Originally Posted by rob_88

Aer Lingus economy isn't great, but neither is BA or AA. It's a pretty short flight, the major benefit of Aer Lingus is the ability to preclear immigration in Dublin. If the idea of getting off a flight and standing in up to 2 hours of US Immigration doesn't sound great to you, then I'd definitely opt for Aer Lingus.

I always fly Transatlantic in Aer Lingus in J on BA flight codes where possible - IMO the business class product is far superior to BA's in seat, service, food, cleanliness, alcohol quality, flight reliability etc. There's also a great lounge in the Preclearance area at Dublin, which is a far, far, far nicer place to wait for a connection, than the equivalent time wasted in the arrival/immigration line at JFK T7.

EI Downsides: 757 isn't great on any airline. The cabin is dry, and you'll get off feeling a bit tired. It's all Buy-on-board (no free food or booze), and getting the crew in economy to bring you water is like pulling teeth. No BA Tier Points if you book on EI flight codes.

EI Upsides: US Preclearance, which can easily save you 2 hours stateside, you're £400 up compared to your other options. You still get some Avios/Miles, but you may end up with more value if you credit an economy flight to Aer Club / Alaska / United.