Aer Arann: Isle Of Man to Dublin

The carrier: Aer Arann

About

One of Europe's smaller budget airlines, Aer Arann is first and foremost a regional carrier. Its route map is mostly limited to Ireland and the UK (although there are a few destinations in France). Aer Arann serves Ireland more comprehensively than any other low-cost carrier. The airline flies to seven airports across the Republic of Ireland and an additional 12 around the UK, as well as to Lorient and La Rochelle 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. 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: 15 kg per passenger on domestic flights (within the island of Ireland)

For flights to the UK and France 20 kg are allowed.  There is an €8 or £8 charge per bag if it is booked online or through the Aer Arann call centre. Checked baggage booked on arrival at the departure airport will incur a fee of €12/£12 per bag per flight. 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 €7/£7 per kilo will be charged to all luggage exceeding the new luggage allowance on all flights.

* Please visit Aer Arann’s website for more information on its baggage policy.

Check-in and Ticketing

Online check-in is available for most Aer Arann routes.  It opens 72 hours prior to the flight and closes three hours before departure.  Note that online check-in is for passengers with hand baggage only.  Checked baggage is not permitted.

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: Isle Of Man, United Kingdom - Isle of Man (IOM)

Isle of Man Airport, also known as Ronaldsway Airport, is the main airport on the island. The airport offers regular service to various parts of the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands. Location: The Isle of Man Airport is located 11 km (six miles) southwest of Douglas, the island's capital. Transport: - Bus: The main bus route (route 1) operates between the airport and the towns of Douglas, Port Erin, and Castletown. The buses run every half hour (every hour at non-peak times). For more information on schedules and rates, look online. - Taxi: A taxi rank is located outside the entrance of the main terminal building. Taxis generally adhere to flight schedules and fares are usually fixed. There is also a London taxi service available as well. Service: An information desk can be found in the Main Hall. The desk also provides tourist information and postal service. ATMs are located in the main lobby. Public telephones are located throughout the airport. Wireless internet access is available at certain points in the departure lounge. There are a few shops and restaurants as well as parent and baby rooms and baby changing facilities. more...

Arrival: 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.