• June Bank Holiday will see more than 100,000 jet out of Ireland with Aer Lingus
• Aer Lingus crew share helpful tips when travelling with kids
• Up to €40 off return flights to European hotspots this July and August

Wednesday 29th May 2019 -The June Bank Holiday often marks the beginning of summer for many families who jet off to Europe or further afield for their long anticipated holiday in the sun. This long weekend Aer Lingus will welcome more than 100,000 guests on board as they jet off to warmer climes. And for those looking to book a sunshine escape later this summer, Aer Lingus is currently offering up to €40 off return flights to a wide range of European holiday hot spots with fares available from the 1st July to the 31st of August 2019! 

Now in full flight, Aer Lingus’ summer schedule welcomes back many seasonal routes flying to popular European city break and ‘sunscape’ destinations such as Perpignan, Pula, Pisa, Palma Majorca and Sicily, plus many more. The airline added close to 300,000 extra summer seats to Europe, increasing capacity on routes such as Nantes, Milan, Bilbao and Alicante.

The airline introduced two new routes from Cork this summer – Nice in France, a twice weekly service from Cork which started on 17th April as well Dubrovnik, Croatia which commenced on the 4th May.

For anyone wishing to travel further afield, Aer Lingus operates its largest ever transatlantic schedule this summer flying to 14 North American destinations, including a new direct service to Minneapolis from Dublin commencing on July 1st.

Recognising that travelling with kids can be challenging Aer Lingus crew have shared their top tips on how to take the stress out of travelling:

• Travel admin – plan ahead! If jetting off to the States apply for your travel visa well in advance. It can be the smallest detail that slips our minds when we’re days away from our long-awaited holiday so don’t fall at the last hurdle.
• Keep all passports together – when families are travelling it makes life easier if one parent takes control of the passports, keeping them all in one place. While we try to give our kids as much independence as possible, let them bring their own bag on board…minus the passport inside.
• Check-in early: Evening before check-in is available for anyone travelling from Dublin or Cork between 6am and 8am and is ideal for families with small children. One member of the travel party can bring their luggage to the airport the evening before and check-in everyone which will make their journey to the airport in the early hours that bit lighter.
• Build the excitement: Young kids flying for the first time can be nervous simply because it’s an entirely new experience. It’s a good idea to chat with them for the days/weeks before they fly and let them know what the airport experience will be like so it’s not a big shock on the day. Why not make it fun and show kids picture of planes or even take them plane spotting. It’s also a great way to pass time at the airport before you board your flight – the Chocolate Lounge in Terminal 2 and Gate 426 are the perfect spots to watch planes come and go.
• Families board first: Avail of Aer Lingus’ pre-boarding facility for families travelling with kids under the age of 5 - families can join the top of the boarding queue and get settled on board when the majority of guests haven’t yet boarded the aircraft. Buggies can be used up until the boarding gate where they can then be checked in prior to departure, and delivered to the gate on arrival.
• On board entertainment: For tips on keeping the little ones entertained in the air, we recommend downloading their favourite show ahead of the flight along with games on an iPad or tablet device, and make sure it’s charged! If you’re hoping to avoid screens something as simple as colouring in can be a perfect distraction. It’s always a good idea to bring on some of their favourite snacks and water to keep hydrated.
• Ask for help: We are here to help – if there is anything we can do to help with your journey through the airport or on board, just ask!

The Aer Lingus offer is live now until the 10th of June 2019 and is valid for travel between the 1st July and the 31st of August 2019. Book now and reserve your seat to the sun at www.aerlingus.com.