Avios redemptions much better value with Aer Lingus?

[Krispy]

Has anyone else noticed that quite often Aer Lingus has better value redemptions with avios than BA?

– Whilst fees are slightly higher, the amount of avios required is significantly less
– Also have direct routing to NYC/Orlando and barbados from MAN – good for us northerners
– can still use the companion voucher from the amex avios cards

Only issue is it’s harder to get business class availability. Does anyone know if the companion voucher offers additional business availability like it does with BA?

[BA Flyer IHG Stayer]

The extra availability only applies to BA flights as they are the only ones they control.

But since you have to book via BA when using a 2-4-1 you pay whatever points and cash BA are charging,

If you want EI pricing then you need to book via EI but you can’t then use a 2-4-1.

[Krispy]

Thank you for this that’s helpful. I didn’t know you had to go via the BA website. Thankfully it’s the sma price for JFK redemptions

[NorthernLass]

It’s easier finding hen’s teeth than business seats on EI from MAN! Another reader explained it that as well as not releasing as many seats as BA, there’s a wait list for them and they tend to get snapped up by EI elite members (though I’m not sure why so many of them would be based in the north of England!)