Frequent fliers and Avios enthusiasts, significant changes are here for booking Aer Lingus reward flights. The Avios.com platform, long used by Aer Lingus AerClub members, is being retired. This shift simplifies the redemption process, enabling reward seat bookings directly on AerLingus.com.
A Bit of Background
In 2018, the Avios loyalty scheme announced the shutdown of its Avios Travel Rewards Programme. Initially, the programme aimed to compete with Clubcard and Nectar as a non-flying Avios scheme. However, due to British Airways’ limited regional flights and other factors, it didn’t succeed. As a result, avios.com became the go-to platform for managing accounts and booking redemptions for members of Vueling Club, Flybe (RIP), Aer Lingus AerClub, and other Avios-earning schemes—except for British Airways and Iberia.
During this transition, British Airways Executive Club members had their Avios balances automatically transferred to newly created BA Executive Club accounts. This left Aer Lingus AerClub members to continue using Avios.com for their redemptions, maintaining a fragmented booking process.
The Complex Booking Process
For years, Aer Lingus AerClub members faced a cumbersome booking process:
- AerLingus.com: Allowed using Avios for discounts on cash flights. Unlike British Airways’ system, members could cover the entire cost, including taxes and fees, with Avios.
- Avios.com: Necessary for standard redemptions based on the Aer Lingus chart. It was also the sole platform for using AerClub Avios to book British Airways or Iberia flights.
The Change: Goodbye Avios.com
Now, the remaining functionality of Avios.com for Aer Lingus is being phased out. Here’s the message from Avios.com:
“The way you book Reward Flights for AerClub is being improved, enabling you to book Reward Flights through AerLingus.com instead of Avios.com. These changes will happen shortly.”
What to Expect
The transition to AerLingus.com for all Avios reward bookings aims to streamline the user experience. Here’s what to expect:
- Direct Bookings on AerLingus.com: Aer Lingus will integrate reward seat bookings directly on their website, eliminating the need to use Avios.com.
- Avios Transfers: In the interim, members can transfer Avios to a British Airways Executive Club account via ‘Combine My Avios’ to book Aer Lingus flights on BA.com. Both platforms now align in terms of taxes and charges.
- Enhanced Ticket Management: This shift will address the issue of Aer Lingus tickets issued by British Airways (ticket numbers starting with 125-) being unmanageable online.
- Simplified Booking Process: Like the British Airways site, the Aer Lingus site will offer seamless reward bookings and improved ticket management.
- Consistent Costs: Taxes and charges are expected to remain consistent across AerLingus.com and BA.com.
- Increased Convenience: The integration will eliminate the need to switch between multiple platforms, saving time and reducing confusion.
Conclusion
The complete retirement of Avios.com marks a pivotal moment for Aer Lingus AerClub members. This move to integrate reward seat bookings directly on AerLingus.com will significantly enhance the user experience, making it easier and more efficient to use Avios for Aer Lingus flights. Stay tuned for the official rollout and prepare to enjoy a streamlined way to manage your Avios redemptions with Aer Lingus.