Aer Lingus business class aboard the Airbus A330

Fast take: Aer Lingus enterprise class is a good transatlantic choice — award area is plentiful, taxes and costs are low, and flights departing Eire to the U.S. embody customs and immigration preclearance.

Execs

• There may be lots of award availability at reasonably priced charges utilizing companion miles.
• Pleasant crew members present attentive service.
• U.S. vacationers can benefit from preclearing customs and immigration in Dublin.
• The Dublin lounge, which business-class passengers can entry, has simply reopened after a refurbishment.

Cons

• The seats really feel dated, and the structure lacks privateness.
• Bedding is scant — only a blanket and a pillow.
• The amenity kits may really feel somewhat extra premium.

Though it is owned by the identical father or mother firm as British Airways and Iberia, people are likely to overlook about Aer Lingus, the flag provider of Eire, since it is not a part of one of many main airline alliances.

Nevertheless, Aer Lingus does have loads of airline companions, together with Alaska Airways, American Airways and United Airways. Plus, its AerClub loyalty program even makes use of Avios as its foreign money — similar to British Airways, Finnair, Iberia and Qatar Airways do.

What’s extra, the taxes and fuel surcharges when flying to or from Dublin are a lot decrease than these of many different European airports, and especially compared to London.

Aer Lingus at present flies from its hubs at Dublin Airport (DUB) and Shannon Airport (SNN) to about 20 cities within the U.S., together with main cities like Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York Metropolis. It additionally flies to locations that may appear extra shocking, like Cleveland, Minneapolis and Nashville.

For all these causes, there are many alternatives to make use of factors and miles to fly Aer Lingus throughout the Atlantic, each in economic system and enterprise class. Actually, the airline frequently presents first rate business-class award availability. That is how I just lately booked a one-way ticket from Dublin to Seattle on the tail finish of a visit.

Here is how I booked Aer Lingus enterprise class utilizing miles and what my flight expertise was like.

Reward your inbox with the TPG Every day e-newsletter

Be a part of over 700,000 readers for breaking information, in-depth guides and unique offers from TPG’s specialists

By signing up, you’ll obtain newsletters and promotional content material and conform to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the information practices in our Privacy Policy. You could unsubscribe at any time.

How a lot does it price to guide Aer Lingus enterprise class?

The price of an Aer Lingus long-haul, business-class ticket will depend on the route, dates and whether or not you are flying round-trip or one-way.

My one-way flight from DUB to Seattle-Tacoma Worldwide Airport (SEA) would have price $3,500. Nevertheless, I used to be in a position to redeem simply 55,000 Alaska Airways Atmos Rewards factors plus $60 in taxes and costs for my ticket. That approach, I netted a price of about 6.25 cents per level — effectively above TPG’s May 2026 valuation of Atmos Rewards factors.

A number of the airline’s shorter transatlantic flights, together with these to Boston Logan Airport (BOS), John F. Kennedy Worldwide Airport (JFK) and Dulles Worldwide Airport (IAD), solely require 45,000 Atmos Rewards factors every approach in enterprise class.

Here is a snapshot of the opposite frequent flyer packages from which I may have redeemed miles for my one-way ticket.

Alaska Airways is a 1:1 switch companion of Bilt. You can even switch Marriott Bonvoy points at a 3:1 ratio to Alaska.

The easiest way to fill up on Alaska Airways Atmos Rewards factors shortly, nevertheless, is to use for one of many following cobranded bank cards:

Checking into and boarding Aer Lingus enterprise class

Aer Lingus long-haul business-class passengers can get pleasure from the next precedence providers on the airport:

I started my journey in London and was the one passenger in line for the business-class check-in, the place I obtained each my boarding passes and a move to go to the small Aer Lingus lounge in Heathrow Airport’s (LHR) Terminal 2.

My flight arrived in Dublin about 4 hours earlier than my transatlantic connection. Flights to the U.S. function from a devoted space of the terminal at Dublin Airport, the place passengers bear safety screening and processing by U.S. customs and immigration. Passengers are informed to proceed to this space about three hours earlier than their flight departs, however in actuality, you’ll be able to go in anytime (although there are just a few eating places and outlets when you’re via).

Whereas these circumstances can add a while at the start of your journey, it signifies that once you land within the U.S., you’ll be able to merely gather your luggage and both head out of the airport or connect with your onward flight with no additional screening.

I made my solution to the very finish of the terminal, the place I discovered the 51st & Inexperienced lounge, which had solely just lately reopened after a six-month refurbishment. I had entry due to my business-class ticket.

1 of 2

ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY

Though an enormous financial institution of flights on a number of airways departed all through the afternoon, the lounge didn’t really feel tremendous crowded. There have been loads of seating choices, starting from cafe-style eating areas and workstations alongside the home windows to cubicles and banquettes, and many low-slung armchairs.

On the heart of the lounge, the brand new bar was the point of interest due to its dramatic design, which resembles a jet engine. There, vacationers may order a freshly pulled pint of Guinness together with loads of different complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.

There was a small buffet with each cold and hot dishes, together with Malaysian beef curry, hen fricassee, mashed potatoes, finger sandwiches and make-your-own salads.

Wi-Fi was quick and free, and I used to be in a position to snag a chair by the home windows for photo-finish views of the runway.

My flight started boarding an hour earlier than departure, and I climbed on board first to snap some footage.

How comfy is Aer Lingus enterprise class?

Aer Lingus flies each Airbus A330-200s and A330-300s. The -300 variant has 30 business-class seats, whereas the -200 variant working my journey has simply 23. Enjoyable reality: Aer Lingus’ A330s are named after saints and different figures of Irish mythology and folklore. My particular airplane was named Caoimhe (pronounced “kwee-vah”) and was delivered to the airline approach again in 2001.

Here is a fast have a look at the structure and dimensions:

These are tried-and-true, if not tremendous present, Thompson Aero Vantage seats. Therefore, their distinctive 1-2-1 and 1-2-2 structure.

All of the seats alongside the left facet of the cabin are singles that alternate between being nearer to the window and the aisle.

All 5 rows operating down the middle are paired and, in contrast to different configurations, they are not nearer collectively or farther aside relying on the row. Slightly, they’re staggered similar to the seats on the perimeters.

1 of 2

ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY

These alongside the suitable facet of the cabin alternate between singles and doubles; the singles are the sought-after “throne” seats with loads of area on both facet.

1 of 2

ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY

By the point I booked my ticket, solely a single solo seat remained: 2A. And, due to a enjoyable quirk of Aer Lingus, I really needed to name the airline to order it since you can’t achieve this on-line. I might have most popular one of many seats within the odd rows, since their wider armrests are on the aisle, offering a bit extra of a buffer from different passengers or crew strolling alongside the aisle.

1 of 2

ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY

Like the opposite seats within the cabin, mine was 21 inches broad between armrests and reclined to a 77-inch lie-flat mattress. I particularly preferred the upholstery, which was an emerald inexperienced with a chartreuse trim and a grey leather-based headrest. It felt very Irish certainly. The foot cubby was 20 inches broad and 11 inches tall, which was massive sufficient for me, however you probably have large toes, it may really feel tight.

The tray desk, which was 17 inches broad by 12 inches deep, unlatched vertically from the facet of the seat after which swung into place with a mere 17 inches between it and the seatback, so it would really feel restrictive for some people.

The seat controls included three preset positions, a button for lumbar help and one other that would maneuver the legrest, however none to maneuver simply the seatback.

There was additionally a common energy plug and a USB-A port, however no USB-C port. Contained in the armrest, there was a corded distant for the leisure system.

Then, within the bigger console (close to the window in my seat), I discovered a boxy stowage compartment that was sufficiently big for my amenity package and another small belongings, however not fairly sufficiently big for a pc. There was additionally a water bottle holder by my legs and one other compartment below the footrest for sneakers.

In lie-flat mode, I discovered the seat comfy and roomy, and I wasn’t disturbed by exercise within the aisle. I managed to snooze for 4 hours between meals, which left me feeling refreshed and able to get pleasure from the previous couple of hours of the day as soon as I arrived on the West Coast.

Every seat had its personal particular person air nozzles, so I may preserve my space cool all through the flight.

Lastly, the A330-200 had two bathrooms for enterprise class. One was up entrance on the left facet of the galley close to the cockpit, and the opposite was on the again proper of the cabin. Workers stored each very clear all through the flight, and though there have been no different frills to talk of, hand cleaning soap and lotion from high-end Irish model Jo Browne have been obtainable. I do want the bathroom flush and the sink had been touchless, although.

Facilities in Aer Lingus enterprise class

Ready at every seat was a big, agency pillow; light-weight duvets have been stowed in particular person plastic luggage within the overhead bins. I additionally discovered a menu and wine listing to peruse.

Sitting on the big armrest was a small material amenity package that contained a toothbrush and toothpaste, earplugs, an eye fixed masks, a pen, socks, and Jo Browne-branded moisturizer and lip balm.

The leisure display screen was 16 inches broad diagonally and had over 100 hours of programming, together with current film releases like “One Battle After One other” and “Bugonia,” in addition to a big collection of tv reveals like “All Her Fault,” “The Penguin” and “The Studio.”

The airline offered fundamental headphones that diminished a number of the ambient cabin noise.

Much more thrilling, although, was that business-class passengers obtained vouchers without spending a dime Wi-Fi at some point of the flight, which in any other case would have price 22.49 euros ($26.50). It labored effectively for the primary two hours of the flight, then fizzled out till we have been about two hours from touchdown; if it hadn’t been free, I might need requested a refund. Different Wi-Fi packages included messaging for one hour or the complete flight, and 4 hours of looking. The prices ranged from $4.10 to $15.85.

1 of 2

ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY

Aer Lingus is at present rolling out Starlink Wi-Fi on its fleet. Its first plane to obtain Starlink connectivity was an A330-300 in March, so it is likely to be some time earlier than it is obtainable on all of the airline’s flights.

How was the meals in Aer Lingus enterprise class?

Whereas passengers have been boarding and getting settled, flight attendants got here via the aisles to introduce themselves, help with baggage and supply a selection of water or Jean Pernet Custom Brut NV Champagne.

As boarding ended, they got here via to take orders for a post-departure beverage and dinner.

About half-hour after takeoff, they served a spherical of drinks together with Turas Pantry chili jam and rosemary-tomato crackers, which have been scrumptious.

Among the many drinks obtainable have been:

• The Olive Grove chardonnay from Australia
• Fossili Gavi di Gavi from Italy
• Bardolino Chiaretto rose from Italy
• Zweigelt from Austria
• Spatburgunder pinot noir from Germany
• A collection of beers, together with Heineken and Moretti
• Varied whiskeys, together with Jameson and Teeling Single Pot Nonetheless
• Drumshanbo Gunpowder gin
• Tito’s vodka
• Baileys
• Whitebox canned cocktails
• A wide range of gentle drinks, juices and water

After one other spherical of drinks, meal service kicked off. It started with a selection of butternut squash and coriander soup with sesame crumble, or smoked salmon and horseradish mousse with cucumber and dill. I ordered the latter and thought it was scrumptious — smoky and savory however not too salty. Everybody additionally bought the seasonal salad of glass noodles in a tangy Thai dressing with cucumber, pepper and edamame.

The primary programs included:

• 18-hour braised beef brisket in crimson wine sauce with smoked mashed potatoes, inexperienced beans, carrots and star anise (by far the preferred selection)
• Hen supreme in mustard marinade with mashed potato and charred broccolini, spinach and carrots
• Pumpkin gnocchi with contemporary herb salsa verde

I had the hen, and it was surprisingly tender and juicy for … effectively, airline hen. The sauce was wealthy however not too heavy.

I skipped the collection of Irish cheeses and requested for the mango-passionfruit cheesecake for dessert, which was a candy, gentle solution to finish the meal.

About 90 minutes earlier than touchdown, flight attendants woke passengers who had requested a prearrival meal. The primary choices have been battered cod with tartar sauce, spiced potato cubes, chunky pea and apple chutney puree, or a vegan model of the fish with the identical fixings.

I do not love fish-and-chips, however I attempted the vegan model simply to see the way it was. TLDR: too heavy for my liking.

Fortunately, the flight attendants had a number of extra methods up their sleeves and will serve a collection of teas together with finger sandwiches that included hen salad, cheddar and tomato relish, and egg salad. These have been way more my pace for a day snack.

There have been bites like chips and cookies obtainable within the galley between meals, too.

Would you suggest Aer Lingus enterprise class?

The flight attendants on my Aer Lingus flight have been among the many friendliest crews I’ve ever encountered in a few years of journey. The three working in enterprise class have been cheerful and chatty, taking the time to get to know every passenger, providing recommendations from the menu, asking about their journey plans and extra. It set the tone for the whole flight, and I heard different passengers comment on simply how pleasant the expertise was. I concurred.

Whereas Aer Lingus’s A330 enterprise class does not have the most recent business-class seats or up-to-date know-how, it is nonetheless a cushty journey throughout the Atlantic. The widespread availability of awards, the reasonably priced taxes and costs, and the pleasant service and creativity of the meals menus make it a winner in my guide. It took me some time to strive it out, however now that I’ve, I’m certain I will be reserving Aer Lingus enterprise class once more quickly.

Associated studying: