Individuals aiming to attain a lie-flat seat abroad are nearly spoiled for selection, with dozens of airways flying increasingly more enterprise class seats throughout the Atlantic. However heading to Eire, there is a clear favourite in my thoughts…
Go determine: It is flying up entrance with Eire’s flag service in Aer Lingus enterprise class. It isn’t the flashiest enterprise class seat you will discover flying throughout the pond. However the place different airways battle even with a few of the fundamentals, Aer Lingus does all of it – and does all of it nicely, in the event you ask me. There is a snug seat (and an nearly unbelievably spacious one, in the event you can seize considered one of 4 throne seats), charming service, and good meals, too.
Learn our full evaluation of Aer Lingus enterprise class on the flight from Dublin (DUB) again to Washington, D.C.-Dulles (IAD) and why, although it was removed from excellent, I would decide it once more in a heartbeat.
The right way to Ebook Aer Lingus Enterprise Class
Aer Lingus is a little bit of an oddball on the planet of airways and factors and miles. It isn’t a part of one of many huge airline alliances … and but it is owned by the identical conglomerate that runs British Airways. Plus, it is acquired a handful of one-off partnerships with different airways.
And that is a win for vacationers seeking to redeem some miles for a seat in Aer Lingus enterprise class. There are many choices to ebook, together with:
- You may ebook utilizing 60,000 Alaska Mileage Plan miles every method, although these miles aren’t precisely the simplest to earn
- United MileagePlus miles are an possibility, and the airline fees roughly 70,000 miles every method (give or take just a few thousand). United is a Chase switch associate, so factors from playing cards just like the Chase Sapphire Most well-liked® Card are all you want.
- You may use Aer Lingus’s personal Avios, naturally. However its web site is a little bit of a catastrophe
- British Airways Avios is a robust contender with award charges beginning at 60,000 miles every method (and even decrease – maintain studying). Plus, you may simply earn Avios as British Airways is a Chase switch associate, Amex switch associate, and a Capital One switch associate, too.
With low charges and affordable charges, British Airways is the go-to possibility right here, in the event you ask me. Time it proper through the off-peak journey season and you’ll rating a one-way flight for as little as 50,000 Avios every method. The award charges bounce to at the very least 62,500 Avios every method for routes to and from the West Coast in addition to Florida – and all the best way as much as 75,000 throughout peak seasons.
Oddly, flights departing the U.S. get hit with a nasty $700-plus in taxes and costs whereas westbound flights out of Dublin are much more affordable at beneath $200.
Aer Lingus at the moment flies between Eire and a few dozen North American cities. Practically all of Aer Lingus’s pre-pandemic routes have made a comeback save one: its nonstop route connecting Dublin with Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP), which airport officers hope resumes come 2023. However the remainder of the bunch are again on the map.
Along with routes out and in of Dublin (DUB), you too can fly straight into Shannon (SNN) from New York Metropolis (JFK) and Boston (BOS). Plus, Aer Lingus operates a pair of seemingly random routes into Manchester (MAN) from New York and Orlando (MCO).
Irrespective of which airline program you are utilizing or which route you are on the lookout for, the most effective website to search out award availability for Aer Lingus is definitely United.com. However whether or not you are heading for Dublin (DUB), want a journey again house after an Irish trip, or each, we routinely see some stable award area flying Aer Lingus between Eire and the U.S.
As summer season acquired underway, we despatched our Thrifty Traveler Premium members an award alert with an absolute goldmine of Aer Lingus enterprise class availability: Seats for 4 (or extra!) passengers flying between Washington, D.C.-Dulles (IAD) and Dublin … in the course of summer season!
Get extra award alerts like this one plus low cost home and worldwide fares with Thrifty Traveler Premium!
In the long run, that is precisely what I booked to get house from a visit to Dublin. Because it was in the course of July, it totaled as much as 60,000 Avios and beneath $200 in charges for the one-way flight. A 30% switch bonus from Chase to British Airways on the time made it even cheaper – simply 47,000 Chase was all we wanted to ebook a lie-flat enterprise class seat throughout the pond!
At Thrifty Traveler, we do not settle for freebies. We use our personal factors, miles, or money to pay for each single flight or lodge you see reviewed right here – together with this one.
Departing Dublin & Lounge Entry
Whether or not you are flying up entrance or again in economic system, heading again to the U.S. from Eire is totally different from many worldwide flights.
That is as a result of Dublin (DUB) is considered one of a handful of worldwide airports throughout the globe with Preclearance amenities, the place you clear customs and immigration even earlier than flying again to the states, that means you may skip that course of upon touchdown. You may additionally discover Preclearance in Shannon (SNN), at many main Canadian airports, a number of Caribbean hotspots, and in Abu Dhabi (AUH).
Aside from the very fact you are clearing customs on the opposite facet of the pond, it was identical to doing so again house – although there’s a further safety checkpoint earlier than you clear customs. Dublin even has a devoted International Entry lane, which made the method fly by in just some minutes.
Whereas Aer Lingus has its personal lounge in the principle a part of the terminal, that is utterly inaccessible as soon as you have cleared customs and immigration. Thankfully, there is a lounge on this devoted area for premium passengers heading again to the U.S.: the 51st & Inexperienced Preclearance Lounge. Situated on the far finish of the terminal at floor stage, you will get in in the event you’re flying Aer Lingus enterprise class in addition to premium cabin passengers with Delta, American, and United.
It isn’t part of Precedence Move or another lounge membership accessible by bank cards like The Platinum Card® from American Categorical, although you should purchase a day move for $35 on-line or $39 on the spot … at the very least if it isn’t too busy. However the lounge was packed after I visited round 9:30 a.m. – I noticed one buyer attempting to pay for entry get turned away.
The lounge itself is fundamental however good, with loads of seating and tons of pure gentle and views of the tarmac. I really like the truth that it is at floor stage, permitting you to observe planes pull out and in from the gates.
There was a good buffet unfold for breakfast, permitting vacationers to seize some baked items and even throw collectively a full (and never half-bad) English Breakfast. There’s additionally a bar with beers, wines, cider, in addition to a barista making espresso drinks like a scrumptious cappuccino.
After a fast breakfast and soaking within the lounge’s pure gentle, I used to be on my method to board the flight again to Washington, D.C.-Dulles (IAD).
The Aer Lingus Enterprise Class Cabin
On many airways, flying transatlantic on the narrowbody planes you sometimes see on quick home flights is a bummer. However that is not the case with Aer Lingus and its wonderful Airbus A321.
These planes have enterprise class seats that sustain with nearly something flying throughout the Atlantic Ocean.
With only one aisle and 5 rows of seats in Aer Lingus enterprise class, it is a pretty small cabin on this A321. However that is not a foul factor: It is cozy and sharp wanting with the teal upholstery, grey leather-based, and a small pop of shiny inexperienced accents on each seat.
I am not kidding after I say it is a small cabin: There are simply 16 enterprise class seats complete on these jets. And the association is a little bit of an uncommon one. The even-numbered rows (in rows 2, 4, and 6 – Aer Lingus skips row 1) on both facet of the aisle have pairs of seats in a 2-2 configuration. That makes them a wide selection for {couples} or companions touring collectively.
However in rows 3 and 5, you will discover the crown jewel for solo vacationers: 4 so-called “throne” seats, single seats with a ton of storage and entry straight into the aisle. In contrast to JetBlue, Aer Lingus selected to not set up privateness doorways on these solo seats.
These Aer Lingus enterprise class throne seats can be found on a first-come, first-served foundation. Simply be warned: Irrespective of which seat you are angling for, you might need to name the airline to select it, as it isn’t at all times potential to take action on-line or by way of Aer Lingus’s app.
If this setup appears acquainted, you are not seeing issues. You may discover a related association flying JetBlue Mint on a few of the airline’s older planes in addition to on TAP Air Portugal enterprise class on the A321 and a number of other different airways. However I actually just like the look of the Aer Lingus enterprise class cabin. It is sharp, clear, and calming.
The one main draw back of the small cabin on this Airbus A321 is that there is only one toilet for enterprise class, up on the entrance of the airplane. And the restroom is about as customary because it will get.
The bathroom was at the very least stocked with some good VOYA hand cleaning soap and lotion – one thing you will not discover behind the airplane.
The Throne Seat in Aer Lingus Enterprise Class
After hanging out attempting to select a seat on-line after reserving, I referred to as up Aer Lingus. And I am glad I did: I used to be in a position to decide seat 5K, a throne seat.
Should you’re flying solo, snagging considered one of these 4 seats might be the distinction between an outstanding flight and a merely common one.
The extra privateness and direct-aisle entry is one factor – whereas they nonetheless aren’t probably the most personal seats on the planet, it is an enormous step up in comparison with sitting subsequent to (and perhaps even climbing over) a stranger. However there’s a completely unparalleled quantity of storage in these Aer Lingus enterprise class throne seats, with two sizable console tables on both facet of the seat itself and loads of compartments all through.
Simply take a look at this large floor alongside the home windows.
Beneath that there are a number of sizable storage compartments, together with a terrific spot to tuck away a laptop computer in addition to a protracted, deep cubby to stow your goodies … after which one other storage pocket near the ground.
Beneath the display in entrance of you, you will discover one other small compartment by flattening the mesh divider, making it a terrific spot to retailer some headphones or an amenity package.
Alongside the aisle, there’s yet one more massive console desk with one other huge storage compartment inside a door. Critically, if you cannot discover room for all of your belongings in these seats, you have simply acquired an excessive amount of stuff.
Lastly, there is a small literature pocket within the walkway from the seat to the aisle. As soon as once more, the pop of shiny inexperienced is a pleasant look.
But it surely’s not simply the huge quantity of area and storage that makes Aer Lingus enterprise class stand out. The seat itself is darn snug, measuring in at a powerful 22 inches extensive with 78 inches of legroom when reclined into mattress mode. I believed the seat padding was nice. Whereas it was adjustable, a extra substantial headrest would have been a pleasant contact.
If there’s one draw back to those throne seats, it is the footwell: It is actually, actually tight. That is a byproduct of the truth that your legs slide in between the 2 seats forward of you, making it laborious to maneuver your ft or legs round a lot (if in any respect) when reclined.
For me, sacrificing some mobility whereas laying down is definitely price the additional privateness and huge storage. And even with my ft shoved far inside, I believed it was greater than snug sufficient to seize a fast nap on the daytime flight again to the states.
Nonetheless, there isn’t any query that a few of the two-seat pairs are much more beneficiant on this entrance.
Again within the throne seat, there is a studying lamp you may activate and off with a fast push of a button close to your head. There’s additionally a small spot for a water bottle – so small, actually, it is laborious to get a bottle out and in of this area.
You may discover some detailed seat controls – together with a uncommon therapeutic massage perform – in a panel on the aisle-side console. That is additionally the place you will plug in a pair of headphones, with a common energy adapter and USB socket accessible, too.
There’s yet one more, less complicated set of seat controls alongside the console desk itself in the event you easy need to recline or lounge with out fine-tuning your seat settings. Elevate open the flap and you will find the wired in-flight leisure distant.
That is additionally the place you will discover the fold-out tray desk. Simply pull that tab, then pull the tray out from the console and fold it down in entrance of you. Whereas it is a reasonably large floor, it wasn’t notably steady whereas working.
Facilities
If there’s one space the place it looks like Aer Lingus is skimping, it is facilities.
Do not get me incorrect: There are nonetheless loads of goodies accessible flying Aer Lingus enterprise class throughout the Atlantic. However in comparison with the likes of, say, United Polaris enterprise class and even higher airways, the amenity kits and bedding accessible on this flight had been much more fundamental.
Many of those facilities had been ready at every seat upon boarding, together with an amenity package in addition to a pillow.
Every amenity package consisted of a easy, pleather pouch with Aer Lingus and Voya branding.
The contents had been additionally fairly easy, together with a pair of socks, eye masks, ear plugs, a dental package, a pen, and a few Voya hand cream and lip balm. It is what you may want and never a bit extra.
The pillow was simply nice – not too flimsy, however in no way plush or spectacular, both. There have been duvets ready in overhead bins above, they usually had been equally common. The bedding was all cozy, however actually, there was nothing too spectacular right here on the amenity entrance.
Like many airways, Aer Lingus may step it up with their headphones. These had been pretty flimsy with out a lot sound high quality or noise-cancellation to talk of – nor had been they notably snug.
Eating & Service in Aer Lingus Enterprise Class
From the cheeky service to the meals itself, the in-flight expertise was … nicely, simply quintessentially Irish. And that is a superb factor. That is Eire’s flag service, in spite of everything.
The one flight attendant working an almost full cabin of 16 seats was clearly hustling, however nonetheless heat and cheery all through the flight, at all times fast to supply refills and one thing else to eat with a joke and a smile. And fortunately, Aer Lingus would not strive too laborious with its catering: It simply does the fundamentals and does them nicely.
That stated, service was pretty sluggish to get began with an almost full cabin and never the quickest all through. That is nice on a daytime flight again to the states. However I may see it being a difficulty for Europe-bound flights in a single day, the place everybody simply desires to get fed and to mattress.
The eats and drinks commenced nearly an hour into the flight with a selection of drink, although Aer Lingus did not have a drink menu onboard (at the very least not that I may discover). With a glass of champagne in hand, the flight attendant additionally dropped off a tasty container of biscuits with a small dish of candy onion chutney, each of which had been tasty.
About half-hour later, the flight attendant returned with a desk material and, shortly afterward, got here with a tray of starters. And so they had been nice: a pleasant number of gentle and flavorful bites together with some roasted crimson pepper, contemporary mozzarella, and smoked salmon with a squeeze of lemon. The facet salad with goat cheese, picked onion French dressing was contemporary and crisp. With a small loaf of Irish soda bread, it was an exquisite plate.
Can we simply take a minute to understand the absurd quantity of area accessible at these throne seats? You may eat three meals without delay … not that you’d.
For entrees, Aer Lingus supplied a selection between a seared beef fillet, herb-crusted cod with child spinach, and an herb-crusted rooster salad for dinner.
Shortly after ending off the appetizer, the flight attendant swung by with my order: beef, please.
As is sort of at all times the case with beef on a airplane, it was on the far finish of well-done … however nonetheless tender and flavorful, particularly with the assistance of the shallot gravy. The potatoes had been additionally scrumptious in an nearly au-gratin type. The remainder of the greens, nevertheless, had been overcooked to the purpose of being mushy.
In all, it was actually a superb meal – however in no way spectacular. It ended with a stunning wanting cheese plate, due to the slate board it was served on and a dish of that wonderful candy onion jam. Whereas extra substantial than most cheese plates you will get at 35,000 ft, the cheeses had been a bit too related … and the crackers had been flirting with going stale.
After wrapping up dinner (or lunch – who is aware of what time it’s up there?!), a wonderful hourlong nap and some hours of labor, the cabin lights got here again up about 90 minutes earlier than touchdown. Whereas the menu promised a selection of contemporary fruit and yogurt or a “tasty bacon roll,” the flight attendant swung by the cabin and requested if I would like a tray for tea. Certain factor, and a espresso!
I did not anticipate a lot, but it surely was wonderful – perhaps the spotlight of meals onboard Aer Lingus enterprise class, actually. Each tea sandwiches – a pleasant egg sandwich and a few sort of rooster salad with a zesty mayo – had been top-notch, in contrast to lots of the chilly, stale sandwiches served earlier than touchdown. To prime it off, there was a small platter of candy treats like a small cheesecake and eclair.
On many transatlantic flights, meals simply earlier than touchdown really feel like a rushed afterthought. Whereas easy, this was nonetheless nice.
Leisure
Each seat in Aer Lingus is supplied with a 16-inch touchscreen monitor you could additionally management with the wired distant within the facet console desk.
They are not the sharpest or largest screens you will discover within the sky, however they did the job. There was a good however not overwhelming choice of films and TV reveals onboard, with a mixture of pretty new releases and much more previous classics. Like I want an excuse to observe “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” or “All of the President’s Males” once more, proper?
Past that, the leisure choices are pretty fundamental. You will not discover rather more than a map to trace your progress throughout the Atlantic Ocean.
Aer Lingus additionally affords Wi-Fi on these transatlantic flights in a handful of fairly priced packages. However do not buy them flying Aer Lingus: You may get a promo code to go online without spending a dime. That is at all times a pleasant contact.
Backside Line
Even in a coveted throne, the seat wasn’t my favourite. I’ve had higher meals flying enterprise class on different airways and possibly higher service, too.
And but I liked flying Aer Lingus enterprise class … and I would gladly ebook it once more for an additional journey to Eire. The place different airways with flashier cabins and seats swing and miss on key features of enterprise class, Aer Lingus acquired nearly all the fundamentals proper – after which some.
For a fast nonstop flight in or out of Dublin, you may’t beat it. And if Aer Lingus had been to up their recreation with facilities and eating only a tad extra, it might be a contender for one of many higher methods to fly to Europe in enterprise class, interval.