SNN-EDI/ABZ-DUB

Hello. I made this Trip report after a recent visit to Scotland. Some of the pictures included are also in the airline images section of this website.

As I had a few weeks off University after I finished my exams I decided to go for a few days to Aberdeen with my sister. I decided to travel Shannon-Edinburgh on the outward leg, and Aberdeen-Dublin on the return leg. Bags packed and away we go!-30/1/07

We arrived at SNN at about quarter to three (to make a 17.05 departure). As we drove past the security check-point at the entrance to the airport, where three Gardaí gave their customary “where are ye going?….that’s fine away ye go”, I spotted an Air Baltic 735 along with the ex-Iberia 727 (used for fire training) near the Air Atlantic maintenance hangar.

We parked in the short-term car park right in front of the terminal:

We entered the typical quiet and calm terminal, where only two other flights were being checked in (Murcia and Bristol). I love this airport and its terminal, so calm & laid back. Our flight wasn’t open yet, so while I waited I took a quick snap of the check-in area:

We was first in-line for check-in, which was quick and efficient. . We went through security at around 4pm, where there was a pile of plastic bags for liquids, gels etc. After a few minutes browsing through the world-famous SNN duty free, I took a few snaps of other aircraft on the apron including:

Our flight was called a few minutes earlier, and we were surprised by how little passengers seemed to be taking the flight.

We lined up at the door and our boarding cards were checked after the passengers with priority boarding and those with children were processed. I looked out the window to catch a glimpse of our aircraft and nearly dropped dead as all I saw was the back of the aircraft as a pillar was blocking the front of it and could have sworn it was a 732(My first ever flight was on the Hertz 732 logo jet and it was not a nice experience!)!! On closer inspection, as I walked towards it across the apron, I saw the rest of the aircraft behind the pillar and realised it was a wingleted 738 (which I kind of knew it had to be given that RYR was supposed to have retired all the 732s by now).

Anyway, with my mini heart attack over, we boarded the aircraft which had just arrived in from Bournemouth. I took my seat, 8F, which was the first time ever I’d sat in front of the wings. We subsequently heard from one of the FAs that there was a grand total of…wait for it…55 PAX on the flight! The safety demonstration was performed by (as the pilot called them) “Audrey and her lovely crew”!! All the FAs were friendly and professional. As we taxied past the maintenance hangar, I noticed two Air Baltic 735s, a Maersk 762F, a Ukraine International Airlines’ 733 and an Air Berlin 738 (I think) in for maintenance with Air Atlantic. A sole Thomsonfly 733 was outside the Shannon Aerospace Hangar. The flight was uneventful & smooth. There was a beautiful view out of the window once we ascended above the clouds of the sun setting. We landed a few minutes early, which was a pleasant bonus, after flying over a beautiful Edinburgh illuminated by orange lighting. There were aircraft of FlyGlobespan, Easyjet and BMI/bmibaby on the apron, where we parked beside a Lufthansa 735. Here’s a shot of our aircraft:

Our bags were waiting for us when we went into the baggage reclaim area. I was surprised that our passports weren’t checked at all at EDI. That brought an end to the first leg of the flight.

After two brilliant days in ABZ, I woke up at 7am to get myself ready and catch the airport bus. The bus was, as usual, late but my flight was at 10.55am so I wasn’t too worried. We arrived at ABZ soon after getting the bus. I love the way the apron comes right up to the road into the airport with no fence dividing the two areas. Here’s a snap of a flightline Bae-146 parked beside two Eastern Jetstreams:

I again walked up to check-in without having to que. Other flights being processed at the time included BA flights to Heathrow.

After going through Security without any problems, I took a few snaps of aircraft upon the apron at a busy ABZ.

The departure area was very busy, with full loads to LHR, Esbjerg, AMS and Tenerife waiting to be called. At last my aircraft arrived, registered EI-DAM (one of the older 738s me thinks, as it had the old cloth seats),
and our flight was called before the aircraft had stopped!

A long que formed, which unfortunately I was at the end of as I was taking pictures at the other side of the departures area!No worries, anyway we were quickly processed and I boarded the aircraft via the back stairs. I took my seat number 22F and waited for take-off.

The flight was about 70% full, I’d say. We took off from ABZ with a birdseye view of the Scottish countryside. The flight was pretty uneventful. It was, however, quite noisy! There was a hen-party, stag-party and several groups of passengers on board who clapped and cheered when the plane took off and when it landed. They were quite noisy throughout the flight, especially the stag party! There was two male and two female FAs onboard. They were very nice and helpful. One of them, however, looked quite sour on first impressions, especially when doing the safety demonstration where she had a face that would turn milk sour on her!
There was beautiful weather that particular morning, with lovely views of the Irish sea and of Belfast. As we descended, the captain informed us we would have to hold off the Skerries coast as DUB was a little backed up. We were ahead of time anyway so no one really minded. 10 minutes later we began our approach to DUB and landed quickly and smoothly (to the cheer of the hen and stag parties!). We taxied to our stand near the new and impressive Pier D which was under construction.

Pier D

After alighting and taking some quick snaps, I made my way through the temporary boarding gates (portakabins!) and collected my waiting luggage.

Aer Arann ATR with two RYR 738s

DUB was its usual busy self. As much as it is complained about, it was a pleasure to travel through that particular day. I had to wait around the airport for an hour or two for my (4 hour!) bus journey home!.

Anyway, that is my first trip report. I hope you’ve enjoyed it and feel free to leave comments.
Rineanna.:D