Aer Lingus has regained the best airline to North America category at the Irish Travel Industry Awards, organised by the Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA), in a category sponsored by Wendy Wu Tours against finalists British Airways, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic. The award was won by united in 2025 and was last won by Aer Lingus in 2023.
The airline’s activities in the Irish market centre on an expanding network of direct flights from Dublin, Shannon, and Cork to major North American gateways. From Dublin, Aer Lingus operates year-round services to New York (JFK and Newark), Boston, Chicago, Washington Dulles, Philadelphia, Toronto, and Montreal, with seasonal routes to Orlando, Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Vancouver. Shannon Airport benefits from direct links to Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and seasonal services to Hartford and Cleveland, supporting regional connectivity and appealing to passengers in the west of Ireland. These routes facilitate not only leisure holidays but also business travel, family visits, and the growing Irish diaspora community in the United States and Canada. New routes to Pittsburgh and Raleigh Durham launch in 20266.
Aer Lingus’ transatlantic product emphasises value and comfort. Economy cabins offer generous legroom, complimentary meals, and in-flight entertainment, while Business Class features lie-flat seats, priority services, and access to lounges. The airline’s transatlantic fleet includes modern Airbus A330 and A321LR aircraft, delivering efficient, fuel-conscious operations. Passengers appreciate the no-middle-seat configuration in many aircraft, Irish hospitality from crew, and the option to bundle holidays through Aer Lingus Holidays, which packages flights with hotels, car hire, and attractions for seamless planning.
Trade partnerships play a crucial role in Aer Lingus’ success. The airline works closely with Irish agents through dedicated support teams, roadshows, and marketing initiatives that promote North American destinations. Agents benefit from competitive commissions, training on routes and fares, and promotional campaigns highlighting city breaks in New York, family trips to Florida, or cultural escapes to Boston and Chicago. Codeshare agreements with partners like United Airlines expand connectivity, allowing seamless onward travel across the United States and Canada.
Recent growth underscores Aer Lingus’ commitment to the market. For summer 2026, the airline has increased frequencies on key routes, including additional services to New York, Boston, and Toronto, while introducing enhanced capacity to Orlando and Los Angeles. The planned resumption of seasonal flights to Hartford and the addition of new destinations reflect strong demand for North American holidays, driven by pent-up travel interest, favourable exchange rates, and Ireland’s position as a convenient transatlantic hub.
Sustainability remains a priority. Aer Lingus invests in sustainable aviation fuel, modern aircraft, and carbon offsetting programmes, aligning with Ireland’s environmental targets and appealing to eco-aware travellers. These efforts have contributed to recognition in related award categories and resonate with clients seeking responsible options for long-haul flights.
Challenges in the transatlantic sector include fuel costs, competition from other carriers, and occasional operational disruptions. Aer Lingus addresses these through fleet efficiency, flexible scheduling, and strong customer service, including AerClub loyalty benefits that reward frequent flyers with upgrades, lounge access, and priority boarding.
As Irish outbound travel to North America thrives, with surging interest in city breaks, theme park holidays, and scenic tours, Aer Lingus serves as the natural choice for many. Its award-winning status in the Ireland to North America category reflects not only market leadership but also a deep understanding of what Irish travellers value: affordability, convenience, and a touch of home.
Aer Lingus bridges Ireland and North America with pride and professionalism, ensuring countless journeys begin, and end, with the distinctive green shamrock.
2026 awards
Previous winners
