Aer Lingus has introduced a cheap transatlantic fare aimed at passengers willing to travel without the normal frills associated with a long-haul flight, and without a checked bag.

The Irish airline’s new “Saver Fare” – which start at €169 – is already available to book, with the first flights from October 1st.

As well as foregoing a checked bag, the passenger will also not be entitled to an allocated seat, blanket (an extra €3) or headphones (€5).

However, the offer does include a 10kg cabin bag, meals on board and the use the in-flight entertainment system.

Competition on the North Atlantic has increased significantly this year with Norwegian Airlines flying from Ireland to airports near New York and near Boston nineteen times a week.

Wow Air is selling low-cost transatlantic flights via Reykjavik.

Delta, American Airlines and United Airways have all increased routes and capacity during this year.

“We recognise that there is not a one-size fits all for today’s traveller and we want to provide an array of fare choices for our guests. That’s why we have introduced our new Saver Fare, recognising the desire for some travellers to go à la carte, book their flight and choose any additional extras should they so wish, “ said Declan Kearney, Aer Lingus Director of Communications said.

Aer Lingus will operate 2.5 million seats to the US and Canada this year, to 13 cities, including New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington DC, Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The number of seats has doubled in the past five years.

A new Airbus 330 is expected to be delivered by the end of the year and will be used for a new transatlantic route. “Business is booming at Aer Lingus and we are hiring to cope with the activity,” added Declan Kearney, Director of Communications.