LBA-DUB-LBA Ryanair DayTrip

Just a quick report of a daytrip to Dublin I enjoyed a couple of days ago…

So I took advantage of a £2 only return from LBA to Dublin, I was waiting for more surcharges as I booked bus as I had no baggage and online check in, it was still just £2!!

So arrived at LBA at 9:30am for the 10:50 flight. I was a little apprehensive flying Ryanair for the first time from all the bad press the’ve had. Got a cup of coffee from the food village and then swiftly through security. The inbound flight arrived early at 10:15 and soon boarding was called from Gate 3 at 10:20, they really do turn’em round quickly!. Priority boarders were called first then the rest of us. We walked out to the aircraft EI-DAV, a 737-800 in the newer livery with sleek winglets. We climbed the front airstairs and were greeted by 2 cheery Irish cabin crew who told us to choose any seats we wanted.

I have to say the seats were very comfy and teh legroom seemed more than Jet2 and any charter carrier I’ve flown with. Pushback commenced at 10:50 bang on time, and we taxied to Runway 32. The captain inroduced himself saying the flight would be 35 mins long and the route taking us over Manchester and Liverpool. We departed at 10:55, a very swift and steep climbout to about 20,000ft I’m guessing. The crew quickly came round offering snacks and I was impressed with the service. It wasn’t all “Sell Sell Sell” as I expected.

We were quickly descending over the Irish sea for a straight in approach to Runway 28 at Dublin. Dubln City was soon insight and we touched down at 11:30ish. After a quick taxi to a Remote stand near the new Pier D we disembarked from the rear exit and walked to the arrival gate. Then a long 10 minute walk to customs over the new skylink bridge which was very modern and airy. Finally got to arrivals at Midday for the Airlink bus to the city centre.

The return flight was pretty similar. Arrived at DUB at 19:30, and I found the airport very modern and easy to get around, lots of shops and cafes. Our flight was called for boarding at gate 67 again at the new Pier D. We were onboard an older aircraft, I think one of the oldest in the fleet (2001) EI-CSO. Boarded at the rear and chose the same seats. The older seats I found much more comfortable than the newer one’s, made out of cotton with seat pockets aswell! The crew were mixed Irish and some crew from Eastern Europe, and were all very nice and accomodating once again.

We pushed back on time again, the captain giving us a flight time of 45 mins and a cruise altitude of 19,000ft. We departed after a long taxi to runway 28 at 21:35. The rest of the flight was uneventful, and we landed just 10 minutes behind schedule at 22:15. Onto buses to the Ireland arrivals at LBA. Passed Jet2 G-LSAB on an airbridge stand ready for the morning departure to EWR.

Overall I was extremely impressed ith Ryanair, the crew were profesional and friendly, flights on schedule, comfy seating and a great fleet. I wouldn’t hesistate to fly them again, especially for £2!

Regards,
Astraeus