Aer Lingus Business Class - Complimentary alcohol?
Discussion
Flying to Boston with AL in March and we've booked business class for the outbound flight - does anybody know if alcoholic drinks are complimentary with them? Presume they are but can't find confirmation and now it's become something that I need to know out of interest more than anything!
Thanks
Thanks
BobToc said:
I’d be amazed if they weren’t, but will defer to someone who flies business with them.
Carbon Sasquatch said:
They will be, but expect a moderated pace - eg a cocktail before dinner, wine with it, more drinks available afterwards etc. They won't be expecting you to order a round of shots as soon as the seatbelt sign goes off.....
Ah flip sake, that’s Christmas ruined! As I expected but just wanted to checkchml said:
Ah flip sake, that’s Christmas ruined! As I expected but just wanted to check
You can always ask for more. I would suggest just asking for two drinks at a time to save them running back and forth. They’ll often leave a couple of miniatures and some mixers with you if you ask nicely. As long as you’re not completely rat arsed it’s not a problem.djc206 said:
chml said:
Ah flip sake, that’s Christmas ruined! As I expected but just wanted to check
You can always ask for more. I would suggest just asking for two drinks at a time to save them running back and forth. They’ll often leave a couple of miniatures and some mixers with you if you ask nicely. As long as you’re not completely rat arsed it’s not a problem.Edit: check their website - under the business class section they have a sample menu which includes the drinks choices.
Edited by DanL on Tuesday 20th December 21:51
djc206 said:
You can always ask for more. I would suggest just asking for two drinks at a time to save them running back and forth. They’ll often leave a couple of miniatures and some mixers with you if you ask nicely. As long as you’re not completely rat arsed it’s not a problem.
Cheers, I normally order a couple at a time anyway as it's easier than messing about later on.DanL said:
This. Who cares what they “expect”, you’re the paying passenger and as long as you’re polite and not incapable through drink they’ll be happy to bring you some more. That’s been my experience on other carriers at least, can’t believe AL would be different.
Edit: check their website - under the business class section they have a sample menu which includes the drinks choices.
Brilliant, thanks I'll dig that out. Edit: check their website - under the business class section they have a sample menu which includes the drinks choices.
Edited by DanL on Tuesday 20th December 21:51
chml said:
djc206 said:
You can always ask for more. I would suggest just asking for two drinks at a time to save them running back and forth. They’ll often leave a couple of miniatures and some mixers with you if you ask nicely. As long as you’re not completely rat arsed it’s not a problem.
Cheers, I normally order a couple at a time anyway as it's easier than messing about later on.DanL said:
This. Who cares what they “expect”, you’re the paying passenger and as long as you’re polite and not incapable through drink they’ll be happy to bring you some more. That’s been my experience on other carriers at least, can’t believe AL would be different.
Edit: check their website - under the business class section they have a sample menu which includes the drinks choices.
Brilliant, thanks I'll dig that out. Edit: check their website - under the business class section they have a sample menu which includes the drinks choices.
Edited by DanL on Tuesday 20th December 21:51
Just be nice to whoever's serving you and you won't have to worry. Same as any airline.
I rarely get to fly business or above these days but in any seat I've never had a problem being served and the price of a drink is insignificant in comparison to the price of the flight.
FWIW I used to have Aer Lingus platinum and I valued the airport lounge perks more than the extra plane service as I was normally looking to get to sleep as fast as I can on takeoff. But relaxing in a good seat before the flight with no need to queue was nice. If your business class ticket gets you that it's worth more than a faster drink service.
I rarely get to fly business or above these days but in any seat I've never had a problem being served and the price of a drink is insignificant in comparison to the price of the flight.
FWIW I used to have Aer Lingus platinum and I valued the airport lounge perks more than the extra plane service as I was normally looking to get to sleep as fast as I can on takeoff. But relaxing in a good seat before the flight with no need to queue was nice. If your business class ticket gets you that it's worth more than a faster drink service.
Business class will shower you with booze. You even get a wine list. I just flew Finnair business and the red wines were superb. As was the champagne.
It is expected when you are paying 4 X economy.
Also, if you want value, don't forget to spank the airport business lounges. I'm flying back from BKK in late Jan. I've checked their business lounge is open 24 hours, so instead of flying to BKK one day early, hotel, then airport, instead , we are flying to BKK late in the evening before we fly. 10pm. We can then use the lounge to each and drink, use the showers, then sleep in a comfy chair, then fly at 8am the following morning. We will be up and at it at 6am.
I would add that I am treated very well indeed when flying BC , and I expect to be. I do not feel I need to offer sweeteners to the crew. I am paying WAY more to fly BC. I am always polite to the crew, that's who I am, but, I don't expect to earn good service, it is demanded at these prices.
Economy, premium? Sure, try it, but BC and 1st? Give over ! :-)
It is expected when you are paying 4 X economy.
Also, if you want value, don't forget to spank the airport business lounges. I'm flying back from BKK in late Jan. I've checked their business lounge is open 24 hours, so instead of flying to BKK one day early, hotel, then airport, instead , we are flying to BKK late in the evening before we fly. 10pm. We can then use the lounge to each and drink, use the showers, then sleep in a comfy chair, then fly at 8am the following morning. We will be up and at it at 6am.
I would add that I am treated very well indeed when flying BC , and I expect to be. I do not feel I need to offer sweeteners to the crew. I am paying WAY more to fly BC. I am always polite to the crew, that's who I am, but, I don't expect to earn good service, it is demanded at these prices.
Economy, premium? Sure, try it, but BC and 1st? Give over ! :-)
Edited by Griffith4ever on Thursday 22 December 02:31
Griffith4ever said:
Business class will shower you with booze. You even get a wine list. I just flew Finnair business and the red wines were superb. As was the champagne.
It is expected when you are paying 4 X economy.
Also, if you want value, don't forget to spank the airport business lounges. I'm flying back from BKK in late Jan. I've checked their business lounge is open 24 hours, so instead of flying to BKK one day early, hotel, then airport, instead , we are flying to BKK late in the evening before we fly. 10pm. We can then use the lounge to each and drink, use the showers, then sleep in a comfy chair, then fly at 8am the following morning. We will be up and at it at 6am.
I would add that I am treated very well indeed when flying BC , and I expect to be. I do not feel I need to offer sweeteners to the crew. I am paying WAY more to fly BC. I am always polite to the crew, that's who I am, but, I don't expect to earn good service, it is demanded at these prices.
Economy, premium? Sure, try it, but BC and 1st? Give over ! :-)
Lol, the first time I flew BC I'll admit I was drunk before the plane left the ground. The wine glasses came out before take off and they kept filling mine every time it got empty. I did sleep the rest of the flight though and that was twenty years ago.It is expected when you are paying 4 X economy.
Also, if you want value, don't forget to spank the airport business lounges. I'm flying back from BKK in late Jan. I've checked their business lounge is open 24 hours, so instead of flying to BKK one day early, hotel, then airport, instead , we are flying to BKK late in the evening before we fly. 10pm. We can then use the lounge to each and drink, use the showers, then sleep in a comfy chair, then fly at 8am the following morning. We will be up and at it at 6am.
I would add that I am treated very well indeed when flying BC , and I expect to be. I do not feel I need to offer sweeteners to the crew. I am paying WAY more to fly BC. I am always polite to the crew, that's who I am, but, I don't expect to earn good service, it is demanded at these prices.
Economy, premium? Sure, try it, but BC and 1st? Give over ! :-)
Edited by Griffith4ever on Thursday 22 December 02:31
Lounge access can really change the travel experience sometimes. Especially in the case of delays or long layovers.
Griffith4ever said:
Business class will shower you with booze. You even get a wine list. I just flew Finnair business and the red wines were superb. As was the champagne.
It is expected when you are paying 4 X economy.
Also, if you want value, don't forget to spank the airport business lounges. I'm flying back from BKK in late Jan. I've checked their business lounge is open 24 hours, so instead of flying to BKK one day early, hotel, then airport, instead , we are flying to BKK late in the evening before we fly. 10pm. We can then use the lounge to each and drink, use the showers, then sleep in a comfy chair, then fly at 8am the following morning. We will be up and at it at 6am.
I would add that I am treated very well indeed when flying BC , and I expect to be. I do not feel I need to offer sweeteners to the crew. I am paying WAY more to fly BC. I am always polite to the crew, that's who I am, but, I don't expect to earn good service, it is demanded at these prices.
Economy, premium? Sure, try it, but BC and 1st? Give over ! :-)
BKK has a huge number of lounges. The one that Finnair send you to is pretty mediocre. If you have priority pass or oneworld status investigate some of the other options.It is expected when you are paying 4 X economy.
Also, if you want value, don't forget to spank the airport business lounges. I'm flying back from BKK in late Jan. I've checked their business lounge is open 24 hours, so instead of flying to BKK one day early, hotel, then airport, instead , we are flying to BKK late in the evening before we fly. 10pm. We can then use the lounge to each and drink, use the showers, then sleep in a comfy chair, then fly at 8am the following morning. We will be up and at it at 6am.
I would add that I am treated very well indeed when flying BC , and I expect to be. I do not feel I need to offer sweeteners to the crew. I am paying WAY more to fly BC. I am always polite to the crew, that's who I am, but, I don't expect to earn good service, it is demanded at these prices.
Economy, premium? Sure, try it, but BC and 1st? Give over ! :-)
Edited by Griffith4ever on Thursday 22 December 02:31
You’re not special in business class, you’re one of 40 odd people doing the same thing, being nice to the 4 people looking after the cabin can’t hurt.
I assume you tried out the new seats on Finnair? What did you reckon to them?
djc206 said:
BKK has a huge number of lounges. The one that Finnair send you to is pretty mediocre. If you have priority pass or oneworld status investigate some of the other options.
You’re not special in business class, you’re one of 40 odd people doing the same thing, being nice to the 4 people looking after the cabin can’t hurt.
I assume you tried out the new seats on Finnair? What did you reckon to them?
1. I AM special. :-) especially when I'm paying a lot of money for a package sold as "premium". Regardless of how many of us there are, we should all be made to feel special. That's part of the deal. You’re not special in business class, you’re one of 40 odd people doing the same thing, being nice to the 4 people looking after the cabin can’t hurt.
I assume you tried out the new seats on Finnair? What did you reckon to them?
2. As I said above, I'm nice to the crew, it's in my nature.
3. Overall, very good, though I hankered for a traditional supported chair rather than always lounging on cushions, as is the new style. Was never uncomfortable though.
Didn't like how you can't change the screen distance. Other that, all good
I'm a pleasure only flier so no big memberships. Miracle lounge looks far from one. Still, a shower will be nice.
Edited by Griffith4ever on Thursday 22 December 11:24
Griffith4ever said:
1. I AM special. :-) especially when I'm paying a lot of money for a package sold as "premium". Regardless of how many of us there are, we should all be made to feel special. That's part of the deal.
2. As I said above, I'm nice to the crew, it's in my nature.
3. Overall, very good, though I hankered for a traditional supported chair rather than always lounging on cushions, as is the new style. Was never uncomfortable though.
Didn't like how you can't change the screen distance. Other that, all good
We’ll have to agree to disagree, to me business class is purchasing a bit more comfort, nothing more.2. As I said above, I'm nice to the crew, it's in my nature.
3. Overall, very good, though I hankered for a traditional supported chair rather than always lounging on cushions, as is the new style. Was never uncomfortable though.
Didn't like how you can't change the screen distance. Other that, all good
Glad to hear it.
I quite liked them when awake, I found they were prone to being knocked about when sleeping so didn’t manage to get a great kip on either BKK leg which was disappointing. Loved the food on Finnair, top notch for airplane grub.
Griffith4ever said:
I'm flying back from BKK in late Jan. I've checked their business lounge is open 24 hours, so instead of flying to BKK one day early, hotel, then airport, instead , we are flying to BKK late in the evening before we fly. 10pm. We can then use the lounge to each and drink, use the showers, then sleep in a comfy chair, then fly at 8am the following morning. We will be up and at it at 6am.
Have I misread this, or are you saying you are going to sleep in a chair overnight instead of getting a hotel room?paulguitar said:
Griffith4ever said:
I'm flying back from BKK in late Jan. I've checked their business lounge is open 24 hours, so instead of flying to BKK one day early, hotel, then airport, instead , we are flying to BKK late in the evening before we fly. 10pm. We can then use the lounge to each and drink, use the showers, then sleep in a comfy chair, then fly at 8am the following morning. We will be up and at it at 6am.
Have I misread this, or are you saying you are going to sleep in a chair overnight instead of getting a hotel room?We leave "our" island , get a ferry, taxi, then flight to BKK. Land at 9.55 pm. Fly at 8 the next morning.
Option "normal" = leave on day X, arrive at hotel in BKK at, say, 11pm after baggage and taxi. Stay in hotel and go to bed immediately. Get up on day X+1 at 5am, go to BKK airport 6am.
Option "us" - leave on day X, arrive BKK circa 10pm. Have awful airport dinner and an few beers (assuming the lounge won't let us in till day X+1. Kick around the airport a bit, have. Knap then check into busines lounge, have a shower and breakfast.
Just seems pointless going back into BKK town for 5 hours sleep at best. Fyi I've caned BKK and can take it or leave it now. Mrs doesn't like it at all. So no love lost going to the airport direct. Plus, we get to go to bed proper on the flight, though this is the first BC I've done that isn't overnight.... Taking off am, landing same date pm.
Plus plus, we stay at the airport hotel at T4 , so none of it is any hassle.
djc206 said:
We’ll have to agree to disagree, to me business class is purchasing a bit more comfort, nothing more.
Glad to hear it.
I quite liked them when awake, I found they were prone to being knocked about when sleeping so didn’t manage to get a great kip on either BKK leg which was disappointing. Loved the food on Finnair, top notch for airplane grub.
Funny you should say that, mine was against the rear wall, so got knocked a fair bit when they were serving. Food was indeed superb.Glad to hear it.
I quite liked them when awake, I found they were prone to being knocked about when sleeping so didn’t manage to get a great kip on either BKK leg which was disappointing. Loved the food on Finnair, top notch for airplane grub.
Griffith4ever said:
Funny you should say that, mine was against the rear wall, so got knocked a fair bit when they were serving. Food was indeed superb.
I was mid cabin both ways. I think in the interests of being lightweight they’ve made them a bit flimsy so someone in an adjacent seat moving about or a member of crew walking past sends vibrations through.Griffith4ever said:
Pretty much.
We leave "our" island , get a ferry, taxi, then flight to BKK. Land at 9.55 pm. Fly at 8 the next morning.
Option "normal" = leave on day X, arrive at hotel in BKK at, say, 11pm after baggage and taxi. Stay in hotel and go to bed immediately. Get up on day X+1 at 5am, go to BKK airport 6am.
Option "us" - leave on day X, arrive BKK circa 10pm. Have awful airport dinner and an few beers (assuming the lounge won't let us in till day X+1. Kick around the airport a bit, have. Knap then check into busines lounge, have a shower and breakfast.
Just seems pointless going back into BKK town for 5 hours sleep at best. Fyi I've caned BKK and can take it or leave it now. Mrs doesn't like it at all. So no love lost going to the airport direct. Plus, we get to go to bed proper on the flight, though this is the first BC I've done that isn't overnight.... Taking off am, landing same date pm.
Plus plus, we stay at the airport hotel at T4 , so none of it is any hassle.
Are you sure they will let you in that far in advance of the flight? They normally have a cap of a few hours before the flightWe leave "our" island , get a ferry, taxi, then flight to BKK. Land at 9.55 pm. Fly at 8 the next morning.
Option "normal" = leave on day X, arrive at hotel in BKK at, say, 11pm after baggage and taxi. Stay in hotel and go to bed immediately. Get up on day X+1 at 5am, go to BKK airport 6am.
Option "us" - leave on day X, arrive BKK circa 10pm. Have awful airport dinner and an few beers (assuming the lounge won't let us in till day X+1. Kick around the airport a bit, have. Knap then check into busines lounge, have a shower and breakfast.
Just seems pointless going back into BKK town for 5 hours sleep at best. Fyi I've caned BKK and can take it or leave it now. Mrs doesn't like it at all. So no love lost going to the airport direct. Plus, we get to go to bed proper on the flight, though this is the first BC I've done that isn't overnight.... Taking off am, landing same date pm.
Plus plus, we stay at the airport hotel at T4 , so none of it is any hassle.
Griffith4ever said:
Pretty much.
We leave "our" island , get a ferry, taxi, then flight to BKK. Land at 9.55 pm. Fly at 8 the next morning.
Option "normal" = leave on day X, arrive at hotel in BKK at, say, 11pm after baggage and taxi. Stay in hotel and go to bed immediately. Get up on day X+1 at 5am, go to BKK airport 6am.
Option "us" - leave on day X, arrive BKK circa 10pm. Have awful airport dinner and an few beers (assuming the lounge won't let us in till day X+1. Kick around the airport a bit, have. Knap then check into busines lounge, have a shower and breakfast.
Just seems pointless going back into BKK town for 5 hours sleep at best. Fyi I've caned BKK and can take it or leave it now. Mrs doesn't like it at all. So no love lost going to the airport direct. Plus, we get to go to bed proper on the flight, though this is the first BC I've done that isn't overnight.... Taking off am, landing same date pm.
Plus plus, we stay at the airport hotel at T4 , so none of it is any hassle.
The Novotel suvarnabhumi is nice for an airport hotel.We leave "our" island , get a ferry, taxi, then flight to BKK. Land at 9.55 pm. Fly at 8 the next morning.
Option "normal" = leave on day X, arrive at hotel in BKK at, say, 11pm after baggage and taxi. Stay in hotel and go to bed immediately. Get up on day X+1 at 5am, go to BKK airport 6am.
Option "us" - leave on day X, arrive BKK circa 10pm. Have awful airport dinner and an few beers (assuming the lounge won't let us in till day X+1. Kick around the airport a bit, have. Knap then check into busines lounge, have a shower and breakfast.
Just seems pointless going back into BKK town for 5 hours sleep at best. Fyi I've caned BKK and can take it or leave it now. Mrs doesn't like it at all. So no love lost going to the airport direct. Plus, we get to go to bed proper on the flight, though this is the first BC I've done that isn't overnight.... Taking off am, landing same date pm.
Plus plus, we stay at the airport hotel at T4 , so none of it is any hassle.
Just flown Etihad Business on 787s for the first time in ages, it was nice, not emirate’s upstairs 380 nice.
I think Aer Lingus is one of the less good BC offerings, they serve drinks off trolleys like down the back. The cabin is ok, but service and drink/ food is imho not great. Yeah the drinks are comp but not free flowing, the service is maybe a bit too discreet.
I like Delta for transatlantic BC
Edited by nikaiyo2 on Saturday 24th December 21:29
Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff