Welcome aboard EI520 taking us from Dublin to Paris CDG. The first CDG departure is scheduled to be operated by an Airbus A321LR, but in usual Aer Lingus fashion there is a last minute downgauge. Look at Flightradar24 and you will see this is a regular occurrence on EI520. Even better they switched us onto a faulty Airbus A320 which meant we stood on the tarmac for over 2 hours while they sorted out the tech issue. Meaning that I lost 2 hours from my day trip to Paris and the Eiffel Tower was not to be seen. It is no wonder Aer Lingus is the worst IAG performer when they pull stuff like this. Having flown with EI 5 times, since Covid, twice they downgauged us last minute. Leading to not being able to use automatic bag check, since EI also has the nonsensical policy of having to check your bag in. Anyhow after we depart after we were meant to land and it being fully bright showing how long the delay was. Anyhow we depart from Runway 28R with a rather rare ascent over the Liffey offering some stunning views of the Irish capital. We then land onto 27R at CDG offering stunning views of the French capital.
We also end up getting bused to the South Gates of Dublin Airport with our plane being at the furthest out spot beside the Swords Road. Bussing at Dublin is rare with most flights being directly from the gates, but some Aer Lingus and Emerald Airlines flights do use the bussing Gates shown in this video.
The one somewhat saving grace is that we got put in 2A since our original seat 30F is not on the A320. Obviously business class didn't sell many seats so the front rows were free on the 320 which unlike the 321LR does not have business class seats.
Flight details:
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Flightpath: Dublin to Paris CDG
Flight number: EI520
Aircraft ID: EI-DEO
Aircraft Age: 19 years (June 2005)
Seat: 2A
Departure Time: 08:58 (scheduled 06:40)
Arrival Time: 11:20 (scheduled 09:25)
Date: December 19th 2024