TimeOut

First, an apology to any Irish (or of Irish descent) among our community - I've never been to Ireland, and really haven't met many traditional Irish people (those that still clearly identify themselves as Irish)  The closest I've been is Scotland and England, and of course I realize, while historically and geographically close, are really quite distinct and claim very different "cultures."

So, what was the surprise? Just how pleasant and warm the Irish people are!

I've traveled the world, more regularly and frequently than most, and two things I spend lots of time and energy noticing are

airlines.

the people I am next to and around.

Alas, in recent years, it seems smiles and genuine warmth are becoming more and more rare, whether in the streets of Asia - Shanghai, Beijing, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong; or the hotels and restaurants of Europe - Switzerland, France, even my beloved Scotland.  And don't get me started on America (well, the two coasts anyway...)

And don't get me started on airline staff and crew - unhappy, looking like they're trapped in grueling, unpleasant jobs they can't wait to retire from.

So with a bit of apprehension flying Aer Lingus for the first time, transiting through Dublin for the first time, and dealing with that (in)famous Swiss precision (in this case not a good thing!) operating at the Geneva airport, I was VERY surprised just how much more pleasant things can be when people are warm, caring, and cheeerful, despite operating with some older equipment that could use a refresh and upgrade (narrow angled "lie flat" from 10 years ago, mostly replaced with true lie flat horizontal seats on most international carriers by now; short haul - 2 hours - economy only seats that assign all three across seats, without spacing...etc)

Even the security screening personal at Dublin airport were cheerful and polite, while still being professional. Who said positions of authority require a dour, somber demeanor?

On the flight from Geneva to Dublin, as a final goodbye from the Swiss, I was told that my roller bag and expandable brief case, two pieces of carryon that accompany me throughout the world, would not be allowed. "You are allowed only one carryone, and you have two large pieces." (sorry, it's ONE carryone roller bag and ONE purse or briefcase, which ARE allowed.)  "We normally charge $39 to check a bag, but I will waive it this time."

Well thank you very much. I was fine flying over from Dublin to GVA on the same aircraft type...

"But this flight is full, sir, and we have not enough overhead space."  (when I boarded, I had an entire row to myself, the row across was completely empty, the guy behind me had a row all to himself. It was pretty full, yes, but not completely, packed to the gills, absolutely no overhead room full)

After a polite but firm conversation, she allowed me to board, suggesting I speak to the cabin attendant if there was a problem.

Absolutely without a smile or any hint of human warmth.

Apprehensive, I boarded and spoke to the chief purser - "I was told to ask for your help..."

"No problem, sir, row 4 should have plenty of overhead space. And welcome aboard!" All with a smile and genuine warmth.

Even more amazingly, the gentleman in the row behind me started a pleasant "hello" and then...mindblowing...a lady from row 2 came back and said to the gentleman in row 5, "did I hear you were forced to put your bag way to the back? I'd be happy to move my smaller soft bag under the seat and let you put your larger bag in its place."

WOW!  People FIGHT for overhead space in other countries and on other flights; here someone was actually offering their overhead space so someone else wouldn't have to fight the flow backwards upon landing!

And all with a smile and genuine kindness!

Aer Lingus cabin attendants; airport staff and security teams; fellow Aer Lingus Irish passengers...really made the time I spent with them that much more pleasant.

Ireland, I gotta get ta know ye better. Thank you for a ray of sunlight in an increasingly gloomy and dour world!

Bonus: US bound passengers get to pre-clear in Dublin and land in the US as a DOMESTIC flight!  How cool is that!?!

A smiling WanderingPurist - there are still pleasant surprises while traveling on business!

The Irish people in the Republic are the friendliest I ever met on my travels.  They always greet you with a warm smile and open arms.  They not only happy to help with driving directions, but will even take you there if it isn't too far out of their way.  I walked into the Black Cat cane shop near Galway.  The elderly gentleman who was the owner and cane maker showed me the different canes he made.  I finally settled on a ram's horn handle cane, and a unpainted blackthorn.  Then he spent about 5 minutes showing me how to walk with the cane.  He said if used properly, you could walk miles without getting tired.  The only problem is I would look like a drum major leading the band on parade.  Must try it sometime, tho'.  I, too, am looking fwd to a return trip to the emerald isle.  Glad you enjoyed your trip, Thomas

Cheers,

Frederick

On the flight from Geneva to Dublin, as a final goodbye from the Swiss, I was told that my roller bag and expandable brief case, two pieces of carryon that accompany me throughout the world, would not be allowed. "You are allowed only one carryone, and you have two large pieces." (sorry, it's ONE carryone roller bag and ONE purse or briefcase, which ARE allowed.)  "We normally charge $39 to check a bag, but I will waive it this time."

Not only is it a PITA but it's sad when the FA or ticket counter people don't really know the rules and regulations or are just plain out confused.  On a recent trip to Hawaii, my companion had her personals in her carryon and was stopped at the check in screening xray machine at LAX.  They told her that a deodorant stick was over the 3 ounce limit and she couldn't take it with her carry on.  Trying to explain the simple physics to a TSA agent that a solid is not a liquid was impossible. 

Cool you got good service and a pleasant experience that made up for the GVA flight.  Safe travels TM.

-MW

It's very nice to hear about your travel experience, all too often here in the U.S. the air travel is a dreadful experience that I don't look forward to.  Business/first class is not even close to what it is for international travel.  Haven't flown Aer Lingus but thumbs up to them for such friendly service.  The only airline I can think of that has consistent friendly attendants is Hawaiian Airlines.  Passengers are usually in a good mood just because most are heading or returning from a relaxing vacation in Hawaii.

Regards,

ED-209

You made my day with your mini review! I am going to Belfast next week. Hope it would be as nice as Dublin.

cen@jkt