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Aer Lingus is to introduce a new short-haul premium fare called “AerSpace” from Sunday 1 September 2019.
This was due to be introduced some four years ago. However, its launch was long delayed, partly due to the acquisition of Aer Lingus by IAG.
At the outset, it’s important to emphasise this is not the re-introduction of business class on Aer Lingus short-haul flights. It is a new category of economy fare, albeit with many features of short-haul business class in Europe.
The main benefits of AerSpace are free changes and flight refunds, automatic standby for earlier flights, Fast Track security, lounge access, priority boarding, dedicated overhead bin space, and a free middle seat.
Passengers can also choose free food and drink from Aer Lingus’ Buy on Board menu. However, there will be no divider between AerSpace and the rest of economy. At present, AerSpace appears to be limited to just four seats in the first row of economy.
AerSpace fares command a premium of around £40 over Aer Lingus’ existing “Advantage” flexible economy fare.
Although Aer Lingus does not call AerSpace business class, some third party websites do identify it as such. The cabin also seems to use booking classes J, C, and I which are used by other airlines for business class:
Aer Lingus Aer Space on ExpertFlyer
AerSpace will be available on Aer Lingus routes from London Heathrow to Belfast, Cork, Dublin and Shannon and from London Gatwick to Dublin and Knock.
It should also be added this fare is not currently available when booking a short-haul flight only itinerary as a codeshare through BA. However, if you are connecting to a long-haul business class flight, you should be booked into an AerSpace seat on Aer Lingus short-haul flights.
More details on Aer Space are available at Aer Lingus.
