Sir, - I phoned to book a flight to Birmingham with Aer Lingus last week through a travel agent, to be told it would cost £195 plus the usual taxes flying out Saturday morning and returning Sunday afternoon. When I explained that this was very expensive and that I had made this trip quite often never paying anything like this amount, I was told the cheaper seats were taken up weeks in advance. I then asked about Ryanair to be told that this travel agent does not use that airline.
I phoned another travel agent and did get a seat with Ryanair for £59 plus taxes. This was the first time I have used Ryanair and I have to say it is every bit as good as Aer Lingus.
I seem to remember a slogan: "Look up: it's Aer Lingus." May I suggest a new one: "Look out, Aer Lingus!" - Yours, etc.,
Joe Harvey
Glenageary Woods, Glenageary, Co Dublin.