Aer Arann: Waterford to Birmingham

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: Waterford, Ireland (WAT)

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Arrival: Birmingham, United Kingdom - Birmingham Intl (BHX)

Birmingham International Airport is one of the UK's busiest hubs. Well serviced by flag carrier and low-cost airlines alike, Birmingham is a major launch pad for bmibaby, flybe, and Thomsonfly. In 2007, the airport won the Airports Council International's award for Best Airport in Europe in its traffic category. Location: Birmingham International Airport 10 km (six miles) southeast of central Birmingham in the borough of Solihull, West Midlands, England. Transport: - Rail: The Air-Rail shuttle service is free and links the airport to the Birmingham International Train Station in a few minutes. Train operators include CrossCountry and Virgin Trains, which offer service between London and Glasgow via Birmingham. For more information consult the railway's Official Website. - Bus: Two bus lines transport passengers between the airport and central Birmingham. Both run an average of once every half-hour and take about 20 minutes. - Taxi: Black cabs are able to carry up to five people with luggage. They can be found at the taxi stand outside the terminals. Service: The airport contains information desks as well as the Visitor Center in terminal 1 for travel information. There are ATMs and currency exchange kiosks in both terminals. Aside from an extensive range of restaurants and shops, there are also postal facilities, 24-hour medical centers, and a prayer room.