Aer Lingus Business Class

Aer Lingus is the flag carrier of Ireland and a subsidiary of International Airlines Group (IAG), which also owns British Airways and Iberia. From its hub at Dublin Airport, Aer Lingus operates transatlantic routes to the United States and Canada alongside a European short-haul network. The airline’s key competitive advantage is US Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance at Dublin and Shannon airports—passengers arriving in the US are treated as domestic arrivals, skipping immigration and customs queues entirely.

Seat and cabin

Aer Lingus operates Airbus A330-300 aircraft on all transatlantic routes. Business class features a 1-2-1 staggered layout with direct aisle access and fully lie-flat seats. Seats are 21 inches wide with 76 inches of pitch and convert to a flat bed. Each seat includes a 16-inch entertainment screen, power outlets, USB charging, and a personal reading light. The cabin refresh introduced updated seat finishes and improved bedding. The product is competitive for transatlantic travel, though it lacks enclosed suites or doors.

Dining and service

Aer Lingus serves menus inspired by modern Irish cuisine with seasonal ingredients. Expect dishes featuring Irish dairy, seafood, and locally sourced produce alongside international options. A pre-departure drink and warm towel are offered, followed by a multi-course meal service. The wine and spirits list includes Irish whiskey selections. Service is friendly and efficient in a distinctly Irish style.

Lounge access

At Dublin Airport Terminal 2, business class passengers access the Aer Lingus Lounge, offering a buffet with hot and cold options, beverages, and a relaxation area. The lounge is functional but modest compared to major international carriers. In the US, Aer Lingus typically provides access to partner or contract lounges. Through IAG, some connectivity to British Airways lounges exists at select airports.

FAQ

What is US pre-clearance at Dublin?

US-bound passengers at Dublin Airport complete US Customs and Border Protection checks before boarding. On arrival in the US, you proceed directly to baggage claim as a domestic passenger—no immigration queues or customs lines. This can save over an hour at busy US airports.

Does Aer Lingus have lie-flat business class?

Yes. All transatlantic A330-300 flights feature fully lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 configuration with direct aisle access. European short-haul business class is a separate, economy-based product with a blocked middle seat.

Is Aer Lingus in an airline alliance?

No. Aer Lingus is not a member of Oneworld, SkyTeam, or Star Alliance. However, as part of IAG, it partners closely with British Airways and Iberia. Aer Lingus also has a codeshare with JetBlue for US connectivity.