Aer Lingus

Frequent Visitor · Post by **Frequent Visitor** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 11:56 am

Saw an ad in the evening standard a couple of nights ago advertsisng a new hub at Gatwick flying to Faro. Had a look at their site last night and they were a fair bit cheaper in school summer hols than easyjet ( too late for me! ) so worth checking out.

e-richard · Post by **e-richard** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 12:49 pm

Thanks FV, that looks seriously interesting.

However, I did try a comparison with EJ and at first glance their prices (in Sept) with "all taxes and charges included" seemed marginally cheaper than EJ until you click through to stage 2 when they add a mysterious £8.00 "handling fee". Grrrrr

I'm sure by juggling dates, times, luggage choices, insurance, food, drink etc. there will be ups and downs, but these little hidden mandatory charges really put my back up.

Gazza · Post by **Gazza** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 11:47 am

I know exactly what you mean Richard with regards the 'add ons'. After a spectacular falling out with BA having used them for business and PA travel for over 20 years now, and something trivial that could been accomodated with one click , I have been juggling between Sleazyjet and Monarch. The new Aer Lingus service is most welcome on this route. I compared the prices with those I have unfortuntely already booked with Sleazy this year, and by and large they are more competative although I am sure as demand rises for Aer Lingus in short term there will some pricing adjustments. Good to see some new entrants and a popular route.

Gary

e-richard · Post by **e-richard** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 1:47 pm

Don't get me wrong, Gazza (and others).

I actually do not mind all the optional extras. Since I generally travel with hand baggage only, am short enough not to need extra legroom and don't really care when I board, we can get very cheap prices by declining all the extras (albeit sometimes with quite a few mouse-clicks).

What I'm objecting to here is the "handling charge" of €5.00 per person per leg which is NOT optional and in my mind should therefore be shown up front in the basic charge with taxes and surcharges.

Right up front they show a charge next to this logo:

Then later the handling fee is added, and you cannot decline

Gazza · Post by **Gazza** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 3:53 pm

You are not wrong my friend....and I object to EJ's attempt to hoodwink people who decline extras by asking for a double confirmation on insurenace when it is very easy ( sorry ) to mis the swerve and end up paying for something you either don't need or want.

Best

Gary