MCO - DUB Business
Nov 18, 2013, 3:44 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Programs: Aer Club Platinum, BAEC Silver, Star Alliance Gold, Flying Blue Gold
Posts: 123
MCO - DUB Business
MCO-DUB (Business )
Booking and check in
www.aerlingus.com is an easy site to navigate and selecting a flight for my preferred date and time was no trouble. Aer Lingus fly direct to Orlando from Dublin three days a week: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. On other days, the routing is via JFK where one joins JetBlue, Aer Lingus’ codeshare partners. Through ticketing is available, but my wife and I prefer direct flights, so we chose this option.
This was the homebound flight of a wonderful holiday in Orlando (our 30th Wedding Anniversary, and my wife’s 50th Birthday), and despite a twinge of sadness at leaving, we looked forward to being pampered by Aer Lingus’ superb Business Class.
We arrived at Orlando International Airport at 3.00pm for our 7.10pm flight. This is earlier that we would normally arrive at an airport, but past experience of busy security and dropping off a rental car, led us to allow plenty of time.
Aer Lingus have a number of check-in desks with a dedicated Business Class/Gold Circle desk.
Aer Lingus’ handling agent in MCO is Servisair, and check in was signed to open @ 3.10pm. At precisely this time, staff opened the desks.
Business Class passengers are allowed 3 checked in bags, which is very useful if one has taken advantage of Orlando’s excellent shopping. The agent who checked us in was very pleasant, quickly tagged our bags with “business class” tag and boarding passes issued within a couple of minutes. She also took the time to explain the location of the Lounge, boarding time and wished us a pleasant flight.
One benefit of Gold Circle membership is the use of the Fast track security lane in many airports. Sadly, this does not yet apply in MCO and we joined the main queue. However, this took only 15 minutes, thus my fears of delays thus were groundless!
We took the opportunity to visit the duty free shop (beside gates 20 – 29). This is much smaller than those in other airports but has a good range of products on offer. We bought a couple of bottles of (branded) spirits and a huge bag of chocolates for $63. Great value and a nice touch is that purchases are placed in sealed bags, and collected at the boarding gate.
Lounge (Orlando)
Aer Lingus passengers use United Club Lounge. This is located adjacent to Gate 48 which is in a different part of the airport from the Aer Lingus gates. It’s best to allow a few minutes additional to get to and from this lounge.
The lounge is situated on an upper level giving good views of the apron, comfortable seating. There is a business centre for those who need to work, and restrooms in the lounge. The range of newspapers and magazines is small, but adequate for the time spent in the lounge.
Food is limited to cheese, crackers, savoury nibbles and fresh fruit. Hot beverages are self service, but all others (even soft drinks) are behind an attended bar.
A limited range of alcoholic beverages is complimentary, with premium drinks available for a charge. In keeping with the holiday spirit, I ordered two glasses of champagne. This is currently Veuve Clicquot and costs $14 per glass. Interestingly, this is poured from a freshly opened half bottle, but when I asked if I could buy the half bottle, the attendant said it was only sold per glass. When I ordered refills later, a further half bottle was opened, making me question the logic of a policy which creates waste and prevents additional revenue. However, my wife enjoyed the bubbly and this was the object of the exercise.
During the course of our stay an announcement was made that our flight would begin boarding @ 6.30pm.
Boarding
Boarding began at 6.30pm, with Business class and Gold Circle passengers being invited to board first.
The Airbus 330 was immaculate and cabin crew warmly welcomed passengers.
The Business Class cabin has 4 rows of seats, configured 2-2-2. Our allocation was 2A & 2C. The seats are lie flat, have a pitch of 58” and 21” wide. The pairs of seats beside windows are ideal for those travelling together, as when the aisle seat is fully reclined, the window seat passenger has to climb over the other’s legs. Not ideal for solo travelers who are better off in the middle row where both seats have unimpeded aisle access. There is a privacy screen between each pair of seats which is easily raised or lowered .There is storage space in the seats for books, magazines etc.
Within minutes of boarding, jackets were hung in the wardrobe and pre-flight drinks offered : a choice of water, juice or champagne (Jean Pernet).
Still in holiday mode, we opted for champagne which is served in Louise Kennedy Crystal glasses.
At this point, bottled water and amenity kits were given out, along with bottles of mineral water by Geraldine who again welcomed each passenger and took the time to speak a few words to everyone.
Inflight
The Captain gave a brief welcome and details of flight times, followed by a safety announcement. We pushed back a few minutes early and were airborne quickly. The projected flight time was 8 hours, with an expected landing time of 08.00am (scheduled landing time was 08.35am).
WI-Fi
Aer Lingus offer complimentary wi-fi in business class. Shortly after take off, we were offered wi-fi passes, but given the lateness of the hour, we declined. However, on the outbound flight we used the service and found it very good.
Catering
The Aer Lingus website promises
• The finest choice of restaurant quality food and drink available in-flight.
• Wines specially chosen and matched to each entrée to bring out the full flavour of the meal.
• All Business Class gourmet meals are served on custom made Crystal and Wedgwood China.
About an hour into the flight, hot and cold canapés were served with a bar service. We again chose champagne, and commendably our glasses were refilled regularly without having to ask.
STARTERS:
BLT Salad bed of romaine and Boston Bibb lettuce, topped with hardboiled egg wedges, diced roma tomatoes, crumbed bacon, and shaved Monchego cheese.
A selection of warm breads was also offered:
Pretzel Pistolet
French Split
Diamant Seeded White
ENTREES:
“96 Hour” Braised Beef:
slowly braised short rib, accompanied by a cauliflower and potato gratin, seared endive, haricot verte and baby carrot. Served with Armagnac Doux Sauce
Corn Fed Chicken Breast:
A roasted apple cider marinated corn fed chicken breast accompanied by sautéed curly kale and mustard, creamy Yukon gold mash potatoes and roasted peppers. Served with a spiced demi sauce.
Pacific Cod:
Pacific Cod that has been pan seared, accompanied by ratatouille, potato gnocchi, and served with an olive cream sauce.
Vegetable Lasagna Gratin:
A freshly made vegetable lagagna containing spinach, artichoke, and sliced mushrooms, topped with a béchamel sauce. This is accompanied by baby zucchini and patty pan sauce. Served with a Pomadoro sauce.
DESSERTS:
Chocolate Whiskey Lava Cake:
Moist Chocolate cake, with a Whiskey and Chocolate ganache, served with vanilla cream.
Fruit and Cheese Plate
Fresh fruit and a duo of cheeses, served with crackers.
TEA or COFFEE
WINES
Champagne:
Jean Pernet Tradition Brut
White:
Domaine Vacheron Sancerre Blanc 2012
Soave Classico D.O.C. Monte Fiorentine 2012
Red:
“The Prospector” Syrah 2009
Belerno Toscana IGT 2010
The food is served on a tray with crisp white linen, Wedgewood china and is superbly presented.
My wife and I both chose the beef, and it was superb: tender and full of flavour.
Up to recently, main courses were served in pre-prepared casserole type dishes. Current practice is that each main course is assembled separately on individual plates. This gives a lovely dining experience, however it impacts negatively on the speed of service. One cabin crew member plates the food, the other serves it. Despite the best efforts of the two staff, both of whom were clearly working as fast as possible, the result was that rows 1 & 2 were finished eating while row 4 was being served. However, this is a new practice and as time progresses, there is no doubt that staff will become more proficient in serving the meals.
The dining experience is absolutely perfect, and in keeping with a premium business class product.
Entertainment
There is a good range of films, TV, Radio programmes on demand, but I didn’t take full advantage of this, opting instead to have a sleep after dinner. My wife enjoyed a couple of films and was very pleased with the choices available.
The seat reclines fully, and along with a duvet, I had a good sleep for about 4 hours
About an hour before landing, a Continental Breakfast is served, orange juice, a selection of warmed breads & pastries with butter and jam, yogurt and sliced fruit, along with hot beverage. A particularly nice touch is that the hot drinks were served in warmed mugs.
We landed in Dublin ahead of schedule (at 8.00am), and after a short taxi were on stand.
Baggage Collection
As we were amongst the first off the aircraft, and as there was no delay whatever in going through passport control and then onto to the baggage collection area. There was a short wait for the first bags to arrive. From leaving the aircraft to leaving the terminal building took only 20 minutes: this is very good indeed.
I had parked in the Dublin Airport Authority’s new surface car park. This is a short walk from T2, and while out in the open, it avoids boarding (with luggage) a shuttle to the satellite car parks and subsequent disembarking from the shuttle and trekking to one’s car. It is even more convenient than the covered car park beside T2, and well worth the fee paid (104 Euro for two weeks).
CONCLUSION
This was a most enjoyable flight. Aer Lingus Business Class is a high quality product, and our experience was enhanced by a very professional and pleasant crew. The food is well presented, of top quality and the seat very comfortable for the 8 hour flight. Well done to all concerned.
Booking and check in
www.aerlingus.com is an easy site to navigate and selecting a flight for my preferred date and time was no trouble. Aer Lingus fly direct to Orlando from Dublin three days a week: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. On other days, the routing is via JFK where one joins JetBlue, Aer Lingus’ codeshare partners. Through ticketing is available, but my wife and I prefer direct flights, so we chose this option.
This was the homebound flight of a wonderful holiday in Orlando (our 30th Wedding Anniversary, and my wife’s 50th Birthday), and despite a twinge of sadness at leaving, we looked forward to being pampered by Aer Lingus’ superb Business Class.
We arrived at Orlando International Airport at 3.00pm for our 7.10pm flight. This is earlier that we would normally arrive at an airport, but past experience of busy security and dropping off a rental car, led us to allow plenty of time.
Aer Lingus have a number of check-in desks with a dedicated Business Class/Gold Circle desk.
Aer Lingus’ handling agent in MCO is Servisair, and check in was signed to open @ 3.10pm. At precisely this time, staff opened the desks.
Business Class passengers are allowed 3 checked in bags, which is very useful if one has taken advantage of Orlando’s excellent shopping. The agent who checked us in was very pleasant, quickly tagged our bags with “business class” tag and boarding passes issued within a couple of minutes. She also took the time to explain the location of the Lounge, boarding time and wished us a pleasant flight.
One benefit of Gold Circle membership is the use of the Fast track security lane in many airports. Sadly, this does not yet apply in MCO and we joined the main queue. However, this took only 15 minutes, thus my fears of delays thus were groundless!
We took the opportunity to visit the duty free shop (beside gates 20 – 29). This is much smaller than those in other airports but has a good range of products on offer. We bought a couple of bottles of (branded) spirits and a huge bag of chocolates for $63. Great value and a nice touch is that purchases are placed in sealed bags, and collected at the boarding gate.
Lounge (Orlando)
Aer Lingus passengers use United Club Lounge. This is located adjacent to Gate 48 which is in a different part of the airport from the Aer Lingus gates. It’s best to allow a few minutes additional to get to and from this lounge.
The lounge is situated on an upper level giving good views of the apron, comfortable seating. There is a business centre for those who need to work, and restrooms in the lounge. The range of newspapers and magazines is small, but adequate for the time spent in the lounge.
Food is limited to cheese, crackers, savoury nibbles and fresh fruit. Hot beverages are self service, but all others (even soft drinks) are behind an attended bar.
A limited range of alcoholic beverages is complimentary, with premium drinks available for a charge. In keeping with the holiday spirit, I ordered two glasses of champagne. This is currently Veuve Clicquot and costs $14 per glass. Interestingly, this is poured from a freshly opened half bottle, but when I asked if I could buy the half bottle, the attendant said it was only sold per glass. When I ordered refills later, a further half bottle was opened, making me question the logic of a policy which creates waste and prevents additional revenue. However, my wife enjoyed the bubbly and this was the object of the exercise.
During the course of our stay an announcement was made that our flight would begin boarding @ 6.30pm.
Boarding
Boarding began at 6.30pm, with Business class and Gold Circle passengers being invited to board first.
The Airbus 330 was immaculate and cabin crew warmly welcomed passengers.
The Business Class cabin has 4 rows of seats, configured 2-2-2. Our allocation was 2A & 2C. The seats are lie flat, have a pitch of 58” and 21” wide. The pairs of seats beside windows are ideal for those travelling together, as when the aisle seat is fully reclined, the window seat passenger has to climb over the other’s legs. Not ideal for solo travelers who are better off in the middle row where both seats have unimpeded aisle access. There is a privacy screen between each pair of seats which is easily raised or lowered .There is storage space in the seats for books, magazines etc.
Within minutes of boarding, jackets were hung in the wardrobe and pre-flight drinks offered : a choice of water, juice or champagne (Jean Pernet).
Still in holiday mode, we opted for champagne which is served in Louise Kennedy Crystal glasses.
At this point, bottled water and amenity kits were given out, along with bottles of mineral water by Geraldine who again welcomed each passenger and took the time to speak a few words to everyone.
Inflight
The Captain gave a brief welcome and details of flight times, followed by a safety announcement. We pushed back a few minutes early and were airborne quickly. The projected flight time was 8 hours, with an expected landing time of 08.00am (scheduled landing time was 08.35am).
WI-Fi
Aer Lingus offer complimentary wi-fi in business class. Shortly after take off, we were offered wi-fi passes, but given the lateness of the hour, we declined. However, on the outbound flight we used the service and found it very good.
Catering
The Aer Lingus website promises
• The finest choice of restaurant quality food and drink available in-flight.
• Wines specially chosen and matched to each entrée to bring out the full flavour of the meal.
• All Business Class gourmet meals are served on custom made Crystal and Wedgwood China.
About an hour into the flight, hot and cold canapés were served with a bar service. We again chose champagne, and commendably our glasses were refilled regularly without having to ask.
STARTERS:
BLT Salad bed of romaine and Boston Bibb lettuce, topped with hardboiled egg wedges, diced roma tomatoes, crumbed bacon, and shaved Monchego cheese.
A selection of warm breads was also offered:
Pretzel Pistolet
French Split
Diamant Seeded White
ENTREES:
“96 Hour” Braised Beef:
slowly braised short rib, accompanied by a cauliflower and potato gratin, seared endive, haricot verte and baby carrot. Served with Armagnac Doux Sauce
Corn Fed Chicken Breast:
A roasted apple cider marinated corn fed chicken breast accompanied by sautéed curly kale and mustard, creamy Yukon gold mash potatoes and roasted peppers. Served with a spiced demi sauce.
Pacific Cod:
Pacific Cod that has been pan seared, accompanied by ratatouille, potato gnocchi, and served with an olive cream sauce.
Vegetable Lasagna Gratin:
A freshly made vegetable lagagna containing spinach, artichoke, and sliced mushrooms, topped with a béchamel sauce. This is accompanied by baby zucchini and patty pan sauce. Served with a Pomadoro sauce.
DESSERTS:
Chocolate Whiskey Lava Cake:
Moist Chocolate cake, with a Whiskey and Chocolate ganache, served with vanilla cream.
Fruit and Cheese Plate
Fresh fruit and a duo of cheeses, served with crackers.
TEA or COFFEE
WINES
Champagne:
Jean Pernet Tradition Brut
White:
Domaine Vacheron Sancerre Blanc 2012
Soave Classico D.O.C. Monte Fiorentine 2012
Red:
“The Prospector” Syrah 2009
Belerno Toscana IGT 2010
The food is served on a tray with crisp white linen, Wedgewood china and is superbly presented.
My wife and I both chose the beef, and it was superb: tender and full of flavour.
Up to recently, main courses were served in pre-prepared casserole type dishes. Current practice is that each main course is assembled separately on individual plates. This gives a lovely dining experience, however it impacts negatively on the speed of service. One cabin crew member plates the food, the other serves it. Despite the best efforts of the two staff, both of whom were clearly working as fast as possible, the result was that rows 1 & 2 were finished eating while row 4 was being served. However, this is a new practice and as time progresses, there is no doubt that staff will become more proficient in serving the meals.
The dining experience is absolutely perfect, and in keeping with a premium business class product.
Entertainment
There is a good range of films, TV, Radio programmes on demand, but I didn’t take full advantage of this, opting instead to have a sleep after dinner. My wife enjoyed a couple of films and was very pleased with the choices available.
The seat reclines fully, and along with a duvet, I had a good sleep for about 4 hours
About an hour before landing, a Continental Breakfast is served, orange juice, a selection of warmed breads & pastries with butter and jam, yogurt and sliced fruit, along with hot beverage. A particularly nice touch is that the hot drinks were served in warmed mugs.
We landed in Dublin ahead of schedule (at 8.00am), and after a short taxi were on stand.
Baggage Collection
As we were amongst the first off the aircraft, and as there was no delay whatever in going through passport control and then onto to the baggage collection area. There was a short wait for the first bags to arrive. From leaving the aircraft to leaving the terminal building took only 20 minutes: this is very good indeed.
I had parked in the Dublin Airport Authority’s new surface car park. This is a short walk from T2, and while out in the open, it avoids boarding (with luggage) a shuttle to the satellite car parks and subsequent disembarking from the shuttle and trekking to one’s car. It is even more convenient than the covered car park beside T2, and well worth the fee paid (104 Euro for two weeks).
CONCLUSION
This was a most enjoyable flight. Aer Lingus Business Class is a high quality product, and our experience was enhanced by a very professional and pleasant crew. The food is well presented, of top quality and the seat very comfortable for the 8 hour flight. Well done to all concerned.
Nov 20, 2013, 2:31 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: From ORK, live LCY
Programs: BA Silver, EI Silver, HH Gold, BW Gold, ABP, Seigneur des Horaires des Mucci
Posts: 14,205
Thanks for a great report!
One note is that this isn't a "nice touch"; it's a legal requirement in the USA where international terminals have an exit via one-way door, to ensure that your duty-free purchases are in fact exported on the aircraft and not taken out and given to a friend in the terminal.
We took the opportunity to visit the duty free shop (beside gates 20 – 29). This is much smaller than those in other airports but has a good range of products on offer. We bought a couple of bottles of (branded) spirits and a huge bag of chocolates for $63. Great value and a nice touch is that purchases are placed in sealed bags, and collected at the boarding gate.
Dec 2, 2013, 2:59 am
#5
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: co down
Programs: etihad guest silver/ba bronze
Posts: 181
MCO - DUB Business
I am travelling to Mco this month and was hoping that you guys could help me.
My friend is in y on the same flight.
Can I bring him into the lounge or does he have to buy access online?
Thanks in advance
My friend is in y on the same flight.
Can I bring him into the lounge or does he have to buy access online?
Thanks in advance
Dec 14, 2013, 11:59 am
#7
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: co down
Programs: etihad guest silver/ba bronze
Posts: 181
MCO - DUB Business
Sorry I didn't type the write info
I am not a prestige member anymore just booked in j from dub
Can someone with no status but booked I'm j dub to Mco bring a guest booked on the the sane flight in y into the lounge free of charge or must he buy access
Thanks
I am not a prestige member anymore just booked in j from dub
Can someone with no status but booked I'm j dub to Mco bring a guest booked on the the sane flight in y into the lounge free of charge or must he buy access
Thanks
Dec 14, 2013, 2:04 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Programs: Aer Club Platinum, BAEC Silver, Star Alliance Gold, Flying Blue Gold
Posts: 123
As far as I know you can take a guest who is on the same flight for a fee of 25euro, or 250 Gold Circle points.
If you are still Gold Circle member (either Prestige or Gold) you can still bring a guest on that card.
Hope this helps.
If you are still Gold Circle member (either Prestige or Gold) you can still bring a guest on that card.
Hope this helps.
Dec 29, 2013, 2:44 pm
#9
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: co down
Programs: etihad guest silver/ba bronze
Posts: 181
MCO - DUB Business
So took the Mco bound flight in j yesterday (28th)
Few points
The priority boarding was a shambles....left standing in an airbridge EasyJet style.
Seat etc good but the portion size of food very small.
Priority baggage not very good either.
Pre clearance a good benefit as was the discount fare I paid in may but if I was paying full fare j I would be expecting a bit more panache.
Few points
The priority boarding was a shambles....left standing in an airbridge EasyJet style.
Seat etc good but the portion size of food very small.
Priority baggage not very good either.
Pre clearance a good benefit as was the discount fare I paid in may but if I was paying full fare j I would be expecting a bit more panache.
