I flew with Aer Lingus in the Summer of 2021 and was impressed with the experience I had.
After my flight experience, I wondered if there were any differences between flying with Aer Lingus (EI) and Aer Lingus Regional (EIR). To answer this question, I decided to book a flight between Glasgow and Belfast City to get an answer.
What are the differences between Aer Lingus and Aer Lingus Regional?
The biggest difference between the two is the aircraft used for their flights. EI use bigger airbus aircraft for their flights, compared to ATR-72 aircraft used by EIR.
Furthermore, EIR flights have a smaller cabin bag allowance due to the size of the overhead lockers on the aircraft.
EIR also only operate routes between the UK and Ireland alongside most Aer Lingus branded flights from Belfast City (all routes apart from London Heathrow).
To read my review of Aer Lingus (EI) CLICK HERE.
Glasgow Airport Experience
Remarkably I was able to arrive at the airport by using nothing but public transport, normally I have to take a taxi from Paisley to the airport. I was able to take the 757 bus to the airport, arriving at 0710.
Security was busy but flowed well, however, the security staff who did a pat down did not create a particularly great impression and came across as slightly condescending.
The departures area was busy (a Toronto flight operated by Air Transat had been rescheduled from the day before), however, seating was plentiful. I only had to wait 15 minutes before my gate was displayed.
Gate sixteen is located in the middle pier of the airport and boarding commenced about 15 minutes after I arrived.
Overall, not the best airport experience, but by no means the worst.
Boarding and Safety Demonstration
The ATR-72 is unusual compared to most aircraft in that boarding only takes place via the back of the aircraft.
Upon boarding one of the cabin crew was standing greeting every passenger, I will say this every single time I write a review, say hello to the cabin crew when boarding.
I quickly made my way to my seat, only to discover I had both seats to myself. My backpack easily fitted in the overhead bin meaning had even more legroom.
As I had never flown on this aircraft before I sat and studied the safety card before watching the crew give the safety demonstration. This was a pre-recorded audio announcement which I prefer to live announcement made by cabin crew.
Once this was completed it was time for take-off, just 6 minutes late.
In-flight service
The total flight time was only 33 minutes, meaning the crew did not conduct any in-flight service, however, they did announce that if any passenger would like a cup of water they would happily provide one.
Despite this, both cabin crew members were still visible in the cabin and ensured that everybody was comfortable.
For me, the friendliness of the cabin crew made this flight even better than I was expecting. In my previous experiences of flights of this length cabin crew tend not to interact with passengers, this flight made a pleasant change.
Landing and Arrivals Experience
Our approach to Belfast City Airport took us right over Belfast itself, if you sit on the left side of the aircraft you get some fantastic views of the city (I was on the right side).
We landed 11 minutes early at 0909, and I was out of the airport and walking to the train station at 0915 (I actually made the 0928 train from Sydenham.)
How much did I pay?
I paid £34.32 for this flight. I did not select a seat when booking and was assigned a random seat at check-in. I would not pay for a seat on a flight of this length personally.
Overall, a very fair price for the convenience of the flight and arrival airport. I would recommend this as an option for anybody looking to travel to Belfast from Glasgow.
Aer Lingus provide two daily flights, one in the morning and one in the evening, meaning it is possible for you to do a day trip to Belfast from Glasgow.
George Nugent Travels 
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