Ireland’s flag carrier, Aer Lingus, allows travelers to book flights using Avios points. It is a shared reward currency used by AerClub, British Airways Executive Club, and Iberia Plus. Booking with these points is more affordable than paying in cash, especially for transatlantic or European routes.
How Aer Lingus Points Work?
As of now, Aer Lingus does not have its own separate points system. Hence, it uses Avios. It is the same rewards currency used by British Airways, Iberia, and Qatar Airways. It means if you already collect Avios through any of these programs, you can use them to book Aer Lingus flights too.
- Each airline decides how many Avios a flight costs and how many seats are available for rewards.
- Though your Avios balance can be freely used between all the linked accounts.
- The Avios balance works across Aer Lingus and its partner airlines.
- Thus, they give flyers a flexible option to earn and redeem.
- Flyers can also consult the carrier’s desk at specific airports to know the rules.
- For the same reason, they must be aware of the terminal from which Aer Lingus operates.
- For example, Aer Lingus operates out of Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) Terminal 1.
How to Earn Avios for Aer Lingus Flights?
There are several ways to earn Avios before booking an Aer Lingus flight.
- Fly Aer Lingus/partner carriers to earn Avios and Tier Credits on eligible fares.
- Transfer points from major U.S. and U.K. credit card programs, including:
- Chase Ultimate Rewards (via British Airways Executive Club)
- Amex Membership Rewards
- Capital One Miles
- Citi ThankYou Points
- Through retail and hotel partners using:
- AerClub shopping
- Hotel portals
- Use credit cards like the British Airways Visa Signature Card for redeemable Aer Lingus flights.
- To inquire more about these, visit the dedicated terminal at an airport.
- For instance, visit Terminal 2 of Frankfurt International Airport to see whether these cards work out or not.
How to Book Aer Lingus Flights With Avios Points?
There are multiple ways to book Aer Lingus flights with Avios Points. Each has advantages depending on convenience, availability, and fees.
- Book directly through Aer Lingus AerClub
This is the most direct and ideal method for Aer Lingus flights. Cash surcharges on long-haul flights may be higher than booking with British Airways Avios.
How to book:
- Join AerClub for free on the Aer Lingus website.
- Transfer Avios from other programs, using the “Combine My Avios” feature, including:
- BA Executive Club
- Iberia Plus
- Log in to AerClub, go to “Spending Avios”.
- Select ”Book a Reward Flight”.
- Enter travel details and pay with Avios
- However, taxes and fees should be paid in cash.
- Book through the British Airways Executive Club
Many travelers find this method simpler. Availability and award costs may differ from booking directly with Aer Lingus.
How to book:
- Join the British Airways Executive Club if you do not have an account.
- Use the reward flight search tool to find Aer Lingus flights.
- Compare costs:
- For long flights, fees are similar
- For short-haul flights, a direct Aer Lingus booking may be cheaper
- Complete booking on the BA website using Avios
- Use other partner airlines’ points
Aer Lingus partners with carriers such as Alaska Airlines, allowing bookings with their points.
How to book:
- Join the partner program (such as Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan).
- Earn or transfer points through flights, credit cards, or transfers.
- Search for Aer Lingus flights on the partner website.
- Taxes and fees may be lower than booking with Avios directly.
How to Book an Aer Lingus Flight with Points?
Here is a step-by-step guide on booking Aer Lingus flights using Avios points.
- Choose the suitable Avios platform:
One can redeem Avios for Aer Lingus flights through one of these three platforms. All of them use the same Avios balance, but pricing and availability can vary slightly.
- Aer Lingus AerClub (via aerlingus.com)
- British Airways Executive Club (ba.com)
- Avios.com
- Log in to the right account
- If a flyer prefers a direct interface, visit aerlingus.com
- For a broader partner redemption, use ba.com or avios.com
- Ensure the Avios accounts are linked.
- Search for award availability
- Select the “Book with Avios” option.
- Enter the departure and destination airports, along with travel dates.
- Aer Lingus award seats can be limited, so flexible dates can help.
- Compare Avios costs across platforms
- Before finalizing the booking, compare the redemption rates on all three sites.
- Confirm and pay
- After choosing the preferred flight:
- Review the Avios cost+taxes/fees
- Pay using Avios and a credit card for surcharges
- Receive your e-ticket confirmation via email
Also Read:
- How the Aer Lingus Flight Change Fee Works
- Does Air Lingus Have a WiFi Facility
- Top 9 Best International Airlines to Fly to Italy
Endnote
Booking Aer Lingus with points is one of the most rewarding ways to use Avios. By comparing redemption rates across Aer Lingus, British Airways, and Avios.com, one can often find the best savings option with lower fees.
FAQs
Yes, one can move Avios instantly between AerClub, British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, and Qatar Airways Privilege Club.
Short-haul European flights start from around 4,000 Avios one-way.
Yes, most reward fares include one checked bag, but always confirm at checkout.
Usually, Aer Lingus charges lower than British Airways for the same routes.
