Aer Lingus has launched a new Saver fare for its transatlantic services, designed to compete with the growing number of low-cost long-haul alternatives.
The new option, which Aer Lingus says is “our new lowest available fare for transatlantic flights”, unbundles “extras” like checked luggage, seat selection, blankets and headphones.
Customers purchasing the Saver fare will receive a one-piece 10kg hand luggage allowance, as well as an onboard meal and access to inflight entertainment, with other services and amenities available on a paid-for basis.
Those preferring to have the extras included in their fare will need to stick to the carrier’s existing Smart fare.
Saver fares start from €169 each way when booked as a return, and are available for purchase now, for travel from October 1.
Note that the Saver fare is only available on point-to-point transatlantic fares from Dublin – it cannot be booked from the UK, on, say, a Heathrow-Dublin-New York JFK routing.
Aer Lingus is finding its transatlantic network being squeezed by the growth in low-cost carriers including Norwegian, which recently launched flights to the US from four Irish cities.
Aer Lingus recently launched its largest ever winter schedule, with with a new transatlantic route to Miami, and additional seats on short-haul services from Dublin to Birmingham and Heathrow.
