Aer Lingus is known for its competitively priced Business Class fares, made even more compelling by the benefit of US pre-clearance at Dublin. But at these levels can it still be a luxury experience?
The Airline
Founded in 1936, Aer Lingus is Ireland’s flag carrier. Now part of the International Airlines Group (IAG) alongside giants like British Airways and Iberia, its membership means you can earn and redeem Avios points. The airline operates an all-Airbus long-haul fleet, relying on the Airbus A330 and its new-generation single-aisle jets, the Airbus A321LR/XLR. For a complete look at their newest product, you can read the Luxury Reviews report on flying long haul Business Class on a single-aisle Aer Lingus A321 here.
The Vibe & Fellow Flyers
The vibe in the cabin is that of a classic, if a little old-fashioned, business class—a deliberate step away from the flashy luxury of fancy suites with doors or on-board bars. The fellow flyers on this particular flight to Miami were a reflection of this, a mostly leisure-based group of older retirees and cruise passengers, with some younger travellers heading to South Beach. Aer Lingus is also popular with many North Americans retracing their Irish heritage, adding another unique element to the cabin’s atmosphere.
The First Impression 9/10
Aer Lingus operate from Dublin Airport’s modern Terminal 2, the journey begins with a feeling of exclusivity thanks to a nicely designed, separate Premium Check-in area. This is a welcome alternative to the airport’s older and more chaotic Terminal 1. Unfortunately, the agents themselves didn’t quite live up to the country’s famous reputation for a warm welcome. From there, it is only a few steps to Fast Track security and then to one of two lounge options. These small privileges provide a fitting welcome, helping you leave the crowds behind in a country known for its warm greeting, or Fáilte.
The Fast Track 10/10
A separate Fast Track security proved to be a genuine time-saver, with fast and friendly processing that helped us bypass the long queues. It took a lot of the usual stress out of the airport experience.
The Lounge5/10
The unique benefit of US Immigration Preclearance at Dublin Airport creates a business class lounge dilemma: there are two options, one before and one after all the formalities are completed. While I personally favour the main Aer Lingus lounge beforehand, the one on this occasion was the airport-operated 51st & Green lounge.
The 51st & Green Lounge is a very basic space with a stark, cold design and a limited, poor quality buffet. Not many Business Class lounges enforce a two-drink limit, a policy that alone makes you question the offering. The only redeeming quality is the peace of mind that comes with being done with all the formalities and ready to board. In the end, it is little more than somewhere to sit with some limited refreshments.
The Priority Boarding 10/10
The business class cabin on Aer Lingus’ Airbus A330s seats either 23 or 30 passengers—a relatively small number when some transatlantic competitors have double or even triple that count. This creates an unintentional exclusivity, resulting in a far more civilized boarding process than the usual airport scramble you might experience at larger hubs.
The Seat & Cabin 7/10
The cabin design is simple, with a clean palette of grey, white, and hints of green. This no-frills approach makes sense given the airline’s brand. A key thing to know about the business class cabin is its staggered layout of paired and single ‘throne’ seats. For solo travellers, your flight hinges on securing one of those coveted thrones, as they provide an abundance of privacy and space. If you’re flying as a couple, you’ll want to secure the paired seats—or perhaps a throne each, depending on how much you want to speak to your partner!
As for the seat itself, it is an older model—you won’t find sliding doors or cinematic screens here—but for these shorter transatlantic flights, it certainly gets the job done. It goes fully flat, as it should, and even includes a massage feature that, frankly, doesn’t really do much beyond providing a bit of amusement. You’ll also find power outlets conveniently close at hand. All in all, it’s a perfectly decent seat; not the best we’ve ever seen, but certainly far from the worst.
Sleeping
The seat is entirely acceptable for a few hours of rest, converting into a flat space. However, it does feature the all-too-common small foot box—a design flaw that, thankfully, doesn’t completely hinder your ability to get some rest. While there is no luxurious branded bedding or plush mattress topper, for these relatively short overnight hops, the seat is functional and comfortable enough that a decent sleep is at least achievable.
The Amenities 7/10
When it comes to amenities, Aer Lingus has made a clear, no-frills choice, opting for practicality over excess. You won’t find on-board bars or social spaces, and the basic amenity kit provides only the bare necessities for these relatively shorter long-haul flights. For the same reason, pajamas or sleep suits are not provided. A redeeming touch, however, is the complimentary Wi-Fi—a welcome inclusion for a “value” business class offering, even if the speeds are unlikely to satisfy the most demanding data consumers.
The Service 8/10
With the frosty check-in experience still in mind, expectations for the on-board crew were high—and fortunately, they delivered. Initially, at least. The service during the first meal was excellent, with a crew that was attentive, friendly, and genuinely delivered that warm Irish welcome. After that, however, it seemed as if the crew simply disappeared. For the majority of the flight, their presence was minimal, making it difficult to even get water to stay hydrated. After such a positive opening impression, the lack of follow-through was a genuine disappointment.
The Dining 8/10
Given the country’s culinary reputation, expectations were also high for Aer Lingus’ food and beverage service, and for the most part, it delivered. While the dining experience at 38,000 feet is never going to be a country gastropub, the airline made a commendable effort.
The main courses—a selection of Irish-themed fish, beef, and a vegetarian option—offered a good choice of decent food, even if the portion sizes were not quite what you’d find on the Emerald Isle. The soup was a genuine novelty at altitude, served piping hot. The fish I selected, while not a thing of beauty, tasted far better than it looked. As for the wines, they were fine but certainly weren’t from the finest cellars.
The one clear disappointment came with the dessert, which was remarkably flavorless and certainly not worth the calories.
Fortunately, the second meal service, a selection of small cakes and light bites, was a huge improvement on the earlier dessert and a welcome change from the usual sandwich and scone.
The Entertainment7/10
The inflight entertainment system, a responsive touch screen, has had a welcome refresh since the seats were first installed, and the selection of movies and TV shows is good. The content itself includes a surprisingly extensive Disney section, perfect for kids of all ages. However, the screen sizes remain smaller than average, and the noise-cancelling headsets are so poor they are virtually useless.
The Attention to Detail 8/10
.The little things really do matter, and Aer Lingus has a subtle but charming way of weaving its Irish heritage throughout the business class experience. This begins with the drinks service, which provides a unique savory “drinks biscuit” with onion jam instead of the usual nuts or crisps, and continues with a mid-flight Irish ice cream as a nice movie treat. This attention to detail extends to the on-board toiletries from the upmarket Irish brand VOYA, and an amenity kit that, while basic, feels elevated with its contents from Jo Browne. These small touches make for a unique and memorable nod to Ireland.
The Good, Bad & Turbulent
Is it Worth It?Yes, despite its no-frills approach and the occasional misstep, Aer Lingus Business Class delivers a solid, value-oriented product with just enough Irish charm to make it worth flying again.
Fly This For a good value Business Class that delivers on the key luxuries, from the coveted privacy of a throne seat and unique Irish touches to decent food and the ultimate benefit of US Immigration Preclearance.
Don’t Fly This Forglitzy lounges, seats with doors and big TV screens, the latest technology, attentive service; nor should you expect a decent dessert.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Luxury Reviews Says 8/10
Aer Lingus is known for its competitively priced Business Class fares, made even more compelling by the benefit of US pre-clearance at Dublin. But at these levels can it still be a luxury experience?
The Airline
Founded in 1936, Aer Lingus is Ireland’s flag carrier. Now part of the International Airlines Group (IAG) alongside giants like British Airways and Iberia, its membership means you can earn and redeem Avios points. The airline operates an all-Airbus long-haul fleet, relying on the Airbus A330 and its new-generation single-aisle jets, the Airbus A321LR/XLR. For a complete look at their newest product, you can read the Luxury Reviews report on flying long haul Business Class on a single-aisle Aer Lingus A321 here.
The Vibe & Fellow Flyers
The vibe in the cabin is that of a classic, if a little old-fashioned, business class—a deliberate step away from the flashy luxury of fancy suites with doors or on-board bars. The fellow flyers on this particular flight to Miami were a reflection of this, a mostly leisure-based group of older retirees and cruise passengers, with some younger travellers heading to South Beach. Aer Lingus is also popular with many North Americans retracing their Irish heritage, adding another unique element to the cabin’s atmosphere.
The First Impression 9/10
Aer Lingus operate from Dublin Airport’s modern Terminal 2, the journey begins with a feeling of exclusivity thanks to a nicely designed, separate Premium Check-in area. This is a welcome alternative to the airport’s older and more chaotic Terminal 1. Unfortunately, the agents themselves didn’t quite live up to the country’s famous reputation for a warm welcome. From there, it is only a few steps to Fast Track security and then to one of two lounge options. These small privileges provide a fitting welcome, helping you leave the crowds behind in a country known for its warm greeting, or Fáilte.
The Fast Track 10/10
A separate Fast Track security proved to be a genuine time-saver, with fast and friendly processing that helped us bypass the long queues. It took a lot of the usual stress out of the airport experience.
The Lounge5/10
The unique benefit of US Immigration Preclearance at Dublin Airport creates a business class lounge dilemma: there are two options, one before and one after all the formalities are completed. While I personally favour the main Aer Lingus lounge beforehand, the one on this occasion was the airport-operated 51st & Green lounge.
The 51st & Green Lounge is a very basic space with a stark, cold design and a limited, poor quality buffet. Not many Business Class lounges enforce a two-drink limit, a policy that alone makes you question the offering. The only redeeming quality is the peace of mind that comes with being done with all the formalities and ready to board. In the end, it is little more than somewhere to sit with some limited refreshments.
The Priority Boarding 10/10
The business class cabin on Aer Lingus’ Airbus A330s seats either 23 or 30 passengers—a relatively small number when some transatlantic competitors have double or even triple that count. This creates an unintentional exclusivity, resulting in a far more civilized boarding process than the usual airport scramble you might experience at larger hubs.
The Seat & Cabin 7/10
The cabin design is simple, with a clean palette of grey, white, and hints of green. This no-frills approach makes sense given the airline’s brand. A key thing to know about the business class cabin is its staggered layout of paired and single ‘throne’ seats. For solo travellers, your flight hinges on securing one of those coveted thrones, as they provide an abundance of privacy and space. If you’re flying as a couple, you’ll want to secure the paired seats—or perhaps a throne each, depending on how much you want to speak to your partner!
As for the seat itself, it is an older model—you won’t find sliding doors or cinematic screens here—but for these shorter transatlantic flights, it certainly gets the job done. It goes fully flat, as it should, and even includes a massage feature that, frankly, doesn’t really do much beyond providing a bit of amusement. You’ll also find power outlets conveniently close at hand. All in all, it’s a perfectly decent seat; not the best we’ve ever seen, but certainly far from the worst.
Sleeping
The seat is entirely acceptable for a few hours of rest, converting into a flat space. However, it does feature the all-too-common small foot box—a design flaw that, thankfully, doesn’t completely hinder your ability to get some rest. While there is no luxurious branded bedding or plush mattress topper, for these relatively short overnight hops, the seat is functional and comfortable enough that a decent sleep is at least achievable.
The Amenities 7/10
When it comes to amenities, Aer Lingus has made a clear, no-frills choice, opting for practicality over excess. You won’t find on-board bars or social spaces, and the basic amenity kit provides only the bare necessities for these relatively shorter long-haul flights. For the same reason, pajamas or sleep suits are not provided. A redeeming touch, however, is the complimentary Wi-Fi—a welcome inclusion for a “value” business class offering, even if the speeds are unlikely to satisfy the most demanding data consumers.
The Service 8/10
With the frosty check-in experience still in mind, expectations for the on-board crew were high—and fortunately, they delivered. Initially, at least. The service during the first meal was excellent, with a crew that was attentive, friendly, and genuinely delivered that warm Irish welcome. After that, however, it seemed as if the crew simply disappeared. For the majority of the flight, their presence was minimal, making it difficult to even get water to stay hydrated. After such a positive opening impression, the lack of follow-through was a genuine disappointment.
The Dining 8/10
Given the country’s culinary reputation, expectations were also high for Aer Lingus’ food and beverage service, and for the most part, it delivered. While the dining experience at 38,000 feet is never going to be a country gastropub, the airline made a commendable effort.
The main courses—a selection of Irish-themed fish, beef, and a vegetarian option—offered a good choice of decent food, even if the portion sizes were not quite what you’d find on the Emerald Isle. The soup was a genuine novelty at altitude, served piping hot. The fish I selected, while not a thing of beauty, tasted far better than it looked. As for the wines, they were fine but certainly weren’t from the finest cellars.
The one clear disappointment came with the dessert, which was remarkably flavorless and certainly not worth the calories.
Fortunately, the second meal service, a selection of small cakes and light bites, was a huge improvement on the earlier dessert and a welcome change from the usual sandwich and scone.
The Entertainment7/10
The inflight entertainment system, a responsive touch screen, has had a welcome refresh since the seats were first installed, and the selection of movies and TV shows is good. The content itself includes a surprisingly extensive Disney section, perfect for kids of all ages. However, the screen sizes remain smaller than average, and the noise-cancelling headsets are so poor they are virtually useless.
The Attention to Detail 8/10
.The little things really do matter, and Aer Lingus has a subtle but charming way of weaving its Irish heritage throughout the business class experience. This begins with the drinks service, which provides a unique savory “drinks biscuit” with onion jam instead of the usual nuts or crisps, and continues with a mid-flight Irish ice cream as a nice movie treat. This attention to detail extends to the on-board toiletries from the upmarket Irish brand VOYA, and an amenity kit that, while basic, feels elevated with its contents from Jo Browne. These small touches make for a unique and memorable nod to Ireland.
The Good, Bad & Turbulent
Is it Worth It?Yes, despite its no-frills approach and the occasional misstep, Aer Lingus Business Class delivers a solid, value-oriented product with just enough Irish charm to make it worth flying again.
Fly This For a good value Business Class that delivers on the key luxuries, from the coveted privacy of a throne seat and unique Irish touches to decent food and the ultimate benefit of US Immigration Preclearance.
Don’t Fly This Forglitzy lounges, seats with doors and big TV screens, the latest technology, attentive service; nor should you expect a decent dessert.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Luxury Reviews Says 8/10
Aer Lingus is known for its competitively priced Business Class fares, made even more compelling by the benefit of US pre-clearance at Dublin. But at these levels can it still be a luxury experience?
The Airline
Founded in 1936, Aer Lingus is Ireland’s flag carrier. Now part of the International Airlines Group (IAG) alongside giants like British Airways and Iberia, its membership means you can earn and redeem Avios points. The airline operates an all-Airbus long-haul fleet, relying on the Airbus A330 and its new-generation single-aisle jets, the Airbus A321LR/XLR. For a complete look at their newest product, you can read the Luxury Reviews report on flying long haul Business Class on a single-aisle Aer Lingus A321 here.
The Vibe & Fellow Flyers
The vibe in the cabin is that of a classic, if a little old-fashioned, business class—a deliberate step away from the flashy luxury of fancy suites with doors or on-board bars. The fellow flyers on this particular flight to Miami were a reflection of this, a mostly leisure-based group of older retirees and cruise passengers, with some younger travellers heading to South Beach. Aer Lingus is also popular with many North Americans retracing their Irish heritage, adding another unique element to the cabin’s atmosphere.
The First Impression 9/10
Aer Lingus operate from Dublin Airport’s modern Terminal 2, the journey begins with a feeling of exclusivity thanks to a nicely designed, separate Premium Check-in area. This is a welcome alternative to the airport’s older and more chaotic Terminal 1. Unfortunately, the agents themselves didn’t quite live up to the country’s famous reputation for a warm welcome. From there, it is only a few steps to Fast Track security and then to one of two lounge options. These small privileges provide a fitting welcome, helping you leave the crowds behind in a country known for its warm greeting, or Fáilte.
The Fast Track 10/10
A separate Fast Track security proved to be a genuine time-saver, with fast and friendly processing that helped us bypass the long queues. It took a lot of the usual stress out of the airport experience.
The Lounge5/10
The unique benefit of US Immigration Preclearance at Dublin Airport creates a business class lounge dilemma: there are two options, one before and one after all the formalities are completed. While I personally favour the main Aer Lingus lounge beforehand, the one on this occasion was the airport-operated 51st & Green lounge.
The 51st & Green Lounge is a very basic space with a stark, cold design and a limited, poor quality buffet. Not many Business Class lounges enforce a two-drink limit, a policy that alone makes you question the offering. The only redeeming quality is the peace of mind that comes with being done with all the formalities and ready to board. In the end, it is little more than somewhere to sit with some limited refreshments.
The Priority Boarding 10/10
The business class cabin on Aer Lingus’ Airbus A330s seats either 23 or 30 passengers—a relatively small number when some transatlantic competitors have double or even triple that count. This creates an unintentional exclusivity, resulting in a far more civilized boarding process than the usual airport scramble you might experience at larger hubs.
The Seat & Cabin 7/10
The cabin design is simple, with a clean palette of grey, white, and hints of green. This no-frills approach makes sense given the airline’s brand. A key thing to know about the business class cabin is its staggered layout of paired and single ‘throne’ seats. For solo travellers, your flight hinges on securing one of those coveted thrones, as they provide an abundance of privacy and space. If you’re flying as a couple, you’ll want to secure the paired seats—or perhaps a throne each, depending on how much you want to speak to your partner!
As for the seat itself, it is an older model—you won’t find sliding doors or cinematic screens here—but for these shorter transatlantic flights, it certainly gets the job done. It goes fully flat, as it should, and even includes a massage feature that, frankly, doesn’t really do much beyond providing a bit of amusement. You’ll also find power outlets conveniently close at hand. All in all, it’s a perfectly decent seat; not the best we’ve ever seen, but certainly far from the worst.
Sleeping
The seat is entirely acceptable for a few hours of rest, converting into a flat space. However, it does feature the all-too-common small foot box—a design flaw that, thankfully, doesn’t completely hinder your ability to get some rest. While there is no luxurious branded bedding or plush mattress topper, for these relatively short overnight hops, the seat is functional and comfortable enough that a decent sleep is at least achievable.
The Amenities 7/10
When it comes to amenities, Aer Lingus has made a clear, no-frills choice, opting for practicality over excess. You won’t find on-board bars or social spaces, and the basic amenity kit provides only the bare necessities for these relatively shorter long-haul flights. For the same reason, pajamas or sleep suits are not provided. A redeeming touch, however, is the complimentary Wi-Fi—a welcome inclusion for a “value” business class offering, even if the speeds are unlikely to satisfy the most demanding data consumers.
The Service 8/10
With the frosty check-in experience still in mind, expectations for the on-board crew were high—and fortunately, they delivered. Initially, at least. The service during the first meal was excellent, with a crew that was attentive, friendly, and genuinely delivered that warm Irish welcome. After that, however, it seemed as if the crew simply disappeared. For the majority of the flight, their presence was minimal, making it difficult to even get water to stay hydrated. After such a positive opening impression, the lack of follow-through was a genuine disappointment.
The Dining 8/10
Given the country’s culinary reputation, expectations were also high for Aer Lingus’ food and beverage service, and for the most part, it delivered. While the dining experience at 38,000 feet is never going to be a country gastropub, the airline made a commendable effort.
The main courses—a selection of Irish-themed fish, beef, and a vegetarian option—offered a good choice of decent food, even if the portion sizes were not quite what you’d find on the Emerald Isle. The soup was a genuine novelty at altitude, served piping hot. The fish I selected, while not a thing of beauty, tasted far better than it looked. As for the wines, they were fine but certainly weren’t from the finest cellars.
The one clear disappointment came with the dessert, which was remarkably flavorless and certainly not worth the calories.
Fortunately, the second meal service, a selection of small cakes and light bites, was a huge improvement on the earlier dessert and a welcome change from the usual sandwich and scone.
The Entertainment7/10
The inflight entertainment system, a responsive touch screen, has had a welcome refresh since the seats were first installed, and the selection of movies and TV shows is good. The content itself includes a surprisingly extensive Disney section, perfect for kids of all ages. However, the screen sizes remain smaller than average, and the noise-cancelling headsets are so poor they are virtually useless.
The Attention to Detail 8/10
.The little things really do matter, and Aer Lingus has a subtle but charming way of weaving its Irish heritage throughout the business class experience. This begins with the drinks service, which provides a unique savory “drinks biscuit” with onion jam instead of the usual nuts or crisps, and continues with a mid-flight Irish ice cream as a nice movie treat. This attention to detail extends to the on-board toiletries from the upmarket Irish brand VOYA, and an amenity kit that, while basic, feels elevated with its contents from Jo Browne. These small touches make for a unique and memorable nod to Ireland.
The Good, Bad & Turbulent
Is it Worth It?Yes, despite its no-frills approach and the occasional misstep, Aer Lingus Business Class delivers a solid, value-oriented product with just enough Irish charm to make it worth flying again.
Fly This For a good value Business Class that delivers on the key luxuries, from the coveted privacy of a throne seat and unique Irish touches to decent food and the ultimate benefit of US Immigration Preclearance.
Don’t Fly This Forglitzy lounges, seats with doors and big TV screens, the latest technology, attentive service; nor should you expect a decent dessert.
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