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Aer Lingus to Launch North American A321LR Routes Next Summer

Aug. 07, 2018
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2 min read
Aer Lingus A330 Business Class Review
Aer Lingus to Launch North American A321LR Routes Next Summer
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Airbus will soon launch one of its newest aircraft, the A321LR. Although it won't be the first airline to take delivery of the narrowbody plane, Irish carrier Aer Lingus will start flying the long-range aircraft in the second quarter of 2019.

The A321LR is a single-aisle narrowbody aircraft that has a range much further than any other aircraft its size — even the newer more fuel efficient Boeing 737MAX or A320neo. It's also a lot cheaper to operate than older aircraft like the Boeing 757 or larger ones like the Airbus A330 — both of which Aer Lingus currently flies.

Aer Lingus will add 12 A321LRs to its fleet over the next few years — taking delivery of four in 2019.

Aer Lingus CEO Stephen Kavanagh recently spoke about where he sees the new aircraft flying, saying it will cut its list from two to three destinations in North America. While the carrier currently flies to 13 North American destinations the Irish Times reports that Pittsburgh (PIT) and Montreal (YUL) are in the running for LR service.

Aer Lingus has lie-flat business class seats on its narrowbody 757s — so it's quite possible we'll see them installed on its LRs.

Aer Lingus A330 business class

In addition to Avios, you can also redeem Aeroplan, Alaska and United miles for Aer Lingus flights. American Express just added Aer Lingus Avios as a transfer partner, which has fantastic off-peak award pricing. The airline recently teamed up with Chase to introduce a new co-brand credit card, the Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card.

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Air Transat will be the first North American airline to operate the A321LR while other confirmed customers include Azores Airlines, Primeria Air TAP Portugal and Norwegian Air. JetBlue has been eyeing the LR as a way to move into the transatlantic market. The most the aircraft can seat is 240 in an all economy layout, or 206 in a two cabin layout.

H/T: One Mile At A Time

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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TPG Editor‘s Rating
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.