21st January 2022: Positive news in the aviation sector continued today with confirmation from Aer Lingus it has 1.7 million transatlantic seats on sale to / from Ireland this summer. With consumer confidence in travel continuing  to grow following yesterday’s news about the easing of most Covid-19 restrictions in Ireland, and a Government announcement due later today, the airline is reminding customers to avail of its January Seat Sale which ends at midnight on Monday.

Aer Lingus will fly 13 transatlantic routes from Dublin and Shannon as part of broader network of 71 routes and 62 destinations out of Ireland. The airline will be the only carrier offering direct flights between Ireland and West Coast USA, with daily flights to San Francisco recommencing on 25 February, daily flights to Los Angeles starting on 12 May and Seattle returning 5 times per week on 26 May.

Los Angeles, Seattle and Philadelphia will be returning to the schedule for the first time since 2020. Twenty aircraft will operate the North American transatlantic network, comprising 12 A330-300 aircraft and 8 A321 NEO LR which will operate on the East Coast.

Aer Lingus will be operating a twice-daily service into Washington from 9th June using the latest sustainable aircraft (A321LR Neo) and opening connections to 13 new European cities – the Aer Lingus ambition to create a world-class hub in Dublin coming to reality.

The Aer Lingus January Seat Sale continues until midnight on Monday 24th of January, with 2 million seats on sale including up to 20% off European and UK travel as well as flights to North America from just €169 each way as part of a return trip. Recent search data from aerlingus.com showed that there was a spike in interest for trips to Europe, the UK and North America, following the recent easing of travel restrictions with searches to some destinations up by as much as 90%.

Ruth Ranson, Director of Communications at Aer Lingus said:  “It’s great to see consumer confidence returning in travel, and now is the time to book a trip for 2022. Our January Seat Sale continues until midnight on Monday, with over 2 million seats on sale. These seats are going quickly, so whether it’s a trip to the slopes to ski, a sun holiday, or a getaway to your favourite US city, there’s never been a better time to plan that long overdue break. We can’t wait to welcome more customers back on board!”

Aer Lingus’ market-leading ‘Book with Confidence’ policy allows customers change flights as many times as they like, should plans change, giving customers peace of mind when booking.

To make travel easier, Aer Lingus has partnered with VeriFLY. By downloading the VeriFLY app and uploading Covid-19 documentation required for their destination, Aer Lingus customers can ensure that all of their Covid-19 related documentation is verified before travel.

Aer Lingus has also recently introduced a Travel Tool to remove the uncertainties of travel restrictions and entry requirements for all Aer Lingus destinations.

Aer Lingus January Seat Sale fares to Europe, the UK and North America are valid for travel from 01 February to 31 May 2022. All offers are subject to conditions and availability and all fares include taxes and charges. Book by midnight 24th January 2022. Terms and conditions apply. For more information, please visit www.aerlingus.com.

ENDS/

Notes to editors

About Airbus A321LR:  Our 8 new Airbus A321LR single aisle aircraft offer a more innovative and sustainable travel experience crossing the North Atlantic, boasting greater fuel-efficiency, with a 15% reduction in fuel burn, compared to a A321CEO and a 50% reduction in noise footprint compared to previous generation aircraft. Offering both a Business Class cabin with 16 fully lie-flat seats, fine dining and complimentary wi-fi, and an Economy Class cabin with complimentary meal and snack and soft drink in-flight, and top inflight entertainment, including the latest movie releases, TV boxsets, games and music.

Data based on web searches and attachment rates on aerlingus.com between the period before testing restrictions lifted (30th December – 3rd January) versus the period following the announcement of testing restrictions listed (6th January – 10th January).

Aer Lingus has extended its ‘Book with Confidence’ policy which allows all customers travelling with the airline to change their travel dates free of charge (note: a fare difference may apply) and as many times as they wish, up to seven days before they travel. The flexible booking policy is available on all bookings up until 30th September 2022. Most fares also include the option to exchange for a guaranteed voucher up to 14 days before travel. In addition, those who booked Advantage, Flex, Business or Business Flex fares have the option of a cash refund if they decide not to travel.