Aer Lingus introduces a new fare that guarantees the middle seat will be left EMPTY

Fed up with mid-flight battles for the armrest? Airline introduces a new fare that guarantees the middle seat will be left EMPTY

  • Aer Lingus is offering a new ‘premium travel experience’ ‘AerSpace’ fare on short-haul flights
  • It will be available from September 1 with prices for the fare currently up to €190 (£165) euros one way 
  • Other perks include reserved overhead bin space, fast track security, priority boarding and lounge access

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If you’re fed up with the mid-flight battle for the armrest then perhaps fly with Aer Lingus more often.

That’s because it’s introducing a brand new fare that guarantees an aisle or window seat in the first row of the aircraft, with the middle seat left unoccupied for a ‘roomier and more efficient travel experience’. 

The Irish flag carrier is offering the fare – called ‘AerSpace’ – as a ‘premium travel experience’ on its short-haul flights between Dublin and the UK and Europe. The new fares, available on flights from September 1, 2019, appear to be about three or four times the price of a standard economy ticket.

Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus is introducing a brand new fare that guarantees the middle-of-the-row seat on a plane will be left free. Pictured are Aer Lingus staff Marco Mologni and Kate Ryan with Aer Lingus director of network revenue and loyalty, Susanne Carberry 

When Mailonline Travel did a ‘ghost booking’ we found that the cost of an ‘AerSpace’ ticket from London Heathrow to Dublin on September 8 was €190 (£165) one way, and as low as €45.99 (£40) for a standard economy ticket. 

It’s quite a price hike, but the perks don’t end with extra elbow room. 

AerSpace customers also get a reserved overhead bin directly above the seat, lounge access, fast track security, priority boarding and on-board refreshments.

Aer Lingus says: ‘Designed with guests’ needs in mind, AerSpace is a unique offering in Europe.

A screen grab from the Aer Lingus website shows that on a flight on September 8 from Dublin to London Heathrow, an economy fare is €45.99 (£40) and an AerSpace fare is €145.99 (£126)

A screen grab from the Aer Lingus website shows that on a flight on September 8 from Dublin to London Heathrow, an economy fare is €45.99 (£40) and an AerSpace fare is €145.99 (£126)

The AerSpace fares go up to €190.99 (£165) on a flight on September 8 from London Heathrow to Dublin

The AerSpace fares go up to €190.99 (£165) on a flight on September 8 from London Heathrow to Dublin 

‘It promises a seamless travel experience catering for those who require more space and comfort whether it be for business or leisure.’ 

Aer Lingus’s most popular short-haul destinations from Dublin are to London, Paris, Manchester and Barcelona. And the airline believes that 25 per cent of passengers travelling between Dublin and London do so for business purposes.

Commenting on the launch of the AerSpace fare, Susanne Carberry, director of network revenue and loyalty at Aer Lingus, said: ‘We are thrilled to introduce a new fare option which gives greater comfort and convenience to our guests.

Perks of the premium fare on Aer Lingus include reserved overhead bins directly above seats, lounge access, fast track security, priority boarding and on-board refreshments

Perks of the premium fare on Aer Lingus include reserved overhead bins directly above seats, lounge access, fast track security, priority boarding and on-board refreshments

‘At Aer Lingus we are committed to innovating our product offering to meet travellers’ ever-changing needs.

‘AerSpace guests will have reserved seating in row one on our most popular routes, leaving the middle seat free and allowing more space to work or simply relax as they fly.

‘Not only will those choosing AerSpace enjoy a suite of complimentary services including lounge access and priority boarding, AerClub members will also collect Avios on their AerSpace purchase.

‘We are proud to launch AerSpace in response to feedback from our guests seeking a more premium and spacious travel experience when flying short-haul with Aer Lingus.’