Originally Posted by PresRDC

Despite my less than rosy review of Aer Lingus transatlantic Premier Class service last November, I have decided to give EI another chance next month (those J fares are very enticing) routing BOS-SNN-DUB on EI 138 (the 8:45 PM departure), continuing onto LHR on EI 164.

I have a few questions for the EI experts:

1. What is the lounge situation at BOS? How does it compare to the DUB and LHR Lounges (the only EI lounges I've experienced).

2. EI 138 is scheduled to be operated by an A330-200, which, as I understand it, is better than the -300 in terms of seat comfort (I flew on a -200 last November and didn't think it was great, but if its the better option, it's what I want). Does anyone have a good sense as to how often this flight is swapped for a -300?

3. I understand the politics re: the SNN stopover, but why are both ex-BOS flights making the stop?

4. The SNN stopover is listed as 45 minutes. My experience with other carriers is that enroute stopover times tend to be somewhat optimistic. In your experience, how often does EI stick to the 45 minute stopover?

5. Will I have lounge access at SNN (there wasn't time when I connected at SNN last November as we were late elaving DUB)?

5. Someone on other thread mentioned that one must transfer landside at DUB. Is that still the case?

6. Finally, with the new no preassigned seats on the DUB-LHR route, will EI assign a seat for that flight in BOS, or must one recheck-in at DUB? Are any accomidations made to give Premier Class pax (or OW Emeralds) preferential seating on the DUB-LHR flight?

Thanks!