ITTN’s Shane Cullen is on the LVCVA and Aer Lingus fam trip with the Irish travel trade, hosted by Jenny Rafter (Head of Global Leisure Sales, Aer Lingus) and Tryphavana Cross (Sales, Marketing & PR Senior Director, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority).
The Route – Dublin to Las Vegas
This route has been a long time coming and Las Vegas has to be on many a bucket list of destinations to visit. It is a destination of one with no where in the world anything like it and getting to go there in style is extra special.
Departing Dublin Airport at 15.20 means arriving in Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport at a very civilised 17.30 giving travellers plenty of enjoy the evening in Las Vegas. The return journey departs 19.35 meaning you have much of the day to enjoy the sights or indeed shop before landing the following day at 13:10.
Aer Lingus launched their direct route to Las Vegas in late October and will operate the route three times a week until 29 April 2025. The airline fly an A330 on the route which is spacious and very comfortable flight. The service operates Tues/Thurs/Sat.
Our group were treated to Business Class onboard and were greeted by cabin crew offering a glass of chilled Champagne or orange juice as we arrived. The service throughout the flight was exceptional, attentive, professional and friendly.
Dining Onboard Aer Lingus – Westbound Festive Menu
Aer Lingus offer a seasonal menu from indulgent Christmas classics to lighter bites, there is a broad range catering for all tastes (including vegetarian options).
I chose the “Creamy blend of smoked trout and horseradish crème fraîche finished with a soft herb crumb, served with pickled cucumber and lamb’s lettuce” which was light and tasty.
For mains, given the time of year, I couldn’t resist the “Festive roast turkey with herb stuffing served with roast potatoes, honey roasted carrot and chunky parsnip, buttered Brussels sprouts and cranberry-infused gravy” which was delicious.
The velvety Irish cream liqueur dessert with a mirror glaze & chocolate disc was a delicious & indulgent cheese cake.
I finished my meal with an Old Fashioned cocktail and was set to snooze for the c.10 hour flight to Nevada.
During the flight extra bites included marvellous mini beef slider with melted cheese (Dubliner’s, of course) and tasty carrot slaw. Along side this was a trio of sweet treats – carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, lemon & raspberry cupcake with buttercream icing and an Irish cream profiterole with chocolate ganache (all were fabulous but I could have easily eaten a bowl of the profiteroles).
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
- Dedicated lounge in Dublin Airport to escape the crowds (also in LHR & JFK New York if on other routes)
- Partner lounge access where available
- Advanced seat selection
- Fast track security
- Priority boarding
On-board Perks:
- Lots of space to work, recline and dine – 90% of seats with aisle access
- Fully lie-flat seats to help you get a great sleep
- Complimentary Wi-Fi to catch up on work which worked a treat and for the whole flight (bar take-off/landing)
- Luxury dining – with an exciting new menu to thrill vegans and meat-lovers alike
- A thrilling entertainment package with the latest movies and over 90 hours of TV shows on 16″ high-definition screens. Apparently you can even upskill with a LinkedIn Learning course (though I would still opt for an onboard cocktail and an episode of 30 Rock instead).
Flexible Flying Perks:
- Standby for earlier flights if available
- Free changes on all Business fares
- Eligible for a refund voucher on all Business fares
- With a Business fare you are eligible for a cash refund (less 15% and fees)
- With a Business Flex fare you are eligible for a full refund
