Shane Cullen experienced business class from Dublin to Cancún on the Aer Lingus & Hilton fam trip with the Irish travel trade, hosted by Jenny Rafter (Head of Global Leisure Sales, Aer Lingus) and Keren Shepherd (Leisure Sales Account Director, Hilton).
Aer Lingus’ first direct flight from Dublin to Cancún, Mexico, took off on 6th January 2026. The new route will operate 3 times weekly with the new direct service operating until 29 April 2026, providing another winter sun destination. The flight time is just under 11 hours over and just over 9 hours back to Dublin. The morning flight departs at a very civilised 13.30 with time to enjoy the AerClub lounge.
The group travelled on the airline’s A330-300 widebody aircraft and enjoyed the luxuries of business class.
The economy seating is in a 2-4-2 seating configuration. Economy class has complimentary soft drinks, juices and water during the flight. Meals are also included in the fare and there is a beer and wine service as part of the meal, shared Jenny Rafter. Economy class seating also benefits from seatback entertainment, USB charging, and competitive legroom (around 30-32 inches).
Business Class Onboard Aer Lingus
Business Class passengers are greeted by cabin crew offering a glass of chilled Champagne or orange juice. The business class service throughout the flight was exceptional, attentive and professional. I always suggest asking the Aer Lingus cabin crew what they would recommend, and I have never been disappointed.
New Amenity Kit
The new Business Class amenity kits contain Jo Browne lip balm, a Jo Browne daily hydrating moisturiser, a 3D-moulded eye mask, travel socks in Aer Lingus green, a wheat straw toothbrush plus an Aer Lingus pen!
Dining Onboard Aer Lingus – Menu
For starters, I opted for the charred roast tomato and red pepper soup garnished with crunchy garlic and thyme croutons, which was recommended by the fantastic and friendly cabin crew onboard. The soup was delicious with a slight fiery kick and packed with flavour. The other option was “creamy blend of smoked trout and horseradish crème fraiche finished with a soft herb crumb, served with pickled cucumber and lamb’s lettuce”.
For mains, I opted for “Eight-hour braised beef, thinly sliced fried potatoes with caramelised onions, savoy cabbage, roast carrot and a tomato and rosemary braising jus”. This was a delicious course with tender meat and mouthwatering sauce, all served on a proper plate with proper silverware.
Other options were: pan-fried pollock fillet on wilted greens, crushed chive potatoes with a lemon and dill sauce; or a pulled mushroom and puy lentil casserole paired with lemon thyme mashed potatoes, roast baby carrots and sautéed garlic kale.
All main courses were served with a seasonal side salad that was crisp and fresh.
Dessert was an orange chocolate mouse dome on a rich chocolate sponge base, finished with a decadent drizzle of Belgian milk chocolate. On the return flight, I had to go for something from home – a locally-sourced cheese board with Wicklow Bán brie. This also had Carrigaline smoked cheeses, cranberry chutney and Peter’s Yard Sourdough crackers. Courses were served with wine, and a port was suggested to go along with my cheese board by the attentive cabin crew.
I highly recommend all of it before you stretch out in the spacious lie-flat business class seats. For a sneak peek at the full menu, check it out here.
TransAtlantic Business Class with Aer Lingus
Want to know more about Aer Lingus’ Business Class on transatlantic routes? Here’s a summary:
Pre-Flight Perks:
- Dedicated check-in to skip the queues
- Check in 3 x 23Kg bags
- Carry on 1 x 10kg bag plus a small bag
- Fast-track security
- Priority boarding
- Dedicated lounge in Dublin Airport (also in LHR & JFK New York)
- Partner lounge access, where available
- Advanced seat selection
On-board Perks:
- Lots of space to work, recline and dine – 90% of seats with aisle access
- Fully lie-flat seats to help sleep (ideal for the Cancún flight)
- Complimentary Wi-Fi works for the whole flight (bar take-off/landing)
- Luxury dining – which is a very high standard
- A thrilling entertainment package with the latest movies and over 90 hours of TV shows on 16″ high-definition screens.
- If you download the Aer Lingus Play app, travellers can personalise their in-flight entertainment content and create playlists before a flight. Once onboard, connect your device with the in-flight entertainment screen and enjoy your flight. And you can catch up from where you left off on your movie on your next flight.
- Once you connect your device, you can also use it to control your seatback monitor and enjoy a touchless entertainment experience. For a link to the app, click here.
Flexible Flying Perks:
- Standby for earlier flights if available
- Free changes on all Business fares
- Eligible for a refund voucher on all Business fares
- Business fares are eligible for a cash refund (less 15% and fees)
- Business Flex fares are eligible for a full refund
For More on Cancun
For more from the Aer Lingus and Hilton Fam Trip, read the reports from the Hilton properties:
For a video tour of the Hilton Properties the group stayed at, follow the links:
Hilton Cancun All-Inclusive:
Hilton Tulum All-Inclusive:
