Aer Lingus Avios: How to Earn, Use & Maximize Points


Aer Lingus Avios points guide showing how to earn, redeem, and use rewards for flights and upgrades

Aer Lingus Avios is the ‘reward currency’ of the Aer Club loyalty program by the airline. It allows eligible members to earn points when booking flights. The earned points can also be used for flight bookings, upgrades, shopping, and other Aer Lingus-related products. Moreover, these points can also be transferred or used for partnered airlines, such as Iberia and British Airways.

What Are Aer Lingus Avios Points?

Aer Lingus Avios points are the reward currency. It is available for the members of Aer Lingus’ loyalty program – Aer Club. It allows members to earn points when booking flights, car rentals, hotel room reservations, and shopping.

Here are some more points about Avios:

  • 3 Avios are available for every Euro spent on the flight booking of Aer Lingus.
  • Redemption can be done for ‘Reward Flights’.
  • Besides, you can choose ‘Pay with Avios’ to get reduced flight rates.
  • For off-peak flights, you will need as few as 4000 Avios for redemption.
  • These points are transferable without any additional cost/fee.
  • You can transfer them between Aer Lingus, Iberia, and British Airways.
  • Beyond flight booking, these points can be used for retail partner services, such as car rentals.

How to Earn Aer Lingus Avios Points?

To earn Aer Lingus Avios points, you will need to enroll in the AerClub. Check out the following to know the ways to earn more:

  • Earn points on the booking of flight tickets.
  • 3 points can be earned for every euro/dollar.
  • The same points are available on Iberia, United Airlines, British Airways, and other partners.
  • Bonus Avios exist when shopping is done via the AerClub eStore.
  • To earn more Avios on daily purchases, get the Aer Lingus Visa Signature Credit Card.

How Many Points Are Needed to Book a Flight on Aer Lingus?

The reward flights typically start from 4000 points for a one-way trip for a short-haul journey, i.e., between Dublin and London. Here is the Aer Lingus Avios chart for better understanding:

Zone NumberRouteDistanceAvios for EconomyAvios for Business Class
1Dublin to the UK and northern France
Belfast to London
650 milesPeak: 4500
Off-Peak: 4000
No Available
2Dublin to Germany, Spain, and Northern Italy, Belfast to Palma651 miles to 1150 milesPeak: 7500
Off-Peak: 6700
No Available
3Dublin to Croatia, South Italy, Morocco, and Greece, Belfast to Malaga and Alicante1151 miles to 2000 milesPeak: 10000
Off-Peak: 8500
No Available
4Dublin to Dalaman2001 miles to 3000 milesPeak: 14300
Off-Peak: 10125
No Available
5Dublin to the US destinations (East Coast)3001 miles to 4000 milesPeak: 20000
Off-Peak: 13000
Peak: 60000
Off-Peak: 50000
6Dublin to various US destinations, like Seattle, Denver, Miami, Las Vegas, Orlando, Los Angeles, and San Francisco4001 miles to 5000 milesPeak: 25000
Off-Peak: 16250
Peak: 75000
Off-Peak: 62500

Note: Check with Aer Lingus before booking to see if there is any change in the minimum Avios requirements for booking.

How Many Avios Are Needed for an Upgrade?

Aer Lingus upgrades with Avios depend on the route and season. Details have been tabulated here:

RouteAvios for Peak SeasonAvios for Off-Peak Season
Manchester to New York4475037000
Ireland to Miami, Denver, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas5500046250
Manchester to Orlando and Barbados5500046250
Ireland to US destinations (east coast)4475037000

How to Book Aer Lingus with Avios?

To book flights with Aer Lingus Avios points, follow the steps listed below:

  • Visit the official website of Aer Lingus.
  • Create an account on AerClub.
  • Find the desired flight suitable for your travel dates.
  • Choose ‘book a reward flight’ beforehand.
  • This option is available under the ‘Spend Avios’.
  • Complete further on-screen prompts to book a flight.

Can You Use British Airways Avios On Aer Lingus?

British Airways flights can also be booked with Avios. Here are the steps that you can follow to book:

  • Visit the official website of British Airways.
  • Find and click on the BA Executive Club.
  • Use your credentials to sign in.
  • Click on the ‘Executive Club’ to book with Avios points.
  • Search for your preferred route, i.e., flights between Ireland, Canada, and the USA.
  • Complete all steps to book a flight successfully.

How to Maximize Aer Lingus Avios Points?

To make the best use of Aer Lingus Avios, you can have the following tips in mind:

  • To get the highest value, book during the off-peak season in business class and on the transatlantic route specifically.
  • You can have the best value for short-haul journeys between mainland Europe and the UK/Ireland during the off-peak season.
  • Never book long-haul flights if it is starting in the UK to save on the Air Passenger Duty taxes.
  • Get up to 75000 Avios by using an Aer Lingus Visa Signature Card.

Extra Tip: To use fewer Avios and save more, always book during off-peak dates.

What Mistakes to Avoid While Using Aer Lingus Avios?

To make the best use of Avios, travelers must avoid certain mistakes. Some of these have been listed below:

  • If Avios points are not active for 36 months, they will expire. To reset the validity clock, spend smaller amounts or simply transfer some points.
  • Due to the higher fees and taxes involved, using Avios for a long-haul flight will give you poor value. Hence, use these points for short-haul flights.
  • Remember, reward seats are released early and are limited. If you book too late, you may need to spend more.
  • Overlooking partner carriers, such as Iberia and United Airlines, is a big mistake. This is because these airlines may offer better value sometimes.
  • Do not choose ‘any seat’ awards. Instead, use ‘reward flights’ to get enhanced value for the Avios points used.
  • Always check the transfer bonuses before moving points from one card to another. This will help you yield extra Avios.
  • Pro Tips: Always calculate and compare flight options before booking to get the best value.

Closure,

Aer Lingus Avios are considered great for saving more. These are good choices for frequent Flyers flying to European routes. Furthermore, Avios helps in saving more if you are a budget-conscious flyer. However, check availability, validity, and other aspects beforehand.

FAQs

Are Aer Lingus Avios valuable?

Undeniably, Aer Lingus Avios are valuable, as you can save more by using these points for flight booking.

How many Avios points are needed to book a flight?

You will need at least 4000 Avios during off-peak season and 4500 during peak travel time for economy class.

Do Avios expire if not used?

If Avios are not active for 36 months, they will expire. Hence, do small purchases from time to time to keep the points active for an extended period.

What are the partnered carriers where I can use Avios?

Avios can be used for the flights of Aer Lingus, Iberia, United Airlines, and British Airways.

Is it cheaper to book flights with Aer Lingus Avios?

Yes, you can save significantly when a flight is booked through Aer Lingus Avios.

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