Airline review: Aer Lingus, A321neo economy class, Dublin to London Heathrow

One hour 25 minutes, on time.

CARBON EMISSIONS

Aer Lingus is part of the Spanish-registered International Airlines Group which has committed to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Investing in the more environment-friendly A321neoLR is a key part of their sustainability efforts.

FREQUENCY

This is the airline's bread and butter route, with 17 daily flights to the UK capital.

HEALTH

The Airbus aircraft are fitted with filtration technology, the same used in operating theatres, and cabin air is replaced every three minutes. Masks are optional on most European routes including this one (there are exceptions).

CHECKING IN

I'm using the "Evening Prior" service, where pre-8am flyers can check in between 4pm and 7:45pm the night before. My biggest concern, matched by check-in agent James, is the bounty of in-season, freshly bottled Cork blood orange jams from local markets that just mightn't clear security. "We can't have that," he says jovially, and checks in my (slightly overweight) carry-on bag with no charge.

THE SEAT

Business class looks the real deal, with lie-flat seats offering the first indication this isn't a usual short-haul flight. In my economy cabin, I'm in a middle seat, but don't mind due to the sense of space and luxury. It's a standard 18-inch width, but slightly less padding makes it feel larger.

BAGGAGE

A carry-on bag up to 10kg is included free and a 20kg bag costs €20 ($30). Even with a last-minute booking, this fare was only slightly more expensive than low-cost, abominable Ryanair for the same route.

FOOD

Food is suspended on short regional routes as a health measure to reduce cabin movement.

ENTERTAINMENT

I'm floored, the range is far superior to a recent long-haul flight. There are television box sets, latest blockbusters including House of Gucci, documentaries on Louisiana wetlands even Offline, a snowboard movie. But I'm hooked by Ireland County by County, with Irish presenter Ciara Whelan revealing the best of Ireland from the shores of Sligo to the mountaintops of Kerry, inspiring another trip.

SERVICE

It's the trifecta of efficient, relaxed and friendly. Aer Lingus is an airline on a mission, and the crew's new uniform (in navy and Kenmare green, a type of teal) by Irish designer Louise Kennedy marks the final stage of the brand's refresh. Repositioning itself as a modern international airline with a proud Irish heritage, it has an updated logo (look for the sweet shamrocks on the wing tips) and aircraft livery, long-haul A321LR aircraft, new US routes and is celebrating 65 years of transatlantic flying.

ONE MORE THING

Given the airport is only 15 minutes from the city, a Dublin weekend visit from Europe is easy. At the airport, visit The Design Ireland store featuring small scale designers selected by the Design & Crafts Council Ireland for Irish-produced items.

VERDICT

The stress-free Dublin airport experience, spacious interior, incredible entertainment array, a competitive price point and friendly staff, makes this revamped national carrier a quiet achiever and one of the best in the European skies.

OUR RATING OUT OF FIVE

★★★★½

The writer travelled as a guest of Tourism Ireland.

Airline reviews A to Z: Read all of Traveller's Flight Tests

See also: Airline review: Our verdict on Qantas' new non-stop flight to Europe

See also: Airline review: No meal, no entertainment, no complaints