It’s time for another Snapshot, this time focusing on the passenger experience aboard Ryanair on their Boeing 737-800 between Birmingham Airport and Dublin Airport.
In case you’ve forgotten how we do travel write-ups on Economy Class and Beyond, I have two major travel writing styles:
- Trip Reports – These are deep-dive reports taking you into the experience, the small things… as well as the big things!
- Snapshots – These are bite-sized reviews that show you the basic product in some nice gentle headlines (and normally, only images shot on the phone)
Today, we’re on the Snapshot. The full in-depth review is coming once I get more than 10 minutes to put my fingers on the keyboard and eject my thoughts in the form of typed words.
To the Airport
As I was flying from my local airport for once, it was a matter of catching an Uber to Birmingham New Street Station, then an Avanti West Coast service to Birmingham International.
And yes, the Uber ride was more expensive than the return train ticket.
At Birmingham Airport
The politest term I can use for Birmingham Airport is “Work in Progress”, with major works in the terminal area, that require a lot of up and downing to get to the departures and security area, as the airport expands its secure zone.
Security was a controlled affair – even if it took around 20 minutes to clear.
From there, it was a matter of clearing Duty-Free and navigating the shopping mall inside Birmingham Airport for coffee and finally, to the gate.
Boarding
Boarding would be from Gate 56 at Birmingham Airport. This is a tarmac gate, with both priority and non-priority boarding enforced. Baggage sizing enforcement was in full force (and people were getting caught out too).
The plane
It’s a Ryanair classic Boeing 737-800 – a 14-year-old example.
Interior and seat
This is a classic Ryanair seat, with the classic seats that are rather thickly padded. This however impacts the legroom. I had assigned myself a window seat for the flight.
The safety card is mounted on the seat back.
As for the interior – is the plenty of yellow? Oh yes.
In-Flight Entertainment
The window. If passengers wanted content beforehand, they would need to access the Ryanair app or grab a magazine.
Catering
An onboard catering service was carried out, with two carts working the aircraft. With a flight time of 40 minutes, it was a challenge for people to be served in time, as well as the time to consume the beverage.
Landing
The aircraft arrived at Dublin Airport early on the South Runway.
It taxied over to the 100 gates at Dublin Airport, where passengers were allowed to disembark. And of course, this is Dublin, so there was a light shower outside.
Arrivals and departures are segregated at the 100 Gates on arrival.
Immigration
From the 100 Gates, it was a 10-minute walk to Irish Immigration. My passport was examined at the border but was not stamped (as I was travelling with the Common Travel Area and not entering Schengen).
From there, I was able to leave the airport property and catch up with friends.
Other pictures
The full review of Ryanair Flight 661 is coming soon!
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