Among the more interesting new routes brought into service by Aer Lingus in recent months is the nonstop connection between Dublin and Las Vegas.  It is difficult to imagine two more different cities in the world, but perhaps that is what makes this route so appealing, linking the lush greenery of Ireland with the stark desert of Las Vegas.  Travellers always look for something different, and Aer Lingus now provides a new option.

It is no secret that Dublin Airport is one of the nicest airports in Europe because of its ease of travel.  Check-in for this flight on the route inaugurated in October was fast and efficient, enhanced further by friendly, experienced Aer Lingus staff who knew what they were doing.  Flight EI51, as do all flights from Dublin to the United States, departed from a separate section of the airport past the US border preclearance facility that allows passengers to arrive at their American destinations as if on a US domestic flight.  This beneficial aspect of Dublin Airport’s facilities removes the stress of arrival in the United States, especially for those with onward connecting flights.

Aer Lingus uses its most significant and best planes on its longest routes, and the A330-300 used for the 10-hour, 30-minute flight from The Emerald Isle to The Silver State is supremely comfortable.  This aircraft’s Business Class cabin’s 1-2-1 configuration provides a spacious, quiet, and private inflight experience.  Economy Class is also comparatively well-spaced in a 2-4-2 configuration.  The boarding process occurred orderly; the flight departed on time at 15:20 and arrived ahead of its 18:50 scheduled arrival time.  The mid-afternoon departure time makes for a leisurely last morning in Ireland rather than an early rush to the airport for a morning flight; the evening arrival allows for time for dinner before heading to bed to put the body on local time—but who goes to sleep in Las Vegas?

There will be even more opportunity for those travellers headed to the United States to benefit from the preclearance facility at DUB when Aer Lingus continues its expansion in the US market with the impending additions of Indianapolis and Nashville to its flight network.  The airport makes arrival very pleasant for travellers flying in the other direction to visit Ireland and Northern Ireland or continuing to other Aer Lingus destinations across Europe.  Connections at Dublin Airport are among the easiest in the world, allowing passengers to exit the arriving aircraft and go directly to their connecting flight’s gate.  For those with the time, the Aer Lingus lounge is a comfortable place to relax and have a snack and drink before boarding.

Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland offer helpful information on the many things to see and do in their respective areas, providing insight into places to visit and useful tips on the logistics of getting around.  Despite Ireland being an island, Rail Europe‘s Eurail Pass is valid here and allows the Irish Rail network to be used to reach destinations beyond Dublin.  Services to Cork and Galway are beneficial for visiting the Republic’s second-largest city and the charm of Ireland’s west coast.

 

 

 

Written by: Robert La Bua – Global Travel Connoisseur

 

 

 

 

 

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