If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that Philadelphia needs more competition when it comes to trans-Atlantic flights. American has a stranglehold on most of Europe and prices these days are higher than I can remember. With what looks to be a glimmer of hope, Aer Lingus announced back in October that they would be launching non-stop flights between Philadelphia and Dublin beginning on March 25, 2018. This post serves as your two month reminder. Prices are relatively decent should you decide to take advantage:
This move should be a great relief to Philadelphia-based travelers as Dublin can serve as a nice gateway to Europe. I’m already seeing some great fares to cities like Rome from Philadelphia with a short stopover in Dublin for pretty cheap (roughly $600).
Aer Lingus will presumably operate out of terminal A-West, but given that the operating aircraft is a 757, terminal A-East is not out of the question, especially considering Philadelphia’s other trans-Atlantic 757s use A-East gates.
The 4x weekly (moving to daily in May) schedule is as follows:
Flight #114 Philadelphia (PHL) ⇒ Dublin (DUB) 5:35PM – 5:15AM (next day) SunMWF
Flight #115 Dublin (DUB) ⇒ Philadelphia (PHL) 1:40 PM – 4:05 PM SunMWF
Schedule beginning May 20, 2018:
Flight #114 Philadelphia (PHL) ⇒ Dublin (DUB) 5:35PM – 5:15AM (next day) Daily
Flight #115 Dublin (DUB) ⇒ Philadelphia (PHL) 1:40 PM – 4:05 PM Daily
The move from 4x weekly to daily flights stems from Aer Lingus’ acquisition of two additional Airbus A330-300 aircraft in 2018. In addition to adding these new airplanes, Aer Lingus also plans to take delivery of eight Airbus A321LR (long range) to bolster long haul operations.
If you’re planning to book and are wondering about miles, you can sign up for the AerClub or you can credit miles to British Airways, Cathay Pacific, United Airlines, and Qantas.
Additionally, in terms of bag fees, your first checked bag up to 50 pounds is free and your second checked bag up to 100 pounds total is $45.
In Summary
Full transparency, I’ve never visited Ireland and I’ve been chomping at the bit to go. American ran a nice deal for $600 round trip for the end of February and I pulled the trigger, so I’ll be heading to Dublin for a long weekend.
I also travel to Rome annually so being able to take advantage of cheaper fares by connecting through Dublin is a welcomed sight.
Have you ever visited Ireland?
Excellent news for me, as a) I live just outside Philly, and b) Dublin is often my go-tl landing spot for Euro trips 🙂
??best place to stay in Dublin???
cahdot, there are lots of “best” places in Dublin (depends on what you like), but one of my favorites is the Ashling Hotel, across the street from Heuston Station at the west end of Dublin. WONDERFUL, posh, super-clean hotel with spacious rooms, excellent restaurant and bar, and a staff that can’t do enough for you … and their prices are decent, too. You can find some great deals on Expedia, Hotels.com, etc. The airport bus (747 Airlink) stops at the station, and the tram into the city center is less than half a block away; the trip takes just about 5-7 minutes — you could actually walk there if you like to walk 🙂 And if you want to do a day trip to the west coast (Galway, Aran Islands, etc.), just hop onto an early train from Heuston, and you’re on your way! For a day trip to Belfast/Northern Ireland, catch the tram to Connolly Station, and get the train heading north from there.
One place I wouldn’t stay if visiting Dublin are the hotels around the airport — e.g., Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza. Very nice places, but you’re looking at a 30- to 45-minute commute to get into the city center (even longer during rush hour). it’s worth paying a bit extra to be near the transport hubs (Heuston Station, Connolly Station) and the city center bars and restaurants, walking tours, sights and attractions.
thank you Eileen!!! for all of the info!!
You’re welcome! Oh, and if you get a chance to do the 1916 Rebellion walking tour, GO! It’s fabulous –you meet up at the International Bar in the city center, and it takes about two hours total. I’ve done it twice, and guide Lorcan Collins truly makes you feel as if you’re right there, in the midst of it all. I learned so much that I never knew about the Easter Rising — best 12 euros I ever spent in Dublin! 😀
http://www.1916rising.com/
Thanks for all of your input Eileen!
“Aer Lingus announced back in October that they would be launching non-stop flights between Philadelphia and London”
Erm – NO!!!!
Between Philly and Dublin.
Dublin is the Capital City of Ireland.
London is a different city. In a different country.
Aer Lingus will provide ‘one-stop flights to London via Dublin’ – or ‘direct flights to London, with a transfer in Dublin’ would be more accurate.
Also important to note that flights from DUB to PHL will arrive immigration and customs cleared and so save loads of time,
Hey Michael — appreciate you commenting, but it was an honest mistake. I’m not a moron. Made the change, thanks for reading.
Heyyyyy – sorry, that wasn’t the implication.
Its just that I often get so many people thinking that Ireland and GB are the same, just because of a similar language spoken.
Thanks for the correction and keep up the good work.
You’re definitely not a morom.
Understand and on second thought it makes sense how that could be a point of annoyance for you. Apologies there.
Do you live in Dublin? Going for the first time next month. Very excited!