Hey from again residence, as I simply flew Aer Lingus’ Airbus A330 enterprise class on the 6hr20min flight from Dublin (DUB) to Boston (BOS), as a part of my evaluation journey.
Fact be informed, after flying Etihad’s A321LR top notch and Etihad’s A380 The Residence, “simply” flying enterprise class was a little bit of a downgrade. Nonetheless I used to be trying ahead to this flight, because it had been a number of years since I final flew Aer Lingus’ transatlantic workhorse (although I did only recently fly Aer Lingus’ A321XLR enterprise class).
So, how was Aer Lingus’ A330 enterprise class? It was completely nice, in essentially the most forgettable manner potential. Frankly there was nothing that stood out as being significantly nice or horrible, which is uncommon, since I have a tendency to note every little thing. In lots of ways in which’s a optimistic, since there’s one thing to be stated for understanding what to anticipate, and never having any surprises.
I’d gladly fly the airline once more if the value and/or schedule is true, as I’d neither keep away from the provider nor search it out. Whereas I’ll have a full journey report quickly, on this publish I’d prefer to share some preliminary impressions…
Aer Lingus’ A330 enterprise class seats are respectable
Aer Lingus’ A330-300s have have a complete of 30 enterprise class seats, unfold throughout seven rows, in a staggered configuration. Aer Lingus deserves credit score for the consistency of its enterprise class product, because it has the identical seats on the A330s because it does on the A321LR/XLRs.
As ordinary on the A330, the format on this configuration is fairly different. You’ll discover two seats within the heart part in all rows. Then alongside the left aisle, there’s one seat per row, whereas on the proper aspect, the format alternates between one seat per row and two seats per row. So the window seats on the proper aspect are the one ones with out direct aisle entry.
I used to be in one of many “true” window seats on the left aspect of the aircraft. It’s not essentially the most leading edge or spacious seat on the market, however I discovered it to be completely nice for the brief journey throughout the Atlantic.
With regards to getting snug, Aer Lingus enterprise class passengers get a considerable pillow and a comfortable blanket, which I’d contemplate to be fairly good.
There’s additionally an amenity package, which is primary, however has all of the necessities.
Aer Lingus’ enterprise class catering is fairly good
On this flight, lunch was served after takeoff, after which a snack was served earlier than touchdown. Aer Lingus’ enterprise class catering isn’t about to win any awards, nevertheless it does the trick, and likewise shouldn’t go away anybody hungry.
After takeoff, the primary spherical of drinks was served with a packaged snack of onion and paprika biscuits with spiced apple chutney.
Subsequent there was the selection of a starter or soup. I chosen the roasted tomato and purple pepper soup, which was served with a aspect salad and a bread roll.
For the principle course, I ordered the pulled mushroom and puy lentil casserole with mashed tomatoes, carrots, and kale (anybody noticing how I’m mixing up my mains a bit extra?!).
Then dessert consisted of an orange chocolate mousse dome, and that was served with the selection of espresso or tea.
Then earlier than touchdown, I ordered the Korean BBQ marinated tofu with quinoa and barley salad, which was served with a trio of candy treats.
The meals was completely good throughout the board. I don’t suppose anybody would stroll away from Aer Lingus enterprise class saying “wow, that meals was unhealthy,” however I additionally don’t suppose there’s something memorable in regards to the catering.
Aer Lingus’ enterprise class leisure is okay, Wi-Fi is free
Aer Lingus affords seat again leisure on its A330s. The system isn’t precisely leading edge, so the screens aren’t 4K, there’s no bluetooth audio, and so forth. Nevertheless, the leisure choices are fairly good, with a big collection of films, TV reveals, video games, and audio, to select from.
The most effective side of the leisure is that enterprise class passengers get vouchers without spending a dime Wi-Fi, with no knowledge caps. That might ordinarily value €20.49, in order that’s a pleasant added worth. Wi-Fi is in partnership with Panasonic, so speeds are respectable, however not superb.
Aer Lingus crews are pleasant & chatty
The crew on this Aer Lingus flight was pleasant and casual, which usually matches the interactions I’ve had in Eire. Aer Lingus undoubtedly doesn’t supply essentially the most customized service, when it comes to service stream, addressing passengers by title, and so forth., however that’s additionally probably not what you’d anticipate from the airline.
Right here’s one factor I’ve to level out, which I observed on this flight and all my different latest flights on the provider — Aer Lingus crews can speak. I really feel like on US airways, flight attendants will usually simply retreat into the galley throughout breaks, and quietly play Sweet Crush or learn a e-book.
In the meantime on Aer Lingus, the crews appear to only speak, and speak, after which speak slightly bit extra. They appear to have a lot enjoyable within the galleys. On no account did it intrude with the service or was it disruptive, however I couldn’t assist however discover that the crews have been simply consistently chatting with each other and laughing (which is type of good to see).
I observed the identical factor on my brief flight from Paris to Dublin, the place the crew packed in an unbelievable quantity of social time on a brief flight.
Backside line
Aer Lingus’ A330 enterprise class is a nice expertise, which I’d describe as fairly common in most methods. The seats are snug however not leading edge, the meals is respectable however nothing thrilling, and the facilities are additionally effective. I’d say the perfect points of Aer Lingus enterprise class are the free Wi-Fi and the commonly pleasant and casual service.
The fact is that not each single airline has to supply the best possible enterprise class product on this planet. In the end I feel Aer Lingus’ enterprise class is sweet sufficient, and I feel that’s completely truthful given the provider’s market place.
What’s your tackle Aer Lingus’ A330 enterprise class?
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