Air Travel. The right way and the wrong way

Air travel can be an absolute Nightmare. Herded like cattle through the airport. Stuck onto a metal tube and fired at 500mph through the air. 

When it goes wrong. Jesus does it go wrong. Recently we arrived home from a trip to Italy. On the way to Italy. Things couldn't have gone more wrong. 

First the airport in Rome didn't know where to put the plane. So we circled for an age like we were searching for a spot in a shopping centre carpark. 

We ended up in 3 separate lines for over 90 minutes to get onto an already delayed by 2.5hours flight, Only to sit on the runway for another 90 minutes with no information before landing at the far end with no bags on the flight. Thanks Al Italia for nothing.

Then there was the trip home. 

The first flight was fine. Uneventful. Up and down. 

Then onto the Aer Lingus flight. EI402 from Rome to Dublin. This is where the magic happened. 

Walking onto the plane we were met by the Cabin crew manager. A Silver haired, well presented and warm man by the name of Kieran. As each person boarded and showed their boarding pass. He quickly made sure they were on the right plane and read their name before acknowledging them. 

With me, he referenced a logo on the T-shirt i was wearing and made reference to it. It was calming and warm and made the experience seem a little bit more personal. 

We took our seats and relaxed before take off. Watching what was happening around us as the crew chatted to travellers and smiled and laughed. There was an overwhelming sense of calm and comfort among them. Very evidently steered by the crew manager who had the undivided attention, respect and admiration of the other members of his team.

During the flight the refreshments service came through the cabin. Each person was greeted, talked to and made feel welcome. One American lady two rows in front of us asked for a glass of water. While handing it over Kieran remarked the water was free but he was going to have to charge for the use of the glass. Something that caused rapturous laughter among travellers within earshot and something that made me feel like I was already home.

Throughout the service the crew talked to people on the flight. Never interrupting their duties. Just using their time well and filling any gaps by going above and beyond. Listening to travellers stories about visits to Ireland, and asking about plans while they were in Ireland.

Offering local knowledge and little things that makes Irish people Irish. The wisdom and the fun. Personal touches that make you feel like the only two people in the room, yet you are surrounded by hundreds of others.

On arrival over Dublin we were informed by the Captain that there were high winds. Put at ease when told we were to be put into a holding pattern and would see other planes doing the same but we had plenty of space between them.

Then more magic. As we circled over North Co. Dublin, Meath and Co. Louth. The tourist travellers around us looked out the windows and saw the reason why they came. Vast green landscapes. Fields as one woman remarked "Like a Patchwork Quilt" something she said she had never seen the like of before.

After some time and a few updates from the crew we landed as if there had never been any bad weather at all.

Leaving the plane we were welcomed to Dublin and welcomed home. Filled with the palpable warmth that brings visitors back to Ireland time and time again.

Good Work Aer Lingus.