Convivial and convenient: Flying Aer Lingus business class across the Atlantic
Quick take: Aer Lingus business class is a great transatlantic option — award space is plentiful, taxes and fees are low, and flights departing Ireland to the U.S. include customs and immigration preclearance.
Pros
- There is a lot of award availability at affordable rates using partner miles.
- Delightful crew members provide attentive service.
- U.S. travelers can take advantage of preclearing customs and immigration in Dublin.
- The Dublin lounge, which business-class passengers can access, has just reopened after a refurbishment.
Cons
- The seats feel dated, and the layout lacks privacy.
- Bedding is scant — just a blanket and a pillow.
- The amenity kits could feel a little more premium.
Although it's owned by the same parent company as British Airways and Iberia, folks tend to forget about Aer Lingus, the flag carrier of Ireland, since it's not part of one of the major airline alliances.
However, Aer Lingus does have plenty of airline partners, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines. Plus, its AerClub loyalty program even uses Avios as its currency — just like British Airways, Finnair, Iberia and Qatar Airways do.
What's more, the taxes and fuel surcharges when flying to or from Dublin are much lower than those of many other European airports, and especially compared to London.
Aer Lingus currently flies from its hubs at Dublin Airport (DUB) and Shannon Airport (SNN) to about 20 cities in the U.S., including major cities like Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York City. It also flies to destinations that might seem more surprising, like Cleveland, Minneapolis and Nashville.
For all those reasons, there are plenty of opportunities to use points and miles to fly Aer Lingus across the Atlantic, both in economy and business class. In fact, the airline regularly offers decent business-class award availability. That's how I recently booked a one-way ticket from Dublin to Seattle at the tail end of a trip.
Here's how I booked Aer Lingus business class using miles and what my flight experience was like.
How much does it cost to book Aer Lingus business class?
The cost of an Aer Lingus long-haul, business-class ticket depends on the route, dates and whether you're flying round-trip or one-way.
My one-way flight from DUB to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) would have cost $3,500. However, I was able to redeem just 55,000 Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards points plus $60 in taxes and fees for my ticket. That way, I netted a value of about 6.25 cents per point — well above TPG's May 2026 valuation of Atmos Rewards points.
Some of the airline's shorter transatlantic flights, including those to Boston Logan Airport (BOS), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Dulles International Airport (IAD), only require 45,000 Atmos Rewards points each way in business class.
Here's a snapshot of the other frequent flyer programs from which I could have redeemed miles for my one-way ticket.
| Frequent-flyer program | Miles and taxes |
|---|---|
Aer Lingus AerClub | 62,500 + $243 |
Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards | 55,000 + $60 |
American Airlines AAdvantage | 57,500 + $48 |
United MileagePlus | 85,000-93,000 + $48 |
Alaska Airlines is a 1:1 transfer partner of Bilt. You can also transfer Marriott Bonvoy points at a 3:1 ratio to Alaska.
The best way to stock up on Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards points quickly, however, is to apply for one of the following cobranded credit cards:
- Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card
- Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® credit card
- Atmos™ Rewards Visa Signature® Business Card
Checking into and boarding Aer Lingus business class
Aer Lingus long-haul business-class passengers can enjoy the following priority services at the airport:
| Priority check-in | Yes |
|---|---|
Luggage allowance | Three checked bags with a combined weight of up to 150 pounds |
Lounge access | Yes |
Does the airline participate in TSA PreCheck? | Yes |
Priority boarding | Yes |
I began my journey in London and was the only passenger in line for the business-class check-in, where I received both my boarding passes and a pass to visit the small Aer Lingus lounge in Heathrow Airport's (LHR) Terminal 2.
My flight arrived in Dublin about four hours before my transatlantic connection. Flights to the U.S. operate from a dedicated area of the terminal at Dublin Airport, where passengers undergo security screening and processing by U.S. customs and immigration. Passengers are told to proceed to this area about three hours before their flight departs, but in reality, you can go in anytime (though there are only a few restaurants and shops once you're through).
While these circumstances can add some time at the beginning of your journey, it means that when you land in the U.S., you can simply collect your bags and either head out of the airport or connect to your onward flight with no further screening.
I made my way to the very end of the terminal, where I found the 51st & Green lounge, which had only recently reopened after a six-month refurbishment. I had access thanks to my business-class ticket.
Although a huge bank of flights on multiple airlines departed throughout the afternoon, the lounge did not feel super crowded. There were plenty of seating options, ranging from cafe-style dining areas and workstations along the windows to booths and banquettes, and lots of low-slung armchairs.
At the center of the lounge, the new bar was the focal point thanks to its dramatic design, which resembles a jet engine. There, travelers could order a freshly pulled pint of Guinness along with plenty of other complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.
There was a small buffet with both hot and cold dishes, including Malaysian beef curry, chicken fricassee, mashed potatoes, finger sandwiches and make-your-own salads.
Wi-Fi was fast and free, and I was able to snag a chair by the windows for photo-finish views of the runway.
My flight began boarding an hour before departure, and I climbed on board first to snap some pictures.
How comfortable is Aer Lingus business class?
Aer Lingus flies both Airbus A330-200s and A330-300s. The -300 variant has 30 business-class seats, while the -200 variant operating my trip has just 23. Fun fact: Aer Lingus' A330s are named after saints and other figures of Irish mythology and folklore. My specific plane was named Caoimhe (pronounced "kwee-vah") and was delivered to the airline way back in 2001.
Here's a quick look at the layout and dimensions:
| Number of seats | 23 |
|---|---|
Cabin layout | 1-2-1, 1-2-2 |
Seat recline | 77 inches fully flat |
Seat width | 21 inches |
Screen size | 16 inches |
These are tried-and-true, if not super current, Thompson Aero Vantage seats. Hence, their distinctive 1-2-1 and 1-2-2 layout.
All the seats along the left side of the cabin are singles that alternate between being closer to the window and the aisle.
All five rows running down the center are paired and, unlike other configurations, they're not closer together or farther apart depending on the row. Rather, they are staggered just like the seats on the sides.
Those along the right side of the cabin alternate between singles and doubles; the singles are the sought-after "throne" seats with plenty of space on either side.
By the time I booked my ticket, only a single solo seat remained: 2A. And, because of a fun quirk of Aer Lingus, I actually had to call the airline to reserve it since you cannot do so online. I would have preferred one of the seats in the odd rows, since their wider armrests are on the aisle, providing a bit more of a buffer from other passengers or crew walking along the aisle.
Like the other seats in the cabin, mine was 21 inches wide between armrests and reclined to a 77-inch lie-flat bed. I especially liked the upholstery, which was an emerald green with a chartreuse trim and a gray leather headrest. It felt very Irish indeed. The foot cubby was 20 inches wide and 11 inches tall, which was large enough for me, but if you have big feet, it could feel tight.
The tray table, which was 17 inches wide by 12 inches deep, unlatched vertically from the side of the seat and then swung into place with a mere 17 inches between it and the seatback, so it might feel restrictive for some folks.
The seat controls included three preset positions, a button for lumbar support and another that could maneuver the legrest, but none to move just the seatback.
There was also a universal power plug and a USB-A port, but no USB-C port. Inside the armrest, there was a corded remote for the entertainment system.
Then, in the larger console (near the window in my seat), I found a boxy stowage compartment that was big enough for my amenity kit and some other small belongings, but not quite big enough for a computer. There was also a water bottle holder by my legs and another compartment under the footrest for shoes.
In lie-flat mode, I found the seat comfortable and roomy, and I wasn't disturbed by activity in the aisle. I managed to snooze for four hours between meals, which left me feeling refreshed and ready to enjoy the last few hours of the day once I arrived on the West Coast.
Each seat had its own individual air nozzles, so I could keep my area cool throughout the flight.
Finally, the A330-200 had two lavatories for business class. One was up front on the left side of the galley near the cockpit, and the other was at the back right of the cabin. Staff kept both very clean throughout the flight, and although there were no other frills to speak of, hand soap and lotion from high-end Irish brand Jo Browne were available. I do wish the toilet flush and the sink had been touchless, though.
Amenities in Aer Lingus business class
Waiting at each seat was a large, firm pillow; lightweight duvets were stowed in individual plastic bags in the overhead bins. I also found a menu and wine list to peruse.
Sitting on the large armrest was a small fabric amenity kit that contained a toothbrush and toothpaste, earplugs, an eye mask, a pen, socks, and Jo Browne-branded moisturizer and lip balm.
The entertainment screen was 16 inches wide diagonally and had over 100 hours of programming, including recent movie releases like "One Battle After Another" and "Bugonia," as well as a large selection of television shows like "All Her Fault," "The Penguin" and "The Studio."
The airline provided basic headphones that reduced some of the ambient cabin noise.
Even more exciting, though, was that business-class passengers received vouchers for free Wi-Fi for the duration of the flight, which otherwise would have cost 22.49 euros ($26.50). It worked well for the first two hours of the flight, then fizzled out until we were about two hours from landing; if it hadn't been free, I might have requested a refund. Other Wi-Fi packages included messaging for one hour or the full flight, and four hours of browsing. The costs ranged from $4.10 to $15.85.
Aer Lingus is currently rolling out Starlink Wi-Fi on its fleet. Its first aircraft to receive Starlink connectivity was an A330-300 in March, so it might be a while before it's available on all the airline's flights.
How was the food in Aer Lingus business class?
While passengers were boarding and getting settled, flight attendants came through the aisles to introduce themselves, assist with luggage and offer a choice of water or Jean Pernet Tradition Brut NV Champagne.
As boarding ended, they came through to take orders for a post-departure beverage and dinner.
About 30 minutes after takeoff, they served a round of drinks along with Turas Pantry chili jam and rosemary-tomato crackers, which were delicious.
Among the beverages available were:
- 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 selection of beers, including Heineken and Moretti
- Various whiskeys, including Jameson and Teeling Single Pot Still
- Drumshanbo Gunpowder gin
- Tito's vodka
- Baileys
- Whitebox canned cocktails
- A variety of soft drinks, juices and water
After another round of drinks, meal service kicked off. It began with a choice 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 delicious — smoky and savory but not too salty. Everyone also got the seasonal salad of glass noodles in a tangy Thai dressing with cucumber, pepper and edamame.
The main courses included:
- 18-hour braised beef brisket in red wine sauce with smoked mashed potatoes, green beans, carrots and star anise (by far the most popular choice)
- Chicken supreme in mustard marinade with mashed potato and charred broccolini, spinach and carrots
- Pumpkin gnocchi with fresh herb salsa verde
I had the chicken, and it was surprisingly tender and juicy for ... well, airline chicken. The sauce was rich but not too heavy.
I skipped the selection of Irish cheeses and asked for the mango-passionfruit cheesecake for dessert, which was a sweet, light way to end the meal.
About 90 minutes before landing, flight attendants woke passengers who had requested a prearrival meal. The main options were battered cod with tartar sauce, spiced potato cubes, chunky pea and apple chutney puree, or a vegan version of the fish with the same fixings.
I don't love fish-and-chips, but I tried the vegan version just to see how it was. TLDR: too heavy for my liking.
Luckily, the flight attendants had a few more tricks up their sleeves and could serve a selection of teas along with finger sandwiches that included chicken salad, cheddar and tomato relish, and egg salad. Those were much more my speed for an afternoon snack.
There were bites like chips and cookies available in the galley between meals, too.
Would you recommend Aer Lingus business class?
The flight attendants on my Aer Lingus flight were among the friendliest crews I have ever encountered in many years of travel. The three working in business class were cheerful and chatty, taking the time to get to know each passenger, offering suggestions from the menu, asking about their travel plans and more. It set the tone for the entire flight, and I heard other passengers remark on just how delightful the experience was. I concurred.
While Aer Lingus's A330 business class doesn't have the newest business-class seats or up-to-date technology, it's still a comfortable ride across the Atlantic. The widespread availability of awards, the affordable taxes and fees, and the friendly service and creativity of the food menus make it a winner in my book. It took me a while to try it out, but now that I have, I am sure I'll be booking Aer Lingus business class again soon.
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