingus, all departing from gates 401 to 406.

Of course, boarding is delayed “for operational reasons” but an on-time departure is promised.

I’m not convinced that USA Pre-clearance is an effective program. I don’t like to arrive in America to long lines at Immigration and Customs kiosks but it doesn’t seem as if doing it abroad is any better. It is certainly more expensive supporting American immigration and customs officials in departure countries.

There are 19 flights departing Dublin Terminal 2 for U.S. airports between 07:50 and 16:15 during the summer season. At least the ICE staff works a full day, assuming a single shift.

And the work is not reduced just relocated from 10 American airports to Dublin Terminal 2.

The aircraft is an airbus A330-202, tail number EI-DAA, St. Keeva.

Boarding begins at 12:05 with one last inspection of our boarding passes (the fourth) and our passports (fifth time).

The doors close at 12:20, pushback at 12:28 and wheels up at 12:46. Good performance.

Coach was about 50% occupied. I’m sure it’s higher during tourist season.

We find an amenity kit and pillow at each seat. We have a window-aisle pair, 16 H/K, on the right side of the aircraft. The power outlet did not function so I hooked into the outlet between the unoccupied seats in front of us.

The drinks cart arrived at 13:20, 34 minutes after wheels up. No turbulence to delay it just slow.

Our pre-ordered meal upgrades were delivered at 13:45:

“Succulent Steak”
Smoked salmon, cucumber pickle, aioli and McCambridge's brown bread. Beef with gratin, creamed spinach, mushrooms and red wine jus. A raspberry panacotta, Lily O'Brien sweet with tea/coffee & red/white wine.

“Melt-in-the-Mouth Salmon”
Feta cheese, roasted pepper, aubergine and sunblushed tomato. Salmon with julienne of veg, garlic and rosemary roasties & dill sauce. A raspberry panacotta, Lily O'Brien sweet, tea/coffee & red/white wine.

The first bottle of wine is included. I notice that the price has risen from € 18 to € 24.99 (steak) and € 21.99 (chicken), perhaps due to the weakness of the euro.

The food was good just about as I remember international coach meals in the 1960s and 1970s.

Coffee requested at 14:40, not offered.

My biggest complaint on this daylight flight is the insistence of the FAs that the window shades be drawn after the meal service. I notice that this is a continuing issue somewhat akin to seat recline problems.

I am used to working on flights and natural light is far better that the tiny overhead spotlight at the seat.

WiFi was available for € 7.95 for one hour, € 14.95 for twenty-four.

On-time arrival into San Francisco and smooth debarkation.