I've flown transatlantic with BA Club World, Virgin Upper Class, Aer Lingus Business (old version), Virgin Premium Economy along with Economy on Virgin, Aer Lingus, Thompson, Thomas Cook and American with a finial destination of MCO or SFB. We've tried almost everything for our flights out to Orlando and have a strong sense of what we like and don't like.
The older Aer Lingus business class is an excellent product for day flights; the mix of seat comfort along with IFE, food and service is excellent value given the roughly £1,500 return fare (LGW>DUB>MCO>DUB>LGW). Obviously the chance to Pre Clear Immigration in DUB is a positive but the benefit is lost if you typically fly out on the pre-11am flights from the likes of LGW because the flight gets in several hours later.
Only a few things let Aer Lingus and the old business product down for me;
- Flight times out of DUB to MCO are later than I would like and they do not fly everyday
- The business lounge at DUB is very average and before pre-clearnce so you can't maximise your time there
- Seat comfort is very good but only for day flights; night flights aren't great with the not so lay flat bed
- Privacy when a solo travel (an observation as we always fly as a couple)
- Connection time when traveling back home can be too long (based on my route; others will vary)
- Having to take a connecting flight on the way back reduces the benefit of being able to sleep on the flight home
- Indirect flight. We missed our connection in DUB to MCO due to fog at BRS so had to fly to BOS then down to MCO the next day.
The new business class product looks like a winner based on what has been reported. The fact the bed is now fully lay flat and wifi onboard are tempting me back if the price is right - I would suggest the new product (if it only builds on the old version) is better than BA Club World. Virgin UC wins hands down for the best overall experience but the bed isn't the most comfortable. Taking the connection out of the mix and considering the typical fares Aer Lingus Business would be my choice.
The experience in the Aer Lingus economy cabin is above average but I wouldn't opt to fly this route because of the connection after a night flight unless cost was a big factor.
From my experience in business class;
Lounge: Virgin Upper Class - Club House
Bed for Sleeping: BA Club World
On Board Food: Virgin Upper Class
Most Comfortable Seat (Day Flight): Virgin Upper Class
Cabin Appearance: Aer Lingus
Cabin Layout: Virgin Upper Class
.
