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Join us in learning how to use miles & points to travel & save money!
Welcome to Smart With Points, the podcast where we dive into the world of travelling with miles and points. I'm your host, Jack, and I'm excited to share with you some fantastic news that's just landed. Aer Lingus and British Airways have announced a two-way status recognition, and I'm here to break it down for you. I see this as a significant enhancement to both programmes, particularly given the timing with Aer Lingus's milestone of reaching three million AerClub members globally. So, let's dive into what this means for your travels. From December 2nd, 2024, both BA Executive Club members flying Aer Lingus and AerClub members flying British Airways will now enjoy status-based benefits, including priority check-in, priority boarding, fast-track security at participating airports, lounge access for eligible members on qualifying routes, and additional baggage allowances. And it's worth noting that these benefits also extend to American Airlines flights for AerClub members, creating a powerful three-way recognition system across these oneworld partners. So, what does this mean for your travel? Well, if you're a BA Executive Club member like me, this essentially means a more consistent experience when flying with Aer Lingus. Similarly, if you hold AerClub status, you'll now enjoy a premium experience when flying British Airways. For those of us who frequently travel between the UK and Ireland or connect through Dublin to North America, this creates some interesting opportunities. You can now expect the same level of service regardless of which airline you choose, making your booking decisions simpler and potentially more cost-effective. For status chasers, this is particularly interesting. Remember that since April 2024, Aer Lingus flights have been earning both Avios and Tier Points for BA Executive Club members. With these new reciprocal benefits, you can now earn Tier Points towards your BA status, collect Avios, and enjoy your status benefits, all while potentially taking advantage of Aer Lingus's competitive pricing on certain routes. This move seems to be part of a broader strategy within the IAG group to create a more seamless experience across their airlines. Susanne Carberry, Aer Lingus Chief Customer Officer, emphasised that this enhancement aims to 'make every journey count,' while Silvia Espinosa from IAG Loyalty highlighted the goal of providing 'a more seamless and consistent premium travel experience.' As a BA Gold member, I see this as a genuine enhancement rather than just marketing spin. The ability to maintain a consistent level of service across both airlines, while earning status credits and Avios, creates real value for frequent travellers. For those looking to maximise value from these changes, I'd recommend using our Smart Redemptions tool to compare redemption rates across both airlines, checking Airport Lounge List for detailed information about accessible lounges, and considering the strategic implications for status runs and mileage earning. The bottom line is that this is a welcome enhancement that adds real value for loyal customers of both airlines. While it might not revolutionize your travel experience, it certainly makes life easier for those who regularly fly with both carriers. The timing, coinciding with Aer Lingus's expansion of transatlantic routes, with 24 routes planned for 2025, suggests we might see even more integration between these programmes in the future. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Smart With Points. If you have any thoughts on these new benefits or want to share your experiences, please get in touch. Until next time, safe travels!