Metro’s Acting Lifestyle Editor, Kristina Beanland, recently flew business class from London to Chicago with Aer Lingus.
It was her first time travelling outside economy, and the experience was a world away from the flying she’s accustomed to.
From take-off champagne to pillows and metal spoons, this is her honest review.
Kristina, over to you.
The background: Before my trip to the Windy City, the closest I’ve come to flying in style was on an over-booked flight to Dubai, when my family and I were bumped up to Premium Economy.
Even then, aged 11, the footrests and extra leg-room were enough for me to know, deep in my bones, that I was made for this life.
More than 20 years later, my time had finally come. Never had I boarded a plane and turned left, until now.
Set the scene. What does it look like? It’s exactly like you see in the movies: huge seats, or rather, booths, smiling cabin crew, and as much food and drink as you care to consume.
How much room do you actually get? Let me give you some stats: Aer Lingus business class seats are 22 inches wide, to put that into perspective, Ryanair economy seats are 15.5 inches.
All the seats on my flight also had aisle access, so no clambering over other passengers to go to the loo. It doesn’t exactly feel private – you can’t pretend you’re in your own flying apartment – but you definitely get some much-appreciated personal space.
What about the service? I’d barely stowed my bag in the overhead locker when a friendly member of the cabin crew asked me (by name, of course) if I’d like a ‘pre-take off’ drink.
I enjoy everything about this premise. You’re essentially given an alcoholic drink (virgin options are also available), that you must down before you have to hand the glass back and strap yourself in for take off.
Which did you go for? I, of course, ordered champagne, and nibbles were offered too. When I couldn’t decide between two different flavours of artisan crackers, both were left on my table.
More about the food, please. You’re given a menu to choose from, and it’s so much more than chicken or beef. Options on the current menu include flaky pan-fried hake on toasted fregola pasta, or skin-on thyme and parsley chicken supreme.
Courses are served one after the other. There’s no plastic tray, instead there are plates and bowls, metal cutlery and, the piece de resistance: a tablecloth.
After dinner, I watched Mrs Harris Goes to Paris and Pretty Woman, which felt apt for my current situation. More champagne was followed by a snooze.
Anything else? Before settling in, I investigated the little cupboards and cubby holes that surrounded my seat. There’s the usual – charging ports – but also a handy toiletry bag that includes an eye mask and ear plugs.
You’re also given a nice thick duvet, the kind you’d actually have on your bed at home, and a pillow, perfect for when you decide to fully recline your chair into a completely flat bed and get some sleep. At 5ft 4in, I was able to fully stretch out, and the beds actually extend to 6ft.
I did wonder what the large cupboard below my feet was for, only to have a cabin crew member practically hurl themselves at me to stop me from accidentally inflating my life jacket. Mystery solved.
Ok, it sounds great. How much does it cost? Aer Lingus Business Class fares start from £1,179 return. Standard economy seats start from £229, so the jump is, admittedly, massive.
Final thoughts? The fact that there are fewer travellers in this part of the cabin means everything feels a little less chaotic.
You don’t hear the noise of other people’s call bells, or the sound of a herd of men snoring. There are no long queues for the loos, or an army of kids racing up and down the aisles.
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I loved everything about my business class flight. Of course, they don’t come cheap, and if you’re looking to splurge, I’d suggest maybe holding out for a long-haul trip, rather than my seven hour mid-haul to Chicago.
But, if you fancy spoiling yourself for a big birthday, or on your honeymoon perhaps, I’d highly recommend it.
Fly from the UK to Chicago via Dublin with Aer Lingus and go through US Customs and Immigration pre-clearance in Ireland.
Aer Lingus offers up to 14 weekly flights to Chicago, with economy fares starting from £229 return and Business Class from £1,179 return.
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