Aer Lingus AerClub members now get elite benefits flying British Airways and American

Aer Lingus has announced new benefits for AerClub members flying on British Airways and American Airlines.

It’s not the same as full oneworld alliance membership, but it seems to be as good as AerClub members can expect for now.

Let’s take a look. Full details are on the Aer Lingus website here.

Elite members of Aer Lingus AerClub will receive the following benefits on British Airways and American Airlines depending on their tier.

I have noted which Aer Lingus tiers receive which benefits when flying with BA – the situation may differ on American Airlines:

• priority check-in (Silver, Platinum, Concierge plus anyone travelling on the same booking can use Business Class desks)

• priority boarding (Silver, Platinun, Concierge plus anyone travelling on the same booking will receive Group 3 boarding)

• fast track security (Platinum and Concierge members, plus one guest)

• lounge access (Platinum and Concierge members, plus one guest, travelling on a transatlantic BA itinerary can access lounges in UK, Europe, USA, Canada, Mexico and Israel)

• additional baggage allowance (Platinum can bring an extra checked bag on economy flight, Concierge members can bring an extra checked bag on economy and business flights – neither apply to ‘Hand Baggage Only’ flights)

These are all ‘day of travel’ benefits. There are no benefits which you can use in advance of travel, such as free seat selection.

The new rules are effective immediately for flights on American Airlines and from 2nd December for flights on British Airways.

You will need to add your AerClub number to your British Airways or American Airlines booking to receive these benefits, which means that you would be earning miles and status credits in AerClub and not Executive Club or AAdvantage.

It is now three years since Aer Lingus joined the Atlantic Joint Business, which is the joint venture between BA, American Airlines, Iberia, Finnair and LEVEL which controls all transatlantic flights on those carriers. The JV is meant to be ‘metal neutral’ – ie you would earn identical miles and status credits irrespective of who you fly. It does not actually work that way but these changes bring it a little closer.

Remember that British Airways Executive Club members have been able to earn tier points on Aer Lingus flights since April 2024. This now includes ‘R’ and ‘I’ class – the cheapest business class tickets – which were originally excluded.

You can find out more about the new benefits on this page of the Aer Lingus website.

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