The newest aircraft in the Aer Lingus fleet is the Airbus A321XLR.
Designed for long, thin routes like those across the Atlantic (the “XLR” stands for “Extra Long Range”), the single-aisle jet promises the range of some wide-body aircraft with fewer seats to fill on every flight.
Having flown sister airline Iberia’s A321XLR last year (the world’s first operator of this game-changing new aircraft type), I was curious to see how the Irish flag carrier’s version compared, so I flew the A321XLR round-trip between Dublin Airport (DUB) and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to find out.
Here’s what the experience was like in both business and economy class, what you need to know before booking, and how to book it with points and miles.
Where does Aer Lingus fly the Airbus A321XLR?
Aer Lingus took delivery of its first two A321XLRs in December 2024. A third has since joined the fleet, and three more are on order but yet to be delivered. The airline is using the extra range to open and right‑size “thinner” U.S. routes to and from its hub at Dublin Airport (DUB). Think Nashville International Airport (BNA) and Indianapolis International Airport (IND), which launched in 2025.
The A321XLR also swaps into some existing markets, like MSP and occasionally Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Hartford, Connecticut, as schedules evolve. In April 2026, Aer Lingus will also use the aircraft to launch flights to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU).
Flights from Dublin to Nashville are scheduled for around nine hours, showcasing the A321XLR’s range. For passengers, though, it’s a long period to spend in a single-aisle aircraft, especially in economy.
Aer Lingus already operates a fleet of eight Airbus A321LR aircraft to destinations in North America, which were delivered between 2019 and 2021. Opting for fleet consistency over onboard product innovation, the newer A321XLR aircraft have the same cabin layouts and seat types as the older A321LR aircraft, with 16 lie-flat business-class seats and 168 economy-class seats.
Thus, the onboard experience is nearly identical, save for some tech improvements.
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The key difference is range: The A321XLR can fly about 15% farther (up to 4,700 nautical miles) than the A321LR (around 4,000 nautical miles), giving Aer Lingus the ability to fly longer routes to the U.S. with a single-aisle aircraft carrying a full load of passengers and cargo. This makes the A321XLR less about changing the passenger experience and more about expanding where Aer Lingus can viably fly nonstop.
Related: Air Canada will use new long-range Airbus A321XLR to launch Mallorca flights
Ground experience in Dublin
One of the biggest advantages of flying Aer Lingus from Ireland to the U.S. is the U.S. preclearance facility at DUB. After clearing Irish security, all U.S.-bound passengers proceed through a dedicated area in Terminal 2 where U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers conduct full inbound immigration and customs checks before departure.
It means you can land stateside as a domestic passenger without waiting in long immigration lines or for a CBP officer to process your passport, and no anxiety about tight connections. The time saved can be substantial, especially if you don’t have Global Entry.
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After preclearance, the two-level Terminal 2 has a narrow and loud airside gate area downstairs.
Aer Lingus, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines premium passengers, as well as select elite members, can also access the airport’s 51st & Green lounge, located downstairs after U.S. preclearance.
The space is modern, bright and built for transatlantic departures. It has runway views, showers and plenty of power outlets to charge devices before crossing the pond.
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Basic food and a limit of two complimentary alcoholic beverages are provided per person. While this lounge is unlikely to make any lists of the world’s best airport lounges, it is an acceptable space to await your flight.
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Fortunately, most Aer Lingus flights across the Atlantic depart from gates upstairs in Terminal 2, which is a much more spacious area with well-designed boarding lanes and plenty of seating. If you don’t have lounge access, head upstairs to relax and wait.
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Choosing the best business-class seat on the Aer Lingus A321XLR
Business-class seating alternates between paired seats (in a 2‑2 configuration) and coveted solo “throne” seats (in a 1‑1 configuration). Passengers can select any available seat at no extra cost.
This is a noticeably different layout from Iberia’s A321XLR business-class cabin, where all passengers enjoy direct aisle access but face away from the windows.
In Aer Lingus’ A321XLR (and A321LR) layout, the throne seats are in rows 3 and 5, ideal for solo flyers thanks to direct aisle access, big side consoles, plenty of storage and decent privacy.
The trade‑off: a narrower footwell than the paired seats.
If you’re traveling with a companion, pick one of the paired seats in Row 2, 4 or 6 (there is no Row 1); just be aware you won’t both have direct‑aisle access, and there is very little storage or privacy around the seat.
Given that there are only four throne seats in the 16-seat cabin, which have significantly more space, storage and privacy than the other seats in the cabin, I asked the cabin manager about their popularity.
Having operated Aer Lingus transatlantic flights for over a decade, she has observed a noticeable shift in premium passengers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With more couples now traveling together for leisure and fewer solo business travelers, having more couple seats than solo seats seems like the right balance for the airline.
All business-class seats are 22 inches wide, with 46 to 47 inches of pitch, and convert to lie-flat beds that are 77 inches long.
The extra-large overhead bins provide plenty of storage space for cabin bags.
Aer Lingus business-class meals and amenities
Aer Lingus business-class passengers receive amenity kits stocked with skincare from Irish brand Jo Browne.
You’ll find an 18‑inch 4K screen with Bluetooth audio, plus universal AC, USB‑A and USB‑C power outlets. Dozens of new movies are available, including “Wicked,” “Paddington in Peru” and “A Working Man.”
The A321XLR also has complimentary, unlimited Wi‑Fi for business‑class customers, though speeds are sluggish — under 5Mbps download and 1Mbps upload. For economy passengers, packages start at 3.49 euros ($4) for one hour of messaging and go up to 20.49 euros ($24) for full-flight browsing.
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Aer Lingus serves Jean Pernet Tradition Brut N.V. Champagne and a fun selection of premixed cocktails as part of its beverage selection.
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This is followed by multicourse meals served from the galley on real china with metal cutlery. On my flight to Minneapolis, there was a choice of three entrees:
- A six-hour braised blade of beef
- Skin-on thyme and parsley chicken supreme
- Fragrant, mild Thai green curry
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Snacks are also available between meal services.
Economy seats and experience
Aer Lingus does not currently have premium economy seats on any aircraft.
In economy, the A321XLR’s 3‑3 cabin layout feels modern and has advanced tech over the A321LR version. Every seat has a 12‑inch 4K screen with Bluetooth pairing capability and dual‑USB power outlets, while the A321LR fleet has smaller 9-inch HD screens, no Bluetooth and only USB-A charging ports.
Two AC outlets are shared among three seats.
The seats are 18 inches wide, and the pitch varies by row. The airline has squeezed as many seats on board as possible, from a tight 30.5 inches in rows 16-21 (all seats) and 22-34 ABC to accommodate the extra rear lavatory to an industry-standard 32 inches in rows 7-13 (all seats) and 22-34 DEF.
There aren’t many airlines that offer different legroom depending on which side of the aisle you sit on. If possible, try to sit on the right side of the aircraft in economy.
Ideally, aim for the bulkhead in Row 7 or exit-row seats in rows 14 and 15 for 35 inches of legroom.
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Aer Lingus offers hot meals (with an entree choice of chicken and potatoes or vegetarian pasta on my flight to Dublin) with sides like Greek salad and cheese mousse with mixed berries, and complimentary beverages in economy class with the main meal. A light boxed snack is served before landing.
Water and light snacks are available on request while in flight.
If you can successfully navigate the different levels of legroom, economy on the A321XLR has better tech than the airline’s wide-body aircraft, which could make for a more enjoyable passenger experience. The seatback screens are 2 inches larger than on the wide-body A330s, and Bluetooth audio connections and USB-C charging are available on the A321XLR.
Bathrooms for both cabins
One full-size bathroom is dedicated to business class, located by the galley at the very front of the aircraft.
In economy, there are three lavatories at the rear of the aircraft, serving 168 passengers. While one behind the last row of seating is the same size as the business-class bathroom, the two on the back wall of the aircraft can only be described as uncomfortably tight. There is barely enough space to sit down, and they are much smaller than the lavatories I’ve seen on wide-body aircraft.
How to book the Aer Lingus Airbus A321XLR with points and miles
Booking economy awards with Avios through British Airways Club or Aer Lingus AerClub can be a decent sweet spot.
You’ll need just 13,000 Avios on off-peak dates or 20,000 Avios on peak dates plus about $123 in fees, taxes and surcharges one-way from MSP to DUB and around $154 from DUB to MSP. Cash fares in economy can be found for as little as $500 round-trip during the period of low demand, which would not be a great way to redeem Avios given the high surcharges payable; however, next summer, with cash fares as high as $1,600 round-trip on this route, redeeming 40,000 Avios plus around $277 in fees, taxes and surcharges would be a smart redemption.
Other Aer Lingus A321XLR routes, such as from IND, BNA and BDL to DUB, have the same peak and off-peak Avios pricing.
You can convert all major credit card currencies to Avios and use the improved transfer tool to easily move Avios between the seven airline loyalty programs that use this currency.
For business class, Alaska Airlines’ Atmos Rewards program is a great way to book shorter flights of 3,500 miles or less in length from the East Coast to Ireland, starting at just 45,000 Atmos Rewards points plus only $19 in fees and taxes one-way. Flights over 3,500 miles in length, such as from MSP to DUB on the A321XLR, start at 55,000 Atmos Rewards points plus $19 in fees and taxes one-way. Taxes and fees from DUB to MSP are slightly higher at around $59 one-way, though still much lower than departing from the nearby United Kingdom, where you’ll need to pay the Air Passenger Duty, so consider flying out of Ireland next time you’re returning from Europe.
Related: How to earn Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards points
Bottom line
Aer Lingus’ Airbus A321XLR does what it was designed for: operating transatlantic routes that don’t require wide-body jets while still offering lie-flat business class and an updated economy experience. Solo travelers in business class will appreciate the privacy of throne seats, while couples may prefer the paired seats.
Economy passengers benefit from seatback entertainment, power outlets at every seat and the convenience of Dublin’s U.S. preclearance, though some seats have tight legroom. Best of all, you can book this for low rates in economy class with Avios or business class with Atmos Rewards points.
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