Aer Lingus A321 neo business class

NEW YORK JFK-MANCHESTER

- Hannah Brandler

BACK GROUND

We flew on the inaugural route from Manchester airport to New York JFK on December 1 (see our review at businesstraveller.com/tried-and-tested). The flight was meant to be operated by the new A321 neo LR but this was delayed due to registration issues, according to the carrier.

We got to experience the new aircraft on the return leg on December 4, which was a night flight departing from JFK Terminal 5 at 1815 with a flight time of just under six hours.

The aircraft is designed for routes of up to 7,400km and is used for both transatlantic and European routes. The narrowbody aircraft is more fuel efficient and promises a 50 per cent reduction in engine noise.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

While I had submitted all my information and received approval by Verifly, I was unable to check in online. Once at the terminal, I walked past some extremely long queues for security. The Aer Lingus desks are located at the end of the room, and it was quick and easy to check in once there, simply showing my Passenger Locator Form (on my phone) and passport. Thankfully I managed to get fast-track security as a business class passenger, so it only took 15 minutes. I proceeded straight to the lounge.

THE LOUNGE

Aer Lingus has a lounge for Aer Club and business class passengers in Terminal 5, located opposite Gate 26. The design features a stone wall paying homage to Irish Americans, including President JFK himself, author F Scott Fitzgerald and artist Georgia O’Keeffe.