Aer Lingus lets passengers book empty middle seat and guaranteed cabin bag space

The AerSpace concept includes free lounge access and fast-track security

The new AerSpace seat on Aer Lingus flights (Aer Lingus)

In the air, the ultimate luxury for an economy passenger is sitting in an empty row.

From 1 September, passengers flying on Aer Lingus will be able to guarantee there is nobody sitting next to them by booking an empty middle seat.

The AerSpace concept, which will be available on selected short-haul flights from the UK to Ireland, means passengers book a window or aisle seat in the first row of the aircraft.

The concept also allocates passengers reserved cabin bag space directly above them.

Other travel benefits include free lounge access, fast-track security, priority boarding and free onboard refreshments.

As passengers will be seated in the first row, there will be just four AerSpace seats available per aircraft.

“At Aer Lingus we are committed to innovating our product offering to meet travellers’ ever-changing needs,” said Susanne Carberry, director of network revenue and loyalty at Aer Lingus.

“AerSpace guests will have reserved seating in row 1 on our most popular routes, leaving the middle seat free and allowing more space to work or simply relax as they fly.”

She added: “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.”

In March, Thomas Cook Airlines unveiled the ‘Sleeper Seat’, which enables long-haul passengers to lie flat in economy.