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I don't think it's a weird case to compare two budget airlines to demonstrate why I think one is better than the other.

Well, the thing is they historically weren't a budget airline. They've taken on some budget airline attributes, but mostly not the dark patterns. Yet. They'll get there.

Ryanair is the biggest airline in Europe. Everyone competes with them. I found if you are traveling with family, need a checked bag and seats - Ryanair has no price advantage over other players.

Aer Lingus is a budget airline? And here I was still thinking that they're the flag carrier of Ireland...

(of course, they can be both at the same time)

Their trans-Atlantic flights are ok and cheap relative to United (out of IAD, to points in continental Europe). Their EU flights are a noticeable step down.

IIRC Aer Lingus could already be described like that 10-15 years ago. I remember it as cheap but decent.

Yeah, they went price-competitive with Ryanair a while back.