I just booked a last minute review trip, and want to share the details. In the coming days you can expect some initial impressions, and then in the coming weeks, you can expect the full trip report. I had aspirations of making this trip a bit grander, but I’ll take what I can get, especially with a 72-hour hall pass from obligations at home.
In this post:
I’m checking out the world’s two A321XLR operators!
We recently saw the A321XLR enter service, which is Airbus’ newest version of the A321, featuring extended range. Airlines have hundreds of these on order, and eventually they’ll become extremely common, especially across the Atlantic.
In late 2024, Iberia became the global launch customer for the A321XLR, and was followed quickly by Aer Lingus. While browsing award availability, I found a fun opportunity, so decided to make a quick review trip of it.
To kick off the trip, I’ll fly Aer Lingus’ A321XLR from Minneapolis (MSP) to Dublin (DUB), a ticket that I booked with 50,000 British Airways Avios.
Then I’ll be returning on Iberia’s A321XLR from Madrid (MAD) to Washington (IAD), a ticket that I booked with 57,500 American AAdvantage miles.
When it comes to getting between Dublin and Madrid, I’ll be flying an Aer Lingus A320, in the carrier’s AerSpace product, which is basically the front row with a blocked middle, lounge access, and a free drink and snack. I’ve never flown Aer Lingus short haul, so am curious to check it out.
In all honesty, I’m not expecting anything revolutionary from these flights. I mean, I’ve flown the A321neo and A321LR across the Atlantic, so it’s not like these flights are materially longer. But still, it’s a new aircraft variant, and I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to give it a try. For that matter, I’ve generally been meaning to revisit the business class soft products of Aer Lingus and Iberia.
I’ll also be staying at a couple of hotels
On the way out, I have an overnight in Minneapolis, due to the flight availability that I found. Y’all know that I love a good airport hotel, and I’ve heard good things about the InterContinental Minneapolis Airport, so I’ll be checking that out. I managed to book it with an IHG free night award, so deals don’t get better than that.
In Dublin, I’m undecided as to where to stay, as I’ll have a very early start in the morning. I’m not sure whether to go into town or just stay near the airport, given my limited time. If anyone has any thoughts, I’m open to them!
Bottom line
With the Airbus A321XLR having entered service in recent months, I’m looking forward to checking out this new aircraft on both of the airlines currently offering it. You can expect reviews of the Aer Lingus and Iberia A321XLRs, as well as several lounges and a couple of hotels. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned!
Any predictions as to how these Aer Lingus and Iberia flights will go?
I'd suggest the Marker hotel in the docklands. Good location and not far from the airport via a taxi through the tunnel that connects the port to the airport.
It's an Anantara property, have stayed there before and it's fabulous.. with a very scenic rooftop bar over looking the docklands.
I meant to add, in Dublin.
Something slightly left field and a bit less points-y but more travel-y (especially for UK & IE) would be to stay in a pub hotel.
Ben, are you just transiting MAD on one ticket? I'd appreciate a little insight into that non-schengen transfer in T4S after you've done it.
Agree with all the recommendations to go into Dublin - Shelbourne is a very historic hotel and notable locally, in a great location to go walking in the centre, plenty to see in the vicinity. It’s not far from the airport so quite doable.
Another points option which could be useful to readers is the Intercontinental, an ex Four Seasons property - nice property with good service but further out from the immediate centre...
Agree with all the recommendations to go into Dublin - Shelbourne is a very historic hotel and notable locally, in a great location to go walking in the centre, plenty to see in the vicinity. It’s not far from the airport so quite doable.
Another points option which could be useful to readers is the Intercontinental, an ex Four Seasons property - nice property with good service but further out from the immediate centre - I wouldn’t normally recommend for a short stay for that reason.
There is also the Conrad near the Shelbourne - nice service but the property is quite outdated
Having seen your review of the showers in the Aer Lingus lounge, I can confirm they have not changed.
Never again!
The Aer Lingus A321XLR, flown between Toronto and Dublin, is an absolute gem in Business Class, with attention given to details and extremely comfortable seats, especially the "Throne" seats which, contrary to those in the Lufthansa group, do not require a premium payment. Of course, the Aer Lingus flight attendants are almost all excellent and friendly, which adds to the pleasure. According to one of them on my flight, passenger satisfaction in the main cabin...
The Aer Lingus A321XLR, flown between Toronto and Dublin, is an absolute gem in Business Class, with attention given to details and extremely comfortable seats, especially the "Throne" seats which, contrary to those in the Lufthansa group, do not require a premium payment. Of course, the Aer Lingus flight attendants are almost all excellent and friendly, which adds to the pleasure. According to one of them on my flight, passenger satisfaction in the main cabin is substantially lower than what Aer Lingus expected.
My following flight, Dublin-Geneva, on an A320, was equally pleasant. While the middle seat is not blocked for rows 2 and above, the first few rows are reserved for passengers paying the more expensive inventories (sub-classes of Economy) and are therefore rarely occupied. I was in row 2 but no middle seat was occupied in rows 1 to 5 or 6. Starting with row 2, however, you pay for your food.
The only sticking point, with Aer Lingus, is when you have to use their Customer Service which is appalling and very hard to contact. In particular, Aer Lingus makes it extremely difficult to collect AAdvantage miles from their flights. Mine, from several weeks ago, have still not been credited, and there is no good will there. I am not sure whether it is intentional or not.
In past year we did two or three transatlantic AI Biz Class flights. NEO 321 ER, 12 to 14 seats
On one flight we had “throne’ seats - one not two seats on row.
On our first flight I asked FA if he was only one working BIZ. Yes, he said, was everything ok?
When offering an entree to a near by seat, he shared if he drops an entree, there’s no replacement. And the only red wine left for the entree course was an Aussie Organic.
Prepare to be underwhelmed.
Ben you should fly from IAD to DXB on ek new 777 bizz than a350 to BOM. Than for the return you can fly from BOM to jfk/ear on air India A350
You really want one of the Suites on the top floor. Paradise for Aviation geeks. I ended up in one courtesy of them downgrading me as a Royal Ambassador on a paid premium room
Agree with the others for Dublin - would love a review of the Shelbourne. You can use points, and the dining outlets/bars are fantastic. I've never seen anything about the rooms though, so a review would be much appreciated (especially since there aren't many other luxury options in town besides the Merrion etc).
If you use a NUA the suites at the Shelbourne are very nice. Usually gives you a 2 room suite overlooking the green!
My wife and I flew the AerLingus 321XLR from DUB to MSP two weeks ago, in coach. The flight was only about ⅓ full so we were able to have an empty middle seat between us, and no waiting to use the bathrooms. We had no complaints about our seats. But while the flight attendants were friendly, their service was entirely inadequate. They announced complimentary wine and beer with dinner but never came around with...
My wife and I flew the AerLingus 321XLR from DUB to MSP two weeks ago, in coach. The flight was only about ⅓ full so we were able to have an empty middle seat between us, and no waiting to use the bathrooms. We had no complaints about our seats. But while the flight attendants were friendly, their service was entirely inadequate. They announced complimentary wine and beer with dinner but never came around with any. We asked and were told the beverage cart would be by shortly but it never was. They came by once with soft drinks but only the little mini-cans of coke. They came by a few times with water but only about a third of a cup at a time. I’d fly a 321XLR again on a long-haul flight — just not sure I’d do it on AerLingus.
If the beer cart doesn’t came by your seat, go in the back and get what you want yourself.
I would personally check out the Four Seasons Minneapolis instead of the IC. I’ve stayed at many FS properties and was blown away with how nice the property is. It’s one of the nicest non-resort FS properties in the states and it’s not far from the airport.
Dublin Express or Aircoach can actually get you from the city center to the airport pretty quickly (20 minutes or so). If you come into the city center there's lot's of good points hotels to check out. There's the Shelbourne (Marriott Autograph Collection), quite a few Hiltons, and a couple of Hyatt's as well.
The Radisson Blu at Dublin airport isn’t world changing but it’s convenient being a 5-10 minute walk from the terminals and often sensibly priced.
Why didn't you book the Iberia flight with (Iberia) Avios?
The Hyatt Centric in Dublin is great. The only Hyatt property AFAIK in Ireland. Well located but not smack dab in the middle of the tourist spots.
+1. Stayed here many times past few years, fantastic hotel. Nice Globalist recognition and breakfast.
Long time reader and admirer here, glad that you were able to find availability out of my "home base" here in MSP. Look forward to your impressions on both carriers, though the lounges here... aren't much to write home about.
Hi Ben,
Id stay in the city myself, it's only a short taxi to and from the airport. The airport hotels aren't great. There is a new one being constructed at T2 that you'll see.
Aer Space is exactly as you describe it. Nothing to be excited about. You should try a bag of Tayto Cheese and Onion Crisps/Chip - the first flavoured crisps in the world and a favourite of us here in...
Hi Ben,
Id stay in the city myself, it's only a short taxi to and from the airport. The airport hotels aren't great. There is a new one being constructed at T2 that you'll see.
Aer Space is exactly as you describe it. Nothing to be excited about. You should try a bag of Tayto Cheese and Onion Crisps/Chip - the first flavoured crisps in the world and a favourite of us here in Ireland.
There is a few lounges in T2 now - Aer Lingus, Martello (formerly East) and Liffey (formerly T2 lounge). The latter are only revamped a few months. Again, none of them are anything special.
Enjoy your journey.
Marriott Shelburne will give you instant atmosphere in Dublin City centre for limited hours. Overlooks Stephen’s Green. Horseshoe bar off the lobby is worth a pint. If thinking chains by the airport, don’t bother with the Hilton. Radisson has one right at the hotel but the Airport Crown Plaza is in a nice woodland park setting a mile from the airport.
It's in the city, but the College Greens Marriott is pretty nice.
I'm Irish and a Dublin resident and I highly recommend that you stay in The Shelbourne too! It's the best points property in the city by far! If you want to stay by the airport, I suggest you stay in Clontarf Castle(15-ish mins by taxi) or the Hilton Dublin Airport if using points. Same you aren't flying from Dublin back to the states, you would've been able to avail of USPC!
And the AerSpace product on the A320 is terrible - aside from benefits on the ground, an empty middle seat and a free snack, that's it - no better service or anything. In saying that, AerSpace on the A321neo is great - lie-flat seat within Europe!
No way the Hilton DUB. That is one of the worst Airport Hotels in Europe that I used. I would rather use a Hampton or Moxy that that old hotel again.
Could be a good opportunity to give an update on the IHG Ambassador program. And do IC Dublin.
I wish you’d shocked us and flown in the infamous seat 11A on Ryanair between Dublin and Madrid.
I have entered the US via air from Europe 3 times in the last 90 days and I haven't had the slightest hiccup. No difference compared with any other time in my lifetime.
In Dublin highly recommend the Shelbourne (Autograph Collection) on Stephen’s Green. Not many points options by the airport. Or options in general. Would be like a 30 min ride depending on traffic. Very nice and historic as well!
St. Stephen’s Green is a lovely part of Dublin.
Honestly speaking, I'm more interested to know how immigration and customs goes especially with you being gone for 72 hours and with what's been going on lately! Maybe you can give us an update on that front as well?!