Aer Arann: Dublin to Blackpool

The carrier: Aer Arann

About

One of Europe's smaller airlines, Aer Arann has been operating flights for Aer Lingus under the brand name “Aer Lingus Regional” since the two airlines entered into partnership in 2010. From March 2012 onwards, all of Aer Arann’s flights have operated under the Aer Lingus Regional guise, with Aer Arann providing aircraft and crew. Aer Lingus, meanwhile, operates all booking and customer services, distributing tickets through AerLingus.com.

The airline’s route map is mostly limited to Ireland and the UK (although there is one destination in France). Aer Arann serves Ireland more comprehensively than any other low-cost carrier. The airline flies to five airports across the Republic of Ireland and an additional 12 around the UK, as well as to Rennes in France.

Of special note, Aer Arann operates a few of the new ATR 72 jets, dubbed "the world's greenest aircraft" for fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. In addition, Arann has a Palme D'Or European regional award for excellence in customer service.

Upside

Good destination tally in Ireland and the UK. Free newspapers are offered on board.

Downside

Only flies to Ireland, the UK and France.

Baggage

• Carry-on: One item up to 7 kg.
• Checked: 20 kg per passenger (for all checked baggage combined).

Depending on which fare-type (low, plus or flex) you purchase, checked baggage must be purchased starting with the first, second or third item. Depending on the season, bag fees range from €15 - €20 (£12- £18) when purchased online and €30 to €35 (£24-£29) when purchased at the airport. For domestic passengers connecting to or from international carriers, Aer Arann will continue to honour the baggage allowance of their connecting airline provided they present their onward itinerary at check-in. A fee of €9/£6 per kilo will be charged to luggage exceeding the 20kg allowance on all flights. Items over 32kg are not permitted.

Please visit Aer Lingus's website for more information on its baggage policy.

Check-in and Ticketing

Tickets for Aer Arann flights must be purchased through AerLingus at AerLingus.com. Online check-in is available on AerLingus.com for most Aer Arann routes. It opens 30 hours prior to the flight and closes two hours before departure. Note that online check-in is for passengers with hand baggage only. Checked baggage is not permitted. At the airport, passengers check in at booths marked for "Aer Lingus Regional."

Seating

You may select seats online at time of booking. If traveling with only carry-on luggage, check in online to save time and avoid long queues.

Departure: Dublin, Ireland (DUB)

In Brief: Dublin Airport is located 10 km (about 6 miles) north of the city. It's a major base for both Aer Lingus and Ryanair, and also handles several Centralwings routes. In terms of sheer numbers, it's one of the most budget airline-friendly airports around. Transportation: Public buses cost between €1.60 and €1.90 to traverse the distance between central Dublin and the airport, depending on how far the journey in question is. Airlink buses, which travel to Dublin's Central Bus Station, cost €6.

Arrival: Blackpool, United Kingdom - Blackpool International (BLK)

Blackpool International Airport has recently had an increase in traffic due to the opening of routes by low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and Jet2.com. Location: Blackpool International Airport is located 4.8 km southeast of Blackpool, Lancashire in North West England. Transport: - Rail: There are Northern Rail Pacer and Sprinter trains available to Blackpool South, Colne, and Preston stations via the Squires Gate railway station. There is a Blackpool tram service from Starr Gate tram stop on the Blackpool tramway as well northbound to Fleetwood, Bispham, and Cleveleys. - Bus: There is bus service with routes in all directions to Blackpool, Fleetwood, Lytham St Annes, Preston and Manchester. - Taxi: In the terminal there are free telephones available to request a taxi. Service: The airport offers boutiques and duty-free shops as well as a few places to eat. Currency exchange and information desks are also available. more...