TRAVEL TEST

WHAT: Aer Lingus flight from Manchester to New York JFK. From £179 one way in economy, business class starting at £1,550 return. aerlingus.com EXPERIENCE: I was flying business class on Aer Lingus’ new Airbus A321neo LR, a single aisle jet that offers an extended range of 4,600 miles and improved efficiency on the larger aircraft which normally ply their trade on the transatlantic routes.

My own seat was in a spacious booth area at the front of the aircraft, and the seat turned into a 6ft 6in flat bed with the press of a button.

The Aer Lingus crew could not have been more helpful and provided friendly advice and superb customer service.

I was genuinely surprised by the restaurant-like quality of the smoked salmon starter and roast beef main course.

Outbound, with a long day ahead thanks to the five-hour time difference, I stuck to fresh orange juice, coffee and Coke (on the return journey I did not deny myself some of the excellent champagne, lager and red wine).

There was a real attention to detail with the crew serving everything from water biscuits to freshly baked goodies.

I chose to read a novel to pass the time, but other passengers watched movies and box sets on a 16in multi-touch HD Panasonic screen.

QUIBBLES: If I am to be really picky, perhaps it needs a broader selection of beers to cater for craft ale enthusiasts.

VERDICT: The Aer Lingus business class experience makes you feel like a film star thanks to the stellar customer service provided by the crew.

I felt the stress of life draining from me as the flight progressed and I was completely refreshed as I said goodbye to the crew ready to go for a big day in the Big Apple.

9.5/10