Review of Aer Lingus flight from Toronto to Dublin in Economy

Today, I'm already in YYZ, connecting in from the Flair Airlines flight from JFK.

Aer Lingus currently operate from Terminal 3 at Toronto-Pearson.

I was expecting to be spat out back into the airside area but after following the connections signs, it re-routes you into landside departures for you to clear security again.

Time to try the Plaza Premium Lounge today, as I'd arrived in about 4 hours before my departure to Dublin.

My initial impressions? Not good. Staff attitudes were really poor, the lounge was very hot and overcrowded and when I politely asked if any tables were available I was told I could just stand and eat my lunch at the bar if I wanted or find a different lounge. Wonderful hospitality!

There was a live pasta station though, serving a creamed pesto, spinach and parmesan penne. This was on the better side.

The bar was well stocked with premium spirits, canned beers and draft taps too.

I'd asked to take a shower but the suite I was shown to had not been cleaned. There was water absolutely everywhere and wet towels from the previous guest.

The showers here are best avoided.

Unless you like ingesting black mould!

From the lounge I got a glimpse of my 23 year old A330-200 which was originally planned to be delivered to Air Luxor but the order wasn't taken up. It went to Qatar Airways in 2003 before joining the Aer Lingus fleet in 2018.

The aircraft is named St Benan / Beineón, with a registration of EI-GEY.

Seating is a little dated, in a 2/4/2 configuration. Nice Irish green colours, though and a very warm Irish welcome on-board.

I'd originally got a row of two to myself in the A/C seats but was moved to the D/E/F/G seats and given a row of 4 to myself. I wasn't complaining as I was shattered!

Legroom was okay for the journey length.

But this was the real winner in my opinion!

Drinks service commenced I asked for an orange juice but was given a beer too for being so understanding of the seating change. Hey, I didn't need thanking Aer Lingus - you did me a favour - but I took the beer nevertheless.

Forgot my Bose headphones so had to make do with Aer Lingus' earbuds. They were very poor, sadly.

Dinner was served and consisted of a starter of a caprese salad, a vegetable style tomato and cheese pasta, a bread roll and butter, a small carton of water and a vegan chocolate brownie. A mixed bag but overall, a reasonable meal.

Time to get some much needed sleep…

I passed on breakfast as I was feeling a little dodgy but it came in this little pre-packed cardboard box.

And then it was time to land, just a little over 6 hours today across the Atlantic into Dublin, and an on-time arrival too!

Overall, Aer Lingus is a mixed product but on the whole, a fairly comfortable journey. The staff were so friendly and lovely, and this is in part the beating heart of any airline. Would you try Aer Lingus?