Aer Lingus has launched a new loyalty programme that will allow members to earn Avios, British Airways’ reward currency.
The airline first released details of the new Aer Club scheme last year (see Aer Lingus joins Avios loyalty programme), announcing that it would launch at the end of June. The airline’s website states that the scheme has now officially launched.
Aside from the ability to earn Avios, the airline’s introduction of Aer Club marks a move from a miles-based programme, where members were rewarded for distances flown, to a revenue-based programme, which rewards members based on the amount paid per ticket.
Aer Club members can also collect Avios points when flying with Aer Lingus’ airline partners, which include British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Qantas and United. However, points can only be spent on flights with Aer Lingus, British Airways and Iberia – sister airlines under IAG, their shared parent group.
Avios can also be earned through purchases made at retail partners including Apple, Currys, House of Fraser and Marks and Spencer. All members will receive a welcome bonus of 250 Avios.
Membership is available across four tiers – Green, Silver, Platinum and Concierge, offering benefits such as priority check-in and boarding, lounge access, free on-board wifi, companion tickets and upgrades. Tier credits can be earned on Aer Lingus flights only and depend on the fare type and class.
Members can earn three points for every €1 spent on flights booked with Aer Lingus, while the number of points earned with partner airlines differs by fare class on each airline. Points earned with airline partners since the programme’s launch will be visible in member accounts from early 2017. Travel will still continue to be captured and stored as usual using the new Aer Club membership numbers.
Though the scheme allows members to earn Avios – which are transferable between the One World alliance when earned through British Airways – Aer Club members will not be able to redeem rewards or benefits within One World.
