Review: What is the new Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to Malta like?

Aer Lingus have started flying from Dublin to Malta recently. Many people I know have been recommending the country to me for years, so I finally decided to take the plunge.

The return flights cost me €28.83, because I used my Bank of Ireland Aer Credit Card free flights. With these you only pay the taxes, and for a flight of a shade under four hours each way, this is a total bargain.

Dublin Airport

I find the airport in Ireland’s capital to be a pleasure to use. Without any fast-track, I passed through the security formalities in around 15 minutes. As I’d timed it well, I headed straight down to the gate and onto the bus for the very short ride to the satellite gates, where I would board my flight.

This would be my first time flying Aer Lingus since the new boarding groups came in. Soon enough, Group 1 was called and nobody came forward. Group 2 was called and nobody really moved much, so up I went and I was first to walk across the tarmac to board the plane.

EI464 – Dublin to Malta (DUB-MLA)
05 November 2024
Airbus A320 – EI-DEL – St. Canice
Seat: Economy 3A
Departure: 13:10 Arrival: 17:55

People with carry-on bags are allocated Group 2, and as first on board I was able to stow my bag in the overhead lockers. These now have signs on the inside to encourage people not to put all their bags up there.

For the next while, I relaxed while everyone boarded. Eventually we closed up and had a very long push back, while being given the safety demonstration. Soon after, we took to the sky and set course for the Mediterranean.

On Board The Flight To Malta

My favourite seat is 3A and I am glad I was able to get it for this flight. Happily, I had two seats beside me free, until someone moved from the row behind me. That was Scottie, who turned out to be Air Canada crew on staff travel, heading to the island for a language conference. He’d had a long journey and we got along well.

For some reason the cabin crew were in absolutely no hurry whatsoever to start service. It wasn’t until a good 45 minutes or so into the flight that the trolleys moved from galley to aisle. I’d already made my selections from the Bia menu, so I was well prepared when asked what I wanted. Aer Lingus have recently started selling Funkin’ cocktails on board, so I ordered both types of those, a bottle of water and breakfast wrap (labelled as Pork Sausage and Sweetcure Bacon Breakfast Wrap). I received three plastic tumblers, one for the water and one for each cocktail, and ice, which was offered and accepted. The breakfast wrap was brought up from the back galley and was served hot. Delicious! Exactly what I needed since I’d skipped breakfast at home. I also rather enjoyed the cocktails, with the Strawberry Daiquiri being my favourite. All in all, a nice service, even if it did cost me over €20 for the lot. After that the crew cleared in and I relaxed until we landed on time.

Overall Thoughts

Aer Lingus do a good job on the service to Malta. Apart from the very delayed start to the on board service (pushing what would have been lunch well into afternoon tea territory) everything was great.

The Bia breakfast wrap was delicious, the cocktails more-ish and the cabin clean and comfortable. Service from the crew was pleasant as well, which is a hallmark of the Irish carrier.

What do you think of Aer Lingus? Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.

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