British Airways Executive Club (BAEC) members have something new to celebrate: you can now earn tier points on Aer Lingus flights! This update, although not formally announced, was confirmed by Aer Lingus and reported by several travel blogs. Here’s a comprehensive look at what this means for you and how you can make the most of it.
The Announcement and Its Impact
The news first surfaced when Travel-Dealz discovered updates on the British Airways website, later confirmed by an Aer Lingus spokesperson. Effective from April 2024, BAEC members can now collect tier points on Aer Lingus-operated flights, a change that enhances the value of Aer Lingus flights for those seeking to climb the ranks of the Executive Club.
This change is a significant improvement for frequent flyers. It eliminates the frustrating limitation that previously existed, where BAEC members could earn tier points only on Aer Lingus flights carrying a BA flight number. Now, with tier points available on all Aer Lingus flights, BAEC members can finally enjoy the benefits of flying Aer Lingus without sacrificing their progress toward elite status.
Why This Change is a Big Deal
The ability to earn tier points on Aer Lingus flights is a game-changer for several reasons:
- Cost-Effective Travel: Aer Lingus often offers cheaper fares compared to British Airways, especially on transatlantic routes. This means BAEC members can now choose more affordable flights without missing out on tier points.
- Expanded Route Network: Aer Lingus provides an extensive network of routes, particularly between Europe and North America, which now contribute to your BAEC status.
- Improved Loyalty Experience: This update simplifies the loyalty experience, making it easier to accumulate tier points and achieve higher status levels.
The Details
Here’s a closer look at how many tier points you can earn based on your fare class and route:
Long-Haul Example: London Heathrow (LHR) to New York JFK (JFK)
| Class | Avios | Tier Points |
|---|---|---|
| Economy lowest (L, S, R, W) | 1,729 | 35 |
| Economy flexible (Y, M, N) | 3,458 | 70 |
| Business lowest (D) | 5,187 | 140 |
| Business flexible (J, C) | 8,645 | 140 |
Short-Haul Example: London Heathrow (LHR) to Dublin Airport (DUB)
| Class | Avios | Tier Points |
|---|---|---|
| Economy lowest (L, S, R, W) | 150 | 10 |
| Economy flexible (Y, M, N) | 300 | 20 |
| Business lowest (D) | 450 | 40 |
| Business flexible (J, C) | 750 | 40 |
Making the Most of the Change
To maximize this new opportunity:
- Book Wisely: Utilize Aer Lingus for routes where they offer competitive fares.
- Check Eligibility: Confirm that your Aer Lingus flight is eligible for tier points through the British Airways website or customer service.
- Strategic Planning: Plan your travel to maximize tier points, especially on high-yield routes like transatlantic flights.
The Bigger Picture
This update is part of a broader trend of closer integration between Aer Lingus and British Airways. Despite Aer Lingus not being a member of the Oneworld alliance since 2007, this move enhances the synergies between the two carriers. It also raises speculation about whether Aer Lingus might rejoin Oneworld in the future.
Additionally, there are a few points still needing clarification:
- Qualifying Flights: Will Aer Lingus flights count towards the required qualifying flights for BAEC status levels?
- BA Holidays: Will Aer Lingus flights be included in the BA Holidays double-tier-points promotion?
While these details are yet to be confirmed, the current changes already represent a significant improvement for BAEC members.
A Win for Frequent Flyers
In my opinion, this is a win for BAEC members and a smart move by both airlines. It makes Aer Lingus flights more attractive to BAEC members, potentially increasing Aer Lingus’ customer base while providing BAEC members with more flexibility and cost-saving opportunities. This update demonstrates a keen understanding of frequent flyers’ needs and strengthens the loyalty programs of both airlines.
Conclusion
The ability to earn tier points on Aer Lingus flights is a transformative enhancement for British Airways Executive Club members. It simplifies the loyalty experience and offers more value and flexibility. Whether you’re flying across Europe or the Atlantic, every flight now brings you closer to your next tier.
For both Aer Lingus and British Airways frequent flyers, the sky’s the limit for tier points accumulation and elite status benefits. Happy travels!
