Aer Lingus Business Class Review

Our customers trust us!

Excellent

Top rated 4.7 out of 5, based on 2,197 reviews

Human-Curated Content:

This article was written and reviewed with expert insight

Aer Lingus is an Ireland’s national airline. It was established by the Irish Government and founded in 1936. Between 2006 and 2015, it underwent privatization and is now entirely owned by International Airlines Group (IAG).

Being a small airline, Aer Lingus focuses its business class service on travelers between North America and Europe, without offering other long-haul routes. As part of the International Airlines Group (IAG), Aer Lingus facilitates seamless connections to partner carriers such as British Airways and Iberia.

As of May 2025, Aer Lingus serves over 100 destinations across Europe and North America, including Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the US. The airline operates an all-Airbus fleet consisting of Airbus A320-200, Airbus A320neo, Airbus A321LR, Airbus A321XLR, Airbus A330-200, and Airbus A330-300.

Skytrax, a reputable airline review agency, has certified Aer Lingus as a 4-Star Airline (with 5 stars being the maximum rating) for the quality of its airport and onboard products and staff service. This rating includes evaluations of seats, amenities, food and beverages, in-flight entertainment, cleanliness, and service from both cabin and ground staff.

Aer Lingus benefits from efficient processing at its Dublin hub thanks to US Pre-Clearance. The airline’s premium cabin standards have seen significant improvements recently, with exceptional onboard catering provided by dedicated staff.

While not a member of a formal airline alliance, Aer Lingus collaborates with various frequent flier programs for reciprocal points earning and redemption. These partnerships include British Airways and other IAG airlines. Additionally, Aer Lingus has its own loyalty program, AerClub, where passengers can earn and redeem miles. The program features four tiers: Green, Silver, Platinum, and Concierge, using Avios points as its currency. Is Aer Lingus business class worth it? Let’s find out!

Count on AranGrant for business class flights tailored to your travel needs and budget—no matter how specific they are.

aer lingus business class review arangrant — “Aer Lingus Airbus A321-253NX EI-LRC arriving at JFK Airport“, by Adam Moreira, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Aer Lingus Airport Experience

What does Aer Lingus business class offer? Before flying Aer Lingus business class, you’ll enjoy an array of pre-flight perks:

Dedicated Check-In: Skip the queues with a special check-in counter.
Generous Baggage Allowance: Check in up to three bags, each weighing 23kg, and carry on one 10kg bag plus a small personal item.
Exclusive Lounge Access: Relax in dedicated lounges at Dublin, London Heathrow, and New York (JFK ), with access to partner lounges where available.
Advanced Seat Selection: Choose your preferred seat ahead of time.
Fast Track Security: Speed through security with fast track lanes.
Priority Boarding: Board the plane ahead of other passengers for a seamless start to your journey.

Aer Lingus Business Class Baggage Allowance

Business class passengers enjoy the following baggage allowance:

Checked Bags: Up to 3 free checked bags
Maximum Weight per Bag: 50 lb (23 kg)
Maximum Dimensions for First Bag: 62 in (158 cm) total (length + width + height)
Maximum Dimensions for Second and Third Bags: 55 in (140 cm) total (length + width + height)
Complimentary transportation of sports equipment

Aer Lingus Lounges

Aer Lingus business class customers must present their boarding passes upon arrival to access lounges. Here are the details of lounge access for business class passengers:

Dublin Airport: Access to the Aer Lingus Revival Lounge upon arrival.
US Destinations: Access to the 51st & Green Lounge at Dublin Airport.
Flying to Toronto (YYZ): Access to the Aer Lingus Business Lounge at Dublin Airport.
Connecting Flights through Dublin: Passengers connecting from European or UK destinations on Aer Lingus-operated flights have access to contracted lounges, where available.
US Locations: Access to the American Airlines Flagship Lounge and/or Admirals Club Lounge for departing, connecting, and arriving Aer Lingus-operated flights.

Aer Lingus Lounge Access and Amenities

Aer Lingus Lounge (Dublin, Terminal 2)

Amenities: Coffee, juice, and croissants to start your day.
Entertainment: Free access to over 7,000 newspapers and magazines via the PressReader app while connected to lounge Wi-Fi.
Facilities: Shower facilities with fresh towels provided.

51st & Green Lounge (Dublin, US Pre-Clearance)

Refreshments: Barista Bar with complimentary fresh, seasonal food, and beverages.
Tech Amenities: Charging outlets for multiple devices, complimentary Wi-Fi, and printing facilities.
Entertainment: Entertainment area with sports channels.
Facilities: Shower rooms.

Revival Lounge (Dublin, Terminal 2, for those arriving from North America)

Refreshments: Coffee, juice, and croissants to start your day.
Entertainment: Free access to over 7,000 newspapers and magazines via the PressReader app while connected to lounge Wi-Fi.
Additional Services: Shirt or suit collection and steam pressing while you shower. Fresh towels and amenity kits provided.

Aer Lingus Lounge (London Heathrow, Terminal 2)

Reception: Warm reception area with comfortable, open-plan seating.
Work & Rest Areas: Quiet meeting rooms, work zones with complimentary Wi-Fi, a separate rest area for up to 30 customers with chaise lounge style seating.
View: 5m high external glass wall offering relaxing views of the airfield.
Entertainment: Free access to over 7,000 newspapers and magazines via the PressReader app while connected to lounge Wi-Fi.

Aer Lingus Lounge (New York (JFK), Terminal 7)

Comfortable lounge-style seating.
Complimentary Wi-Fi.
Hot and cold dining options, beverages, and a variety of wine and spirits.

Aer Lingus Business Class Cabins & Seats

What is Aer Lingus business class like? To truly understand, it’s essential to evaluate the seating experience to decide whether to fly Aer Lingus business class or not.

Airbus A330 Business Class

On the twin-aisle Airbus A330, business class features three types of seat layouts, with 90% of the seats offering aisle access. The A330-200 model includes 23 business class seats, while the A330-300 model has 30 ones. Seat configurations alternate between 1-2-2 and 1-2-1 arrangements. Additionally, two A330 aircraft have a 2-2-2 configuration, providing 30 seats.

Storage and Seating Privacy:

Throne Seats: Single seats near the window have storage and consoles on either side, offering enhanced privacy.
Other Single Seats: Some single seats have storage on one side and an armrest on the other.

Airbus A321neoLR Business Class

On the single-aisle Airbus A321neoLR, business class consists of five rows (rows 2-6) with two seat types. The seating alternates between a 2-2 layout (rows 2, 4, and 6) and 1-1 throne seats (rows 3 and 5), with 60% of the seats providing aisle access. Storage and seating privacy on the Airbus A321neoLR are similar to those on the Airbus A330.

Aer Lingus’ transatlantic fleet, consisting of Airbus A330 and A321neo LR aircraft, features lie-flat business class seats, each measuring 22 inches in width. Both aircraft models are designed to enhance passenger comfort, offering ample storage and varying degrees of privacy depending on your choice of Aer Lingus business class seats.

Service

The airline is renowned for its warm hospitality and comfortable business class cabins on transatlantic routes between Ireland and North America. Business class travelers can enjoy lie-flat seats, a menu featuring seasonal Irish ingredients, access to exclusive lounges, and excellent in-flight entertainment.

Flying from North America to Ireland with Aer Lingus also offers the advantage of seamless connections to UK and European destinations via its hub, Dublin Airport. Moreover, passengers flying to the US from Dublin or Shannon can take advantage of US Customs and Border Preclearance, allowing them to save time by completing customs procedures before departing Ireland.

aer lingus business class cabin — “Onboard the Aer Lingus Airbus A321LR“, by Cityswift, licensed under CC BY 2.0

Amenities

Upon entering the exclusive business class cabin, customers can settle into their spacious seats, which come with a host of benefits. These include full lie-flat seats that extend to a 2-meter long bed with a massage function. In-seat power features both AC plugs and USB A&C ports. Each seat is equipped with a bottle of water, a welcoming pillow, and a soft fabric duvet, along with an inflight menu. As of early 2025, Aer Lingus has introduced new eco-friendly amenity kits. They feature products from Jo Browne Ireland, replacing the previous VOYA kits.

Aer Lingus’ crew will offer customers a selection of drinks, including Champagne, juice, water, or the exclusive Aer Lingus Signature Cocktail. The extensive entertainment options available in economy are enhanced in business class with comfy noise-canceling headphones for an immersive experience. Business class passengers also enjoy unlimited free Wi-Fi, allowing them to stay connected throughout the flight.

After takeoff, the crew provides a full complimentary bar service featuring a range of award-winning wines selected by the airline’s partners at Febvre, as well as beers, spirits, and liqueurs. As a pre-dinner treat, Aer Lingus offers a tasty combination of crumbly drinks biscuits with balsamic onion chutney from Burren Balsamics.

With significantly more legroom than in economy, unlimited Wi-Fi, a gourmet menu, and access to luxurious airport lounges, Aer Lingus business class offers a truly exceptional flying experience.

Entertainment

With 16-inch HD touch screens and noise-reducing headphones, Aer Lingus ensures an immersive and captivating entertainment experience for every business class passenger. An advanced entertainment system gives you complete control over your personal screen as you journey across the Atlantic. Enjoy a diverse selection of blockbuster movies, classic films, TV programs, box sets, and music videos, with the ability to play, pause, rewind, or fast-forward at your leisure. For those who prefer gaming or staying connected, the system offers Wi-Fi and access to the airline’s mobile network.

The Aer Lingus Play App revolutionizes the in-flight entertainment experience. Before boarding, you can explore what’s available, curate your own playlist of favorite movies, TV shows, and music, and manage screen playback and navigation directly from your personal device. The app is available for download on both Apple and Android devices. With the app, you can seamlessly continue watching your movie from where you left off on your next flight. Once you connect your device, it transforms into a remote control for your seatback monitor, providing a touchless entertainment experience.

Food

The airline’s carefully selected dishes are crafted with sustainability in mind and cater to all dietary preferences, including vegan and meat options. The cuisine features a blend of the finest Irish ingredients and flavors inspired by the destinations. Meals are served on white chinaware with metal cutlery and glassware, providing a true restaurant-style experience in the sky.

Unlike the reheated meals in economy class, business class meals are a different caliber. Each meal is individually prepared and served with exceptional care and attention by a dedicated crew, who are also available to top up your wine glass upon request. The menus are regularly refreshed to reflect seasonal changes and focus on fresh produce, developed by culinary experts at Dnata who cater to the world’s most premium airlines.

You can enjoy a full dinner in the New York (JFK) lounge before your flight to Ireland. You’ll experience the same high-quality restaurant service and cuisine, leaving you free to sleep or relax longer during the flight. For customers on shorter overnight flights departing the US, the airline offers an Express Dining option. This service allows you to enjoy a quick bite to eat, maximizing your rest time on board. For evening flights, business class dishes are naturally high in melatonin, promoting better sleep.

Beverages

Upon boarding through the priority line and settling into your seat, you’ll be greeted with a choice of champagne, cold water, or orange juice. Aer Lingus typically serves Jean Pernet Tradition Brut NV Champagne—a light, delightful champagne perfect for toasting your departure! Rest assured, a wide range of alcoholic and soft beverages is available throughout your flight.

With numerous transatlantic flight options, the quality of food and drink is a crucial factor for discerning travelers. While the Aer Lingus business class experience may not be flawless, the exceptional quality of their food and drink stands out. Enjoy top-notch culinary delights and beverages as you journey across the Atlantic in comfort and style.

Price

The price of an Aer Lingus business class ticket can fluctuate based on several key factors:

Route and Destination: Popular routes and high-demand destinations often come with higher ticket prices. The distance and duration of the flight also play a significant role in determining cost.
Time of Booking: Booking well in advance or taking advantage of promotional fares, such as those offered by AranGrant, can lead to substantial savings. Conversely, last-minute bookings or travel during peak seasons typically incur higher fares.
Flexibility: Flexible tickets that allow changes or cancellations generally cost more than non-flexible fares. Travelers needing flexibility in their travel dates and times may encounter higher prices.
Seasonality: Traveling during peak seasons, holidays, or special events can result in higher prices due to increased demand.
Market Conditions: Economic factors, fuel price fluctuations, and competition among airlines can all impact ticket prices.
Aircraft Type: The type of aircraft, along with its cabin configuration and amenities, can influence the cost of the ticket.

Aer Lingus Upgrade to Business Class

If you’re looking to upgrade your Aer Lingus flight, there are several options available depending on ticket fare class and seat availability. Here’s how you can enhance your travel experience:

Upgrade Options:

Upgrade Bid Program: You can bid for an upgrade on select Aer Lingus flights between Ireland and North America or Canada. If eligible, you’ll receive an email invitation to place a bid within the designated window. Simply follow the link in the email and submit your offer.
Avios Upgrade: Use your Avios points, earned through the AerClub loyalty program, to upgrade from economy to business class on eligible flights. Log into your AerClub account, select the flight you want to upgrade, and redeem the required number of Avios points.
Paid Upgrade: Pay for an upgrade online via the Manage Trip section on the Aer Lingus website, by phone, at the airport check-in counter, or at the gate. Keep in mind that upgrades are subject to availability and can be expensive, so it’s best to check Aer Lingus’ policies and pricing beforehand.

Steps to Upgrade:

Email Invitation: Click on the link in the confirmation email from Aer Lingus inviting you to bid for an upgrade.
Upgrade Yourself Page: If you booked your ticket through a third party, visit the Upgrade Yourself page.
Manage Trip: Upgrade your flight online via the Manage Trip section.
Phone: Contact Aer Lingus by phone to request an upgrade.
At the Airport: Inquire about upgrade options at the check-in counter.

Remember, upgrades are always subject to seat availability, so explore your options early to enhance your travel experience with Aer Lingus.

Overall Impression

Overall, Aer Lingus business class offers a comfortable experience, even if it doesn’t feature the extravagance of a luxury airline. It’s particularly beneficial for long-haul flights from Ireland to North America, especially on overnight routes. The spacious seating is ideal for working, and the lie-flat beds provide a restful sleep. Many flights from North America are overnight, arriving in Ireland early in the morning. This makes amenities like the Revival Lounge at Dublin Airport invaluable for those heading straight to meetings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it Worth to Fly Aer Lingus Business Class?

Absolutely! Aer Lingus has been enhancing its business class experience, infusing it with authentic Irish hospitality. Their efforts are paying off. From the locally sourced meal ingredients to the Irish-made tray linens, flying with Aer Lingus provides a genuine taste of the Emerald Isle, making you feel as though you’ve truly visited Ireland.

What Freebies Do You Get on Aer Lingus Business Class?

Aer Lingus business class offers a range of premium amenities, including a generous luggage allowance, fast-track security, and priority boarding. Passengers enjoy access to exclusive lounges, complimentary Wi-Fi, lie-flat seats, ample storage space, and get an amenity kit. Each seat features a personal TV screen with a variety of on-demand movies, music, games, and TV programs. In-seat power is available for charging personal devices.

At the start of the flight, a bar service with canapés is offered, followed by a selection of hot meals, desserts, cheeses, and a variety of wines and spirits. Snacks are available on-demand throughout the flight.

Does Aer Lingus Have Flat Beds in Business Class?

Absolutely! The Aer Lingus transatlantic fleet, which includes the Airbus A330 and A321neo LR, features lie-flat business class seats that are 22 inches wide.

Is There a Dress Code for Aer Lingus Business Class?

Aer Lingus, like many airlines, does not enforce a strict business class dress code, as flights are often crowded and passengers tend to prefer comfortable attire. However, there are some unspoken guidelines to consider when selecting your clothing for the flight. It is advisable to avoid revealing too much skin, refrain from wearing clothing with expletives, and avoid going barefoot. Although there is no official policy on passenger attire, cabin crew do have the authority to deny boarding if they consider your attire inappropriate.

For concession travelers (those eligible for discounted or special fare rates), the airline advises maintaining a neat, clean, and tidy appearance. Concession travelers should dress within public standards of good taste, as travel may be refused if dress code standards are not met.

Do You Get Pajamas on Aer Lingus Business Class?

No, Aer Lingus does not provide pajamas to passengers in business class. While they offer a range of amenities including lie-flat seats, an amenity kit, and high-quality in-flight service, pajamas are not part of the offerings in their business class.

Can You Keep Aer Lingus Pajamas?

Aer Lingus does not currently offer pajamas to business class passengers. Generally, when airlines provide pajamas, they are intended for passengers to keep after the flight, as they cannot be reused.

Do You Get Blankets on Aer Lingus Business Class?

Shortly after takeoff, passengers are usually given functional and cozy blankets. Upon arrival at your seat, you’ll typically find a pillow, headphones, and a bottle of water ready for your use.

Can You Keep Aer Lingus Blankets?

No, Aer Lingus does not allow passengers to keep the blankets provided in business class. These blankets are intended for use during the flight and must be left behind for cleaning and reuse on subsequent flights.

Can You Shower on Aer Lingus Business Class?

While some lounges, such as the 51st & Green Lounge at Dublin Airport, do provide shower facilities, others may not. Check the specific amenities of the lounge you plan to visit for available services.

Is Everything Free in the Aer Lingus Business Class Lounge?

In Aer Lingus lounges, you can take advantage of complimentary Wi-Fi, beverages, and snacks. Enjoy access to over 7,000 newspapers and magazines through the PressReader app while connected to the lounge’s free Wi-Fi. Additionally, where available, you can utilize shower facilities, charging outlets, and printing services.

How Long Can You Stay in the Aer Lingus Business Class Lounge?

At Dublin Airport’s 51st & Green Lounge, visits are limited to 2 hours. Access times at other lounges may vary, so be sure to check the specific location’s policy.

Why is Aer Lingus Business Class so Expensive?

The enhancements below contribute to a significantly more luxurious travel experience, which is reflected in the higher pricing of Aer Lingus business class tickets compared to economy class:
– Enhanced Seat Space: Aer Lingus business class seats offer more space and comfort compared to economy class. They often feature lie-flat beds on long-haul flights, providing a much more comfortable experience.
– Premium Service: Passengers in business class receive superior service, including priority boarding, dedicated check-in counters, and attentive in-flight service.
– Upgraded Dining Options: Aer Lingus business class passengers enjoy gourmet meals and a selection of fine wines and beverages. The dining experience is designed to be more upscale and enjoyable.
– Exclusive Lounge Access: Business class tickets typically include access to Aer Lingus’ business class lounges, where passengers can relax in a comfortable environment with complimentary food, beverages, and other amenities before their flight.

How to Get Cheap Aer Lingus Business Class Tickets?

Unlocking budget-friendly business class fares with Aer Lingus involves strategic planning:
– Plan Ahead: Aer Lingus often offers discounted fares for early bookings. Monitor their website and booking platforms for these opportunities.
– Book through AranGrant: Take advantage of exclusive deals and offers on business class tickets available directly from AranGrant.
– Watch for Sales and Promotions: Aer Lingus periodically runs sales or promotions that include discounts on business class fares. Keep an eye out for these special deals.
– Stay Flexible with Travel Dates: Flexibility with your travel dates can reveal cost-saving options for business class travel with Aer Lingus. Avoid peak travel times to find better fares.
– Leverage Miles: Use miles from the AerClub program to upgrade your existing ticket to business class. This can be a cost-effective way to enjoy premium travel.
– Check Partner Airlines: Sometimes, booking through Aer Lingus’ partner airlines, such as British Airways and United Airlines, can yield cheaper business class fares.
– Bid for Upgrades: Aer Lingus offers an upgrade bidding program where you can place a bid for an upgrade to business class. If your bid is accepted, you can enjoy a business class experience at a potentially lower cost.

Does Aer Lingus Give Free Upgrades to Business Class?

Aer Lingus does not offer free upgrades as a standard policy. However, the airline provides opportunities for passengers to upgrade their seats through its frequent flier program. You can enhance your travel experience by using your Avios, Aer Lingus loyalty program points, to upgrade to business class when flying to and from North America. If you have enough Avios in your AerClub account and wish to upgrade your existing Aer Lingus economy booking, you can contact AerClub to check availability for your travel dates and receive confirmation of your upgrade with a new, re-issued ticket. If you lack sufficient Avios in your AerClub account, you can use the Combine My Avios option to transfer points from your British Airways Executive account to AerClub.

How Much Does it Cost to Upgrade From Aer Lingus Economy to Business?

The cost of upgrading to business class on Aer Lingus varies based on your flight route, travel dates, and seat availability. For the latest information and pricing, contact the airline. Currently, the Avios required for a one-way Aer Lingus business class upgrade on flights between Ireland or Manchester and North America ranges from 37,000 to 55,000. The exact amount depends on the specific US city you are traveling to or from and whether you are traveling during off-peak or peak times.

What is the Difference Between Aer Lingus Business Class and First Class?

Aer Lingus does not provide first class flights. Their premium service offering is business class. It includes features such as lie-flat seats, premium dining, priority boarding, and access to airport lounges. If you’re looking for a higher level of comfort and service, their business class is the top tier available.

How Many Aer Lingus Miles for Business Class?

At present, upgrading to business class on flights between Ireland or Manchester and North America requires between 37,000 and 55,000 Avios for a one-way trip. The exact number of Avios needed depends on the specific US city you are flying to or from and whether your travel dates fall during off-peak or peak times.

Which Aer Lingus Planes Have New Business Class?

Aer Lingus operates nine next-generation aircraft from the A320neo (‘New Engine Option’) family. Six of these are the long-range A321LR variants. These narrowbodies have an average age of just 2.7 years. Designed for lower-demand transatlantic routes, these aircraft are equipped with flatbeds in business class.

This configuration results in a relatively low capacity compared to standard A321neos used by other European carriers for short-haul routes. While those aircraft often exceed 200 seats, Aer Lingus’ A321LRs accommodate only 184 passengers. This includes 168 economy seats and 16 business class flatbeds.

Sep 26, 2025

Was this content helpful? Share it with friends.

Daria Bulatovych

Daria is a seasoned tourism, travel technology, and IT writer. Her impressive portfolio reflects her love for learning software technology and discovering new cultures and places. In the mix, Daria’s eloquence and a wealth of industry knowledge make her content captivating and informative.

View the author’s profile

Save up to 70%
on Business class Travel

Our travel agents are experts at booking last minute flight deals to any destination in the world and can offer an amazing flight experience!

Search Flights

Username

Phone-Only Flight Deals

Enter phone number to get a callback

Get a Free Quote

100% Safe. No purchase required. I agree to provide my phone number and to be contacted by clicking “Get a Free Quote”. Your privacy is respected. Terms of Service.

We’ll call you back!

Request received so an agent will contact you at +0000000000 in 3 to 5 minutes

Call Now to Book

New Request

Try again

Sorry, we couldn’t process your request. Please, try again or call now our agent