I recently traveled round trip to the USA flying out from London to Chicago on American Airlines and returning from Los Angeles to Dublin on Aer Lingus. I have written this brief report to compare the two airlines Business class offerings. I have made every effort to ensure my natural bias for my home airline Aer Lingus does not unfairly influence my judgment.

Flight 1: American Airlines AA67 from London to Chicago on October 18th 2006.

Flight 2: Aer Lingus EI144 from Los Angeles to Dublin on October 23rd 2006.

Pre-Flight

Check in for my London to Chicago flight was completed in Shannon by Aer Lingus so I joined the Premier/Gold Circle Queue since my long-haul flight was in Business and check-in was completed quickly and efficiently with bags tagged all the way to Chicago and I also received both boarding cards. I did not use either the Aer Lingus lounge in Shannon or the American Airlines Admirals Club in London (mainly due to the length of time it took to clear security). Aer Lingus Premier/Gold Circle check-in at Los Angeles was quick and efficient and I received an invitation to the Interim First Class lounge which unfortunately is landside of security but it totally satisfactory with nice airside views.

Both airlines priority boarded clearly and efficiently. I do think having a dedicated boarding lane to allow business/first passengers to board at their leisure is better then just boarding business/first passengers before economy. That way if you arrive at the gate late you don’t have to join a long line with economy pax.

Verdict: Both airlines offered good pre-flight experiences but my ability to compare is limited by the fact that I did not use the AA lounge or an AA check-in counter.

Cabin Comfort

My AA LHR-ORD flight was on a Boeing 777-200, the business class seating was 2x3x2, in the current highly competitive business class market on UK-US routes this configuration seems unsatisfactory. Seat pitch was good at 60” but the seat seemed to require a lot of manual effort in order to move the leg-rest. Also the general condition of the cabin interior was substandard with lots of loose wall panels and worn carpet. The general standard of cleanliness was also poor. Blankets and pillows were totally satisfactory.

My EI LAX-DUB flight was on an Airbus A330-200, seating was in a 2x2x2 layout and although the seat pitch was 52” the seat was power controlled and the general standard of maintenance was higher and the cabin ambience was superior. The A330 cabin also seemed quieter although I cannot be assured of this it was only an impression. Blankets and pillows were also nice. The amenity kit had much the same contents as the AA offering.

Verdict: Aer Lingus is the winner here and despite the pitch the cabin was generally speaking far more comfortable and the seat was easier to control.

Staff

The AA staff were a very mixed bunch. Most crew working in Business class were attentive and seemed to be well motivated and to enjoy their job. However, some of the crew working throughout the aircraft (in particular the one ‘greeting’ passengers as they boarded) looked tired, bored and behaved in a rude and unprofessional manner.

EI staff were highly professional, well groomed and dealt with all passengers sensitively, warmly and with a high level of professionalism.

Verdict: Aer Lingus is the hands down winner for cabin crew.

Food

I pre-ordered gluten-free meals (GFML) for all flights. The AA offering was definitely at the more developed end of gluten-free menus and both meals served were creative and of a high standard. The Aer Lingus offering was bland and thoughtless. Both airlines offered good meal service presentation.

Verdict: American Airlines stole the show with excellent GFMLs. Aer Lingus have some catching up to do.

Entertainment

Both carriers seriously fell down in this area with no AVOD. Both had a reasonable selection of movies.

Verdict: No winner here – two big losers.

Post-flight (Baggage)

Both carriers baggage arrived quickly after flights.

Verdict: Both carriers provided good baggage services.

Overall:

American Airlines Wins: Food
Aer Lingus Wins: Staff, Cabin Comfort

Both carriers provided a good service but when it comes to value for money and consistency I think Aer Lingus would be my first choice.