EI 105 Dublin To New York - 10th April - Premier

Well back from a fantastic trip to NY with the family and I have to say overall I was very impressed with Aer Lingus and the new VIP check in area in Dublin airport. The flight was due to take off and as usual they ask for trans Atlantic three hour in advance booking - We had decided to try out the view DAA VIP check in which meant we only hasd to be at the airport 11/2hr prior to take off and did not go through the main Terminal but through a private entrance. Our car pulled up at the door and we were greeted by a really nice DAA official who helped us with our bags , took our passports and told us to leave our bags as they were and they would be put on the aircraft for us. We were shown to a lovely private room which had coffee / tee and snacks available along with magazines and newspapers and a flat screen TV. There is a lot of work being carried out in this area I would think to even improve the service but not having to go into Dublin airport chaos on good Friday was a saving on its own. At about 10am the lady returned with our boarding passes and passports and escorted us through a private security area and then into a car that took us to the emigration hall in the main terminal - This took us approx 5 mins to go through and the lady was waiting for us at the other aide end escorted us to the aircraft. I have to say it took all the hassle away from the madness of the terminal and I would most definitely use this facility when traveling long haul again from Dublin. 10/10 and I would thing when the new facility is finished it will make it even a more luxurious experience. Ok its not The Club house in any way but its a start for Dublin Airport.

Upon boarding the new airbus I was so happy to see we were traveling on the new premier seat. we were on rows 3+4 by the window and what I first noticed was the freshness of the new cabin.

We were greeted by the lovely FA and offered a nice glass of champers. Not to be rude myself and Mrs R accepted and they contained to fill our glass till the aircraft started to pull back. Once we took off the IFE started to the great cheers of our kids. Once we had started to level off the in flight service started with more champers and juice. We were then handed out the menus -

White Wines -
Castagnolo Orvieto Classics - Italy
One Tree - Sauvigon Blanc - MARLBOROUGH -New Zealand

Red Wines -

Callabriga Alentejo reserve - Portugal
Ch. Mancedre Pessac-Leognan - France

We both went for the One Tree that was superb. On off the best I have tried (at ten thirty in the morning)

The bar service then began with all the usual offerings from beers to spirits.

Lunch -

Selection of hot canapes - very good

Smoked salmon or Buffalo Mozzarella - We again went for the same in the smoked salmon and it was delicious - It really was so good-

The above came with a salad bowl and selection of hot breads - again very good.

Entrees -

Loin of Lamb- in red rosemary gravy.
Parma Chicken in green oesto
Monkish in curry sauce

I went for the lamb that was ok - a little tough but very tasty - Mrs R had the chicken that was fantastic - I had to have a nibble.

Deserts -

Warm Eves pudding
Lemon Raspberry Cake
Cheese Plate

The cake and the cheese were also very good -

The staff continued to ensure our glasses were filled at all times also offering water etc-

Over all the food was as good as I have had on any aircraft and I really was surprised and delighted with Aer Lingus.

The new IFE is VOD and I have to say is very good and easy to use. The selection is a little small to be honest and they seems to have certain movies for outgoing and some for incoming flights to / from the USA - Why not just have them all on the system like VS- It certainly works well. The screen is however a little small and they should really have tried for e bigger screen - Now don't get me wrong its not as small as the old CW on BA in any way but its just that little bit too small to give the that extra !wow factor' for a generally very good J class product.

The new seat is actually very good even though its a 22/22/22 configuration that means if your by the window and the person beside you needs to go to the rest rooms they do have to climb over you.

The seat is a lie flat type and I found no problem have a two hour sleep before landing in JFK. It is certainly s very comfortable seal - maybe not as good as VS but not far off.

Before landing we were offered afternoon tea - Once landed we quickly were off the aircraft - priority baggage meant our bags were off within 10 mins and we were in our town car and on our way to NY within 20/25 mins of landing -

We loved our trip and if we get the chance to fly J class to NY again will definite fly with EI.

One thing before I go - we had booked Fitzpatrick's in Manhatten - My advise is run if you are offered a good rate there - Its awful - We moved after one night to the Peninsula which was amazing.

K

Edit by Scrooge : Fix spelling.

Thanks for the TR![y]

Thanks for taking the time to write, interesting to see EI doing it in style and providing what sounds like a very enjoyable experience.

cheers

alex

The VIP check in sounds great - the perfect way to start a holiday. Glad you had a good flight.

Sound like a good trip despite the need to change hotels.Was there anything in particular that was dire about Fitzpatrick's?
You can't really go wrong with The Peninsula - the suite we had at the HK hotel was fabulous when we stayed there.
DL

[HighFlyer]

Very interesting read, thanks for sharing [y]

Thanks,
Sarah

Great to read a trip report about EIs J product [y]

Ive often thought to give it a whirl, but never did, as Ive long assumed that it just couldnt stack up against the likes of UC & CW. Also it is usually vastly more expensive than the discounted Zs & Is available with VS & BA, with EI never seeming to offer a discounted fare for Premier.

Although I see that there have been a few Premier Sales of late, so that coupled with your trip report, means that I might just try it sometime.

Can I ask though, what was so awful with the Fitzpatrick Manhattan ?

Mrs Kered & I were in NYC last year & had to scurry out of a truly awful hotel & changed over to the F.M. & really loved the place. Which is more than we can say about NY itself (yuck) !

But despite our total dislike for NY, we nearly would go back just for the hotel, not quite mind you, but we did love the hotel that much.

So Im both surprised & intrigued to read your comments on the hotel.

Thanks for the interesting TR, glad you had a good flight with EI.

Did you take any pictures? Would be good to see the product.

Thanks Dominic

Delighted to hear that EI Business Class still cuts it! Very interesting read.

[honey lamb]

For me it's still easier (and cheaper) to go via LHR so my chances of trying the EI Premier transatlantic service is zilch.

As for the Fitzpatrick Manhattan, I have stayed there three times and enjoyed it each time. On my last stay there was a mix up in my booking and I had somehow been booked into another Fitzpatrick hotel in spite of the fact I had specified the Manhattan. They recognised me from previous visits and placed us into one of the presidential suites [y]

I must admit that the decor is a bit tired but I just loved it and mourned the fact that I couldn't stay there on my last trip

Regarding Fitzpatircks I have to say Honey Laambs comments are correct - Decor is tired - very Tireed to be honest -
This was our problem -
On arrival nice reception area if a little unprofessional on the greeting and the 'office desk' reception. We had booked a suite with as there was myself, Mrs R and our two daughters (14+11) so ideal with the pull out bed. The room was tiny - The bedroom not much better but worst of all was the bathroom - I have seen bigger wardrobes. Ok we said we are only sleeping here as we had just arrived but once our luggage arrived up to us the room started to shrink more and we realised 6 nights here would not be suitable - And for 500 usd per night + taxes I expected much more. Everthing also apart from the beds seemed to be re-furbished on the 'cheap' - chips out of furniture etc - Just gave a real feeling of a three star rather than four star deluxe. Called reception about the rooom and was advised that all the suites were the same standard and size. Did not offer us anything else. We went out shopping and the girls had their first NY hot dog. We arrived back tired but in really good form and decided to eat in Fitzs / the bar as we wanted to have an early night. First shock was the hand painted 'fire engine red' wood work. It was like an attack on the senses. We had dinner that was ok but surronded by 'very drunk' Irish travellers and the family from hell that let their kids run mad knocking over their drinks etc - Look I know what its like to have kids on holiday but we would never let our kids run riot no matter where we were (not even MDs) - The staff just looked on and continued the chat amongst themselves in the corner.

As soon as dinner was finished we went to our room, I phoned around to see what deal we could get - Last call was the Peninsula , I spoke to the receptionist and explained how many we were and where we were and why we were not happy. They were so helpful and did us a special rate of 599usd + taxes for a 550 sqr foot suite. We booked and said we would be around first thing in the morning.

I was now awake again and said I would go for a night cap in the bar - sat at the bar having to listened to what seemed like shower of pikies swearing and singing at the top of their voices --

Ok maybe we just had a bad experience but I honestly think FM is hanging onto the 'Irish' clientel by strongly marketing themselves but certainly in my experience is an overated substandard hotel. Checked out ' The London' when we were there and this at the time and was same price as FM - looked really nice and wonderfully decorated and in a better area. I hope I am not offending anybody but this was my experience and I wanted to share same.

K

quote:Originally posted by DMetters-Bone
Thanks for the interesting TR, glad you had a good flight with EI.

Did you take any pictures? Would be good to see the product.

Thanks Dominic


Sorry no pics - Again I packed camera in with the luggage and had to switch off my phone - Sorry

Mmmm, that does sound like a bit of a dose alright !

I agree with the Irishness of the place & we too would be annoyed to have the wild unruly Irish kid thing exported from here over to a hotel in NY.

We only used the FM as a place to sleep, eating there only for breakfast on the morning we were heading home. We didnt even pop into the bar for a drink.

Personally I though the dcor was lovely & our suite gorgeous, with separate living room area, butlers pantry & walk in wardrobe. The bathroom was on the small side, Ill give you that, but the bed was what only could be described as sumptuous & that coupled with the iPhone dock on the bedside clock radio, meant for very peaceful & contented nights sleep.

Granted there was only the two of us & I could perhaps see how it might be somewhat tight on space if we had two youngsters in tow. We would certainly go back in a heartbeat, but I doubt we will ever set foot in New York again. But then perhaps our impressions of the FM were coloured somewhat as it was such a relief to stay there after the horror of the hotel we had originally booked into.

Why did you not like NY?

I'd like some monkish myself too - which is very rude of me but I had to chortle.

Thanks for the great TR - really good to learn about the new product. As for NY, Peninsula hotels are just about the best and now you know for next time [y].

quote:Originally posted by slinky09
I'd like some monkish myself too - which is very rude of me but I had to chortle.

Thanks for the great TR - really good to learn about the new product. As for NY, Peninsula hotels are just about the best and now you know for next time [y].


I find this bit even funnier [:D] :-

quote:Edit by Scrooge : Fix spelling.
[:D]

Thanks for the report Keith, especially interested to hear about the Premier service.

Must have been a hell of a plane though, I've heard of wide bodied aircraft but:

quote:Originally posted by porsche911

The new seat is actually very good even though its a 22/22/22 configuration....




[:0]

Regards
RedV

quote:Originally posted by porsche911
The new seat is actually very good even though its a 22/22/22 configuration that means if your by the window and the person beside you needs to go to the rest rooms they do have to climb over you.

Now, are you sure you weren't just at the cinema? [:p]

quote:Originally posted by porsche911
Why did you not like NY?


Im not ignoring you, I just havent got around to writing it up yet [:I]

Ok it was actually an aircraft carrier in the air - You know what I mean - Stop giving me a hard time or I will start to cry

quote:Originally posted by porsche911
Why did you not like NY?


We found it full of rude, obnoxious, ignorant people & not particularly safe compared to other cities weve visited. We always felt that there was someone waiting to do us, scam us or rob us in some way, shape, form or fashion.

Other pedestrians would mow you down on the footpaths & the green light at a crosswalk was like a trigger pulled to unleash a stampede of people with the intent to walk over or through you.

We found the staff in most of the shops rude. When they would come over to ask if they could help you us find something & we said we were just browsing around thanks, they would turn on their heels rolling their eyes as they walked away. On some occasions even muttering under their breath. It was like being in Dublin only with taller buildings & an American accent.

I was never comfortable down in the subway as it just didnt feel safe at all. Ive ridden the subway in Washington, Chicago, London, Singapore, Hong Kong & many other cities, but never felt as uneasy as I did in New York. On our very first trip down to a station, as we were standing by the ticket machine figuring out the way it worked, within seconds a guy was over pulling tickets out of a plastic bag, trying to sell them to us. He pushed in front of me & started inserting them into the machine, to show that they had validity left on them, waving his hands around saying you buy, you buy ! So we just turned & walked out.

Compare this to our first venture down the Chicago subway, where a uniformed member of staff was there to assist & advise at the ticket machine. Or Washington where I have travelled the subway extensively without incident. Im sure both those cities have their fair share of problems too, but first impressions count. Of the time we were there, there was always something or somebody down in the NY subway, that made me uneasy.

One of the worst & most souring episodes during our stay in NY, was when taking the ferry out to the Statute of Liberty & Ellis Island.

I have never come across an attitude like the one we experienced with security in those tents, where they screen passengers before boarding the ferries. The barking & shouting at people & the hurling of peoples belonging onto the x-ray machine belts was nothing short of appalling. We were treated like each & every one of us was a confirmed terrorist, arriving for processing at a high security prison, not tourists going out to see one of the citys attractions. Never, even in the worst days of the TSA at airports were we or those around us treated in the way we were treated that day. It was absolutely disgraceful.

I could go on & on giving many more examples, but Ill say that New York is most definitely not representative of the America that Mrs Kered & I love to visit so much. The difference between it & the likes of Chicago, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Boston, is just staggering.

Im sure there are those who love it & I fully accept that other peoples experience probably differs greatly from ours. But for us, we found the whole experience just hateful !!

Perhaps if I were 10 years younger & at a different place in life I might like it too. But as it was we were never as glad to get out of city, as we were New York. So much so, that even though we were on the VS 10 departing JFK at 21:35, we were checked in & in the CH shortly after four in the afternoon !!

Never again !!!

I can only say that you had a set of very bad experiences starting with your hotel.

I have never had any problems on any of my visits (pre and post 9/11) and I have been to NYC 10 times - 8 on my own.

I have also been to Washington, Chicago, Boston and San Francisco again without any problems and NYC compares well against them. But no where is perfect - each city has its advantages and disadvantages.

With regard to the security to get on the boat to the SoL, yes they can be a bit brusk but they need to process a couple of hundrend people in a very short space of time and many people think thay can just continue conversations and ignore the signs about phones and cameras etc. On my trip there in March they even refused to let two people board (and no refund) because they failed to do what was required of them (they were taking photos in the security area) so no wonder the guards can be a bit temperamental.

If you received bad service in a shop then you should have complained, yes its not something I like to do when I am on holiday, but sometimes it is necessary.

Oh yes, our introduction to NY didnt start well with our hotel being a total s..thole. Requiring us to spend time the evening we arrived, changing rooms which actually turned out to be worse than the first, then having to discuss what to do, etc, etc.

I must say though that hotelwise, the Fitzpatrick Manhattan was the saving grace of the entire trip. But really our visit to NY just got steadily worse with each passing hour from there on in. But I will admit that the whole thing was coloured from the outset.

That said though in all my years of travel around the U.S. Canada, Europe, Asia & Australia, never has a city had such a negative impact on me. So with so many other nice places that weve been to in the U.S. we just wouldnt be bothered to ever set foot in NY again. As the saying goes, You never get a second chance to make a first impression

With regard to the security personal at the ferry terminal, I hear what you are saying about them having to process hundreds of people in a short space of time. But to my mind that gives them no excuse whatsoever to treat us the way they did, or indeed as I saw them do to others in other lines than ours. Security personnel in airports around the world also have to process similar amounts of people on a daily basis, in what I would consider to be a significantly more serious risk environment than that of a ferry out to Ellis Island. In general in the airports Ive been through, including several times through the dreaded Miami Ive never been subject to, or have witnessed the sort of abuse that was being hurled at people in that tent, that day. It was nothing short of appalling & left a very sour taste indeed of NY.

I do of course fully accept that this was very much our experience of NY & that YMMV.

All I can say though is the NY is not for us & we wont be going back.

quote:Originally posted by kered
All I can say though is the NY is not for us & we wont be going back.


And why should you, not everywhere is for everyone and thank god for that!

I do love New York, but everything you say I recognize there on a daily basis - perhaps my behaviour fits the city better, since I can get across the street with the best New Yorkers, give as good an attitude or just let the sheer wondrousness of the place swirl about me through a haze of martini!

It's strange - I went to New York last year and didn't experience anything like that, although I did find that using their underground trains was extremely difficult compared to other cities and full of strange (but ultimately harmless?) people. The only rude staff I recall was in the hotel, and even then that was one person out of many.

I did think New York was big, brash, ugly but wonderful all at the same time - but even for us, going to Boston a few days later was like a breath of fresh air. So I am going back to Boston this year - but with a strange sadness that I won't get to New York...