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?
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.
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?!