BOOKED: An Aer Lingus & Iberia A321XLR Adventure!

I just booked a last minute review trip, and want to share the details. In the coming days you can expect some initial impressions, and then in the coming weeks, you can expect the full trip report. I had aspirations of making this trip a bit grander, but I’ll take what I can get, especially with a 72-hour hall pass from obligations at home.

I’m checking out the world’s two A321XLR operators!

We recently saw the A321XLR enter service, which is Airbus’ newest version of the A321, featuring extended range. Airlines have hundreds of these on order, and eventually they’ll become extremely common, especially across the Atlantic.

In late 2024, Iberia became the global launch customer for the A321XLR, and was followed quickly by Aer Lingus. While browsing award availability, I found a fun opportunity, so decided to make a quick review trip of it.

To kick off the trip, I’ll fly Aer Lingus’ A321XLR from Minneapolis (MSP) to Dublin (DUB), a ticket that I booked with 50,000 British Airways Avios.

Then I’ll be returning on Iberia’s A321XLR from Madrid (MAD) to Washington (IAD), a ticket that I booked with 57,500 American AAdvantage miles.

When it comes to getting between Dublin and Madrid, I’ll be flying an Aer Lingus A320, in the carrier’s AerSpace product, which is basically the front row with a blocked middle, lounge access, and a free drink and snack. I’ve never flown Aer Lingus short haul, so am curious to check it out.

In all honesty, I’m not expecting anything revolutionary from these flights. I mean, I’ve flown the A321neo and A321LR across the Atlantic, so it’s not like these flights are materially longer. But still, it’s a new aircraft variant, and I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to give it a try. For that matter, I’ve generally been meaning to revisit the business class soft products of Aer Lingus and Iberia.

I’ll also be staying at a couple of hotels

On the way out, I have an overnight in Minneapolis, due to the flight availability that I found. Y’all know that I love a good airport hotel, and I’ve heard good things about the InterContinental Minneapolis Airport, so I’ll be checking that out. I managed to book it with an IHG free night award, so deals don’t get better than that.

In Dublin, I’m undecided as to where to stay, as I’ll have a very early start in the morning. I’m not sure whether to go into town or just stay near the airport, given my limited time. If anyone has any thoughts, I’m open to them!

Bottom line

With the Airbus A321XLR having entered service in recent months, I’m looking forward to checking out this new aircraft on both of the airlines currently offering it. You can expect reviews of the Aer Lingus and Iberia A321XLRs, as well as several lounges and a couple of hotels. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned!

Any predictions as to how these Aer Lingus and Iberia flights will go?