Aer Lingus Introduces New Status Benefits for British Airways & American Airlines Frequent Flyers

The Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus, fully owned by the International Airlines Group (IAG)—alongside British Airways, Iberia, and others—is also a member of the transatlantic joint venture, which includes Finnair, American Airlines, and Level.

However, Aer Lingus is not a member of the Oneworld Alliance. Until now, status benefits have been limited (essentially restricted to lounge access under certain conditions). Earning Tier Points on Aer Lingus flights only became possible earlier this year.

Now, there’s good news. British Airways Executive Club and American Airlines AAdvantage frequent flyers will enjoy additional status benefits on Aer Lingus flights. Similarly, Aer Lingus AerClub status holders can now access new benefits on flights with BA and American.

Benefits for British Airways Executive Club Members on Aer Lingus Flights

Those with status in the British Airways Executive Club now benefit from numerous status advantages on Aer Lingus flights. These include, depending on the status level:

Executive Club Bronze

For Bronze members (Oneworld Ruby), the benefits are modest:

• Priority check-in
• Priority boarding

Executive Club Silver & Gold

For Silver (Oneworld Sapphire) and Gold (Oneworld Emerald), the perks are more enticing, but with a key limitation: lounge access is only available for same-day transatlantic flights.

• Priority check-in
• Priority boarding
• Fast Track at security (in DUB, SNN, LHR, AMS, BFS, BHX)
• Access to select lounges with 1 guest, transatlantic booking required
  • Barbados lounge excluded
• Additional baggage:
  • Silver: 1x 23kg in Economy, excluding Economy Saver fares
  • Gold: 1x 23kg in Economy or 1x 32kg in Business Class¹

¹ – no Saver fare exclusion specified, potentially offering better perks than for Aer Lingus AerClub status holders—yet to be confirmed in practice

Benefits for AAdvantage Members on Aer Lingus Flights

The perks for American Airlines AAdvantage members largely mirror those of British Airways, except that Basic Economy or Saver fares are excluded from baggage benefits.

Benefits for AerClub Members on BA & American Airlines Flights

Aer Lingus AerClub, with over a million members in Ireland and two million globally, now offers status benefits on flights with American Airlines (immediately) and British Airways (starting December 2, 2024).

On British Airways Flights

Starting December 2, 2024, Aer Lingus AerClub members gain most of the status benefits typically available to Oneworld status holders:

• AerClub Silver:
  • Priority check-in
  • Priority boarding (Group 3)
• AerClub Platinum:
  • Priority check-in
  • Priority boarding (Group 3)
  • Fast Track at security (where available)
  • Access to BA and partner lounges (transatlantic bookings only)
  • 23kg additional baggage in Economy (excluding Light/Basic fares)
• AerClub Concierge:
  • Priority check-in
  • Priority boarding (Group 3)
  • Fast Track at security (where available)
  • Lounge access as above
  • 23kg additional baggage in Economy (excluding Light/Basic fares)
  • 32kg additional baggage in Business Class

On American Airlines Flights

While no additional baggage is offered, the other benefits mirror those available on BA flights:

• AerClub Silver:
  • Priority check-in
  • Priority boarding (Group 4)
• AerClub Platinum & Concierge:
  • Same as above, plus:
  • Fast Track at security (where available)
  • Lounge access (where available, transatlantic bookings only)

Currently, the American Airlines website does not reference AerClub status, but it’s expected that AerClub status will be treated similarly to Oneworld Sapphire, potentially granting access to the AA Flagship Lounge instead of just the Admirals Club.

Conclusion

While there are many exclusions and caveats, these enhanced frequent flyer benefits are a positive development for Aer Lingus, British Airways, and American Airlines customers.

However, a full integration of Aer Lingus into the Oneworld Alliance remains a much-anticipated step. The fragmented approach leaves Finnair and Iberia frequent flyers—both part of the joint venture—at a disadvantage. Aer Lingus was previously a member of Oneworld until 2007, and them rejoining could unify benefits for all frequent flyers under the IAG umbrella.

Translated by Ditmar

Cover Picture: © Aer Lingus Group DAC and Aer Lingus Ltd.