Gatwick to Dublin - which carrier?

[scenario8]

Afternoon all,

We’re not at all experienced in these matters so seeking advice from those better placed. We (parents and a single child) have been invited to a function in Dublin this July. We intend flying out from Gatwick on a Friday lunchtime/afternoon and returning on that Sunday afternoon. Is Ryanair “better” than Aer Lingus (or vice versa)?

When I was a child flying was seen as a glamorous endeavour but I’m told it’s now a bit of a chore. Can you still do such things as guaranteeing a specific seat? I don’t fancy the idea of a scrum at the gate or the three of us being split up (it will be the child’s first flight and I’d prefer the three of us were together.

Is it better to take carry on baggage only? Is one or other carrier “better” for this aspect?

Are there hidden fees we might get clobbered for out of inexperience?

Is check in or boarding or likely delays any better for one than the other?

Prices seem competitive with each other (either side of £110 each as a headline cost as far as I can see).

Any tips or advice?

For reference we’re in South London so city airport might be an option but Stansted/Luton/even Heathrow aren’t really any good unless the price is fantastic.

No need for car hire but tips on getting from the airport to Dublin centre would be welcomed too.

Many thanks.

[valiant]

For a one hour flight, it’s much of a muchness.

Presume the fares comparison include sitting together, cabin baggage and whatnot? I used Ryanair to Dublin a few times (but from Stansted) and they’re perfectly fine for such a short flight. Aer Lingus may have a bit more legroom but I’d go for whichever one offered the most convenient flight times.

From Dublin to the centre it’s either a taxi or coaches. The airport is not far outside the city and it is quite a small city so the coach is pretty cheap, lots of them and will drop off and pick up at various points throughout the city. Buy a ticket online or from the vendors just outside the arrivals area.

[scenario8]

Thanks for the reply. The price quoted above was simply the headline advertised price from a generic flights search page. As a total novice to this my query (amongst others) was as to whether I could book with the three of us together, whether I could but subject to an additional fee or whether it was just a scrum at the boarding gate and so on.

I’ll look into these things further.

Thanks again.