This AerClub review looks at a loyalty programme that rewards commitment to a single airline rather than alliance hopping. Aer Lingus sits inside the IAG stable alongside British Airways and Iberia, sharing Avios as a currency, yet it deliberately remains outside Oneworld. That decision defines AerClub. Status perks, upgrades and recognition apply primarily when flying Aer Lingus itself, though recent partnership agreements with BA and American Airlines have expanded benefits significantly. This makes AerClub a strong scheme for loyalists and an increasingly attractive option for transatlantic travellers.
Points Earning Rates On Short, Mid, And Long-Haul Flights
AerClub uses Avios for rewards and Tier Credits for status. Avios earning on Aer Lingus flights follows a revenue-based model, so fare paid matters more than distance. Short-haul European saver fares earn modestly, while Plus and Advantage tickets do better. Transatlantic flights deliver the bulk of Avios, particularly in business class.
How Easy Is It To Redeem Points For Flights?
Redemptions allow either full Avios bookings or part-payment on cash fares. This flexibility helps when balances fall short. Taxes and charges on long-haul routes can be high, especially westbound. Availability tends to appear in pockets rather than predictably. The takeaway is simple: redemptions work best if you stay flexible and focus on Aer Lingus-operated flights.
Do Points Expire?
Avios do not expire as long as there is activity on the account within 36 months. Any earning or spending action resets the clock, making AerClub forgiving for infrequent flyers.
Introduction To The Status Tiers
AerClub has four tiers: Green, Silver, Platinum and Concierge. Green provides access to Avios earning and member pricing but no travel perks.
Silver introduces meaningful airport benefits, crucially, you gain access to Aer Lingus lounges in Ireland (Dublin, Cork), London Heathrow, and New York JFK, as well as partner lounges on direct routes to/from the USA (excluding San Francisco and Chicago) and selected European airports. This benefit is for the member only.
Platinum and Concierge add fairly valuable extras such as complimentary upgrades and companion tickets.
Status is earned based on Tier Credits accumulated during the qualification period, which runs from 1st April to 31st March each year for all members.
Tier Credit Accrual Rates On Short, Mid, And Long-Haul Flights
Tier Credits are earned only on Aer Lingus and selected British Airways flights, with earnings driven by route and fare class. The gap between economy and business is significant.
| Route / Fare Type | Cabin | Tier Credits (one way) |
|---|---|---|
| Europe – Saver | Economy | 7.5–15 |
| Europe – Plus | Economy | 25 |
| Europe – Advantage / AerSpace | Economy / Business | 50 |
| Transatlantic – Saver | Economy | 15 |
| Transatlantic – Smart | Economy | 50 |
| Transatlantic – Flex | Economy | 75 |
| Transatlantic – Business | Business | 125 |
| Transatlantic – Business Flex | Business | 175 |
A return transatlantic business class trip can therefore deliver 250-350 Tier Credits, while a return in basic economy barely dents the total.
Approximate Cost And Travel Required To Reach Equivalent Oneworld Status
Silver, Platinum and Concierge thresholds are straightforward on paper but skewed heavily towards premium travel.
| Status Tier | Tier Credits Required | Typical Travel Needed | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver | 301 | 1 discounted transatlantic business return or 6–8 European Plus returns | £1,600-£2,800 |
| Platinum | 601 | 2–3 transatlantic business returns | £3,300-£8,000 |
| Concierge | 1,051 | 4–5 transatlantic business returns or frequent travel throughout the year | £6,000-£14,000+ |
Compared with Oneworld Sapphire via BA, the spend can look similar, but historically benefits applied to far fewer airlines. However, the December 2024 partnership changes have narrowed this gap considerably. It’s certainly possible to reach Silver with just a couple of heavily discounted business class returns paying 125 Tier Credits per flight.
Sweet-Spot For Earning Status
The sweet spot is clear. Discounted business class fares between Dublin and North America offer the fastest and most efficient path to status. European flights only make sense when booked in higher fare buckets or bundled into existing travel.
Overall Quality Of The Lounges And Cabin Products
Aer Lingus lounges in Dublin and select US airports are dependable rather than flashy. Long-haul business class offers privacy and consistency, while short-haul cabins remain functional. Status recognition is strong on Aer Lingus flights, and since December 2024, AerClub status holders now receive meaningful benefits when flying British Airways and American Airlines, including priority check-in, fast-track security, lounge access, and additional baggage allowances on transatlantic itineraries.
Additional Partner Airline Benefits (December 2024 Update)
A significant development occurred in late 2024 when Aer Lingus, British Airways and American Airlines introduced reciprocal status benefits. AerClub Silver, Platinum and Concierge members now receive priority check-in, priority boarding, fast-track security access, lounge access, and additional luggage allowances when flying with BA and AA. These benefits align closely with Oneworld alliance perks, making AerClub status considerably more valuable for transatlantic travellers who connect through London or fly with American Airlines in the US. While Aer Lingus remains outside Oneworld, this partnership provides much of the practical benefit of alliance membership for the routes most AerClub members care about.
BG1 Verdict
Our AerClub review lands on a clear conclusion. AerClub is excellent for frequent Aer Lingus flyers who value airline-specific perks like upgrades and companion tickets. The December 2024 partnership with BA and AA has significantly improved the programme’s appeal for transatlantic travellers. It remains less compelling for those chasing full Oneworld alliance-wide status, but the gap has narrowed. For Irish-based travellers or anyone routing through Dublin to North America, AerClub now offers genuine value.
Where Can I Sign-Up?
AerClub membership is free and available via the Aer Lingus website. Be sure to add the number to your upcoming bookings.
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