What Is It Like to Fly on Aer Lingus Business Class from Dublin to Boston?

Flying with Aer Lingus from Dublin to Boston was an enticing transatlantic adventure. Known for its affordable business class fares, this iconic Irish airline connects the U.S. and Europe, utilizing its fleet of Airbus A330 and A321LR aircraft.

With Dublin as its hub, Aer Lingus offers a taste of Ireland while crossing the Atlantic. Here’s what my experience was like with them in mid-June.

Check In

I arrived at the airport nearly four hours before my departure to ensure I had enough time for check-in, U.S. pre-clearance, and a visit to the lounge.

Photo: Courtesy of James He

In Terminal 2, there is a dedicated premium check-in line for Aer Lingus business class passengers. Initially, only two staff members were managing the slowly growing queue, but eventually, a few more employees arrived to assist. However, the check-in agent did not mention lounge access or priority security.

Photo: Courtesy of Aer Lingus

The main advantage of using Dublin as a connection point when traveling back to the U.S. is the pre-clearance by Customs and Border Protection. Passengers benefit because their checked luggage on onward connecting flights in the U.S. can be checked through to their final destinations, allowing them to avoid picking up and re-checking their bags at the first port of entry into the U.S.

Travelers heading to the U.S. go through customs and immigration in Ireland, allowing them to return to the U.S. as if they were on a domestic flight. Since opening in 2011, a special marked pre-clearance area exists after security, which includes duty-free shops and dining options.

Boarding

All passengers are directed to a queue where their boarding passes are scanned for verification. It is advisable to arrive early to avoid long wait times, especially since many flights to the U.S. depart in the morning. I waited over 20 minutes in line. Once at the lower level, there is a separate and shorter queue reserved for Business Class passengers. Global Entry kiosks are also available.

Photo: Courtesy of Aer Lingus

After completing the Customs and Border Protection process, travelers are considered to be “on U.S. soil” upon entering the Pre-Clearance area.

Boarding began 45 minutes before departure. At the gate, there were two boarding lanes, and I used the one designated for Business Class. The gate agent checked passports against the boarding cards.

Photo: Courtesy of James He

I entered through door L2, where I was greeted by the cabin service manager and directed left into the premium cabin of the Airbus A330-300.

The Seat 

This plane features a total of 30 business class seats arranged in a somewhat unconventional staggered configuration, with both 1-2-2 and 1-2-1 layouts. While this design is not unusual, as several other European airlines have opted for the same seat manufacturer and layout, it does stand out.

Photo: Courtesy of James He

Two lavatories are located in the forward galley, and the Business Class lavatories are stocked with local Irish VOYA hand soap and lotion.

Once on board, I found dedicated overhead bin space for my roller carry-on and backpack right above my window seat on the starboard side. I was fortunate to secure one of the three “throne seats” by booking early. These throne seats provide more privacy when in the lie-flat position, which extends to a length of 6 feet 5 inches.

Photo: Courtesy of James He

The seat pairs are ideal for traveling companions; however, most seats allow for direct aisle access, even on this nearly full flight.

There were two large tables flanking my seat, allowing me to spread out comfortably. To the left, I found a reading light, a water bottle holder, headphone jacks, a power outlet with both 110V and USB ports, and the seat controls.

Photo: Courtesy of James He

The tray table could be pulled out from beneath, and there was a storage bin with a latch sitting on top of the table. Additionally, underneath the seat to the right, there was another large, multi-level storage compartment.

Photo: Courtesy of James He

Before departure, pre-flight beverages of orange juice, champagne, and water were served. Menus were placed on each seat, along with a pillow and a blanket. Interestingly, Aer Lingus did not distribute amenity kits in business class for this daytime flight.

The Flight

The crew sprang into action shortly after takeoff. Small hot towels were distributed before each meal service. For lunch, I started with cheese biscuits accompanied by sweet onion jam, a Coke Zero, and the signature cocktail.

Photo: Courtesy of James He

This was followed by a delicious carrot, coconut, and lemongrass soup. I chose braised beef brisket as my main dish, and the meal concluded with a delightful strawberry mousse.

Photo: Courtesy of James He

While the food and beverages were all tasty, the service was a bit slow, as there were only three flight attendants serving the nearly full forward cabin. They also forgot to come back to refill my drink.

Photo: Courtesy of James He

During lunch, I managed to watch a movie and then took a short nap until the pre-arrival meal. The entertainment system offered a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and music.

Photo: Courtesy of James He

Business class guests received complimentary Wi-Fi codes for the duration of the flight. All A330 aircraft offer Wi-Fi, texting, and data services, with internet speeds that are more than adequate.

Between-meal services, a snack basket was available in the forward galley for anyone who was still feeling peckish.

Photo: Courtesy of James He

The pre-arrival meal offered a choice of popcorn chicken or plant-based chicken served on a bed of quinoa and edamame, accompanied by a selection of three desserts and a choice of tea or coffee.

Arrival

The flight arrived slightly earlier in Boston. I then went directly to the domestic luggage claim in Terminal C, as customs and immigration formalities had already been completed in Dublin.

Verdict

Aer Lingus offers travelers a robust transatlantic business class experience, complemented by the convenience of Preclearance in Dublin. The throne seats provide a sense of privacy on medium-haul flights, along with ample space for personal belongings and storage.

The crew members are generally friendly and attentive throughout the journey. With delicious food, spacious seats, and complimentary Wi-Fi, Aer Lingus is an appealing option for any business traveler seeking alternatives for crossing the Atlantic.

Best For

Travelers who like their lie-flat seats with a side of Irish charm—and prefer clearing U.S. customs before takeoff.

aerlingus.com