Is it worth upgrading to business class in Aer Lingus?

Is it worth upgrading to business class in Aer Lingus?

If you're planning to fly with Aer Lingus and want a more comfortable, spacious, and premium in-flight experience, a seat upgrade is one of the best decisions you can make. Whether you want to move to an exit-row seat, secure a preferred aisle seat, or upgrade to Aer Lingus Business Class with lie-flat comfort, there are several ways to make it happen.

This guide breaks down every upgrade option, including aer lingus bidding for upgrade, how much to bid, upgrade rules, costs, seat selection fees, and tips to increase your chances. For personalized assistance, you can always reach Toursntravelpro experts at +1-866-679-5070.

Quick Overview

  • How to get an Aer Lingus seat upgrade?
    You can upgrade by bidding, paying during booking, using the “Manage Trip” option, upgrading at the airport, or using Avios. Business Class upgrades depend on availability and your fare type.
  • How much should you bid for an Aer Lingus upgrade?
    Most successful upgrade bids range between $200–$650 one way, depending on route and cabin availability.
  • Does Aer Lingus charge for seat selection?
    Yes. Standard seat selection typically starts around $15–$40, while preferred and extra-legroom seats cost more.
  • Can you upgrade Aer Lingus with Avios?
    Yes, but only on eligible fare types (usually Plus/Smart or higher).

What Is an Aer Lingus Seat Upgrade?

An Aer Lingus seat upgrade simply means moving to a better seat or a higher cabin class. Options include:

  • Extra legroom seats

  • Preferred seats (front cabin or aisle/window)

  • Exit row seating

  • Upgrading to Aer Lingus Business Class

Upgrading not only improves comfort but may also give you amenities like priority boarding, lounge access (for Business Class), premium meals, and fully flat beds on long-haul flights.

Ways to Get an Aer Lingus Seat Upgrade

Aer Lingus offers multiple upgrade paths. Your eligibility depends on your ticket type, route, availability, and timing.

1. Upgrade During Booking (Easiest Method)

When you book your Aer Lingus ticket, you’ll often see optional upgrades:

  • Better seats

  • Extra legroom

  • Preferred front-cabin seats

  • Business Class upgrade offers (on some routes)

If you see a good price during booking, grab it — these offers are often cheaper than airport upgrades.

2. Upgrade Through “Manage Trip”

If you’ve already booked your flight, upgrading through Manage Trip is the most reliable method.

Steps:

  1. Visit the Aer Lingus website or app

  2. Select Manage Trip

  3. Enter your booking details

  4. Check available upgrades

  5. Pay with card or Avios

Depending on your fare, you may be eligible for:

  • Seat upgrades

  • Cabin upgrades

  • Extra legroom

  • Business Class upgrades

3. Aer Lingus Bidding for Upgrade (Bid to Business Class)

This is one of the most popular upgrade options for long-haul flights.

Aer Lingus allows customers to bid for a Business Class seat. If your bid wins, you'll enjoy a premium cabin at a fraction of the usual cost.

How It Works

  • You receive an invitation email (usually 72–168 hours before departure)

  • Submit your bid using the sliding scale

  • Enter payment details

  • If accepted, your card is charged and the upgrade is confirmed

How Much to Bid for an Aer Lingus Upgrade?

Most winning bids fall between:

  • $200–$450 for short/medium-haul

  • $350–$650 for long-haul

Factors affecting the amount:

  • Route demand

  • Number of open Business Class seats

  • Your original fare

  • Timing of the bid

Tips to Increase Your Bid Success

  • Bid slightly above the midpoint

  • Avoid bidding at the last minute

  • Weekday flights often require lower bids

  • Off-season travel = higher acceptance rate

4. Upgrade at the Airport

You can also request an upgrade at:

  • Check-in counter

  • Self-service kiosks

  • Boarding gate

Airport upgrades can be surprisingly affordable, especially if Business Class is undersold on your route.

5. Upgrade Using Avios

AerClub members can use Avios to upgrade on eligible fares.

Eligible Fare Types

You can usually upgrade ONLY if you booked:

  • Plus,

  • Smart, or

  • Flex fares

Basic fares generally cannot be upgraded using Avios.

What You Can Upgrade With Avios

  • Seat upgrades

  • Extra legroom seats

  • Business Class (on selected long-haul flights)

Aer Lingus Seat Upgrade Cost

Upgrade prices vary depending on the type of upgrade:

Upgrade TypeEstimated Cost
Standard Preferred Seat$15–$40
Extra Legroom$40–$100
Exit Row Seat$50–$120
Business Class Upgrade (Buy Now)$400–$1,200+
Business Class (Bidding)$200–$650

Prices fluctuate depending on route, aircraft type, and demand.

Aer Lingus Seat Selection Policy

If you prefer choosing your seat in advance, Aer Lingus offers seat selection for a fee.

Does Aer Lingus Charge for Seat Selection?

Yes — unless you're flying Business Class or have elite status.

Aer Lingus Seat Selection Fee

  • Standard seats: $15–$40

  • Preferred seats (front rows): $25–$60

  • Extra legroom: $40–$100

  • Exit row: $50–$120

Choosing your seat during booking is usually cheaper than selecting one later.

Aer Lingus Seating Map: How to Pick the Best Seat

Before you upgrade or select a seat, check the Aer Lingus seating map for your aircraft.
It helps you identify:

  • Window vs. aisle seats

  • Quiet cabin areas

  • Exit rows

  • Business Class layout

  • Seats with extra recline

  • Seats near the lavatory (avoid if you want quiet)

The map varies by:

  • Airbus A330

  • Airbus A321LR

  • Boeing aircraft (legacy planes)

Is It Worth Upgrading to Aer Lingus Business Class?

Yes — especially for transatlantic flights.

Business Class Benefits:

  • Lie-flat seats

  • Priority boarding

  • Lounge access

  • Premium dining

  • More baggage allowance

  • Dedicated check-in

  • Large entertainment screens

The upgrade is especially worth it if:

  • You find a low bid

  • Your flight is 6+ hours

  • You want comfort for an overnight trip

Tips to Get an Upgrade on Aer Lingus

  • Join AerClub to receive bid invitations

  • Travel during off-peak seasons

  • Bid slightly above the midpoint

  • Check upgrade prices during booking

  • Look for same-day airport upgrades

  • Book higher fare types to unlock Avios upgrades

Final Thoughts

An Aer Lingus seat upgrade is one of the best ways to enhance your flight experience. Whether you're aiming for extra legroom or a full Business Class upgrade, you have multiple options — bidding, Avios upgrades, airport requests, and online purchase.

For personalized help with upgrades, seat selection, or availability checks, feel free to contact Toursntravelpro upgrade experts at +1-866-679-5070 anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I get an upgrade on Aer Lingus?

You can upgrade through bidding, paying during booking, using Manage Trip, Avios, or at the airport.

2. How much does an Aer Lingus seat upgrade cost?

Seat upgrades start around $15–$100, while Business Class upgrades range from $200–$650 through bidding.

3. How much should I bid for an Aer Lingus upgrade?

Most successful bids fall between $350–$650 for long-haul flights.

4. Does Aer Lingus offer upgrades to Business Class?

Yes — via bidding, purchasing directly, or using Avios on eligible fares.

5. Does Aer Lingus charge for seat selection?

Yes. Seat selection fees depend on seat type and route.

6. Can I upgrade on Aer Lingus using Avios?

Yes, but only on selected fare types (usually Plus, Smart, or Flex).

7. Are airport upgrades cheaper?

Often, yes — especially if Business Class is not full.

8. Can I see the Aer Lingus seating map before selecting a seat?

Yes. The seating map appears during booking and through Manage Trip.

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