In early 2022, American Airlines and Aer Lingus formally launched a partnership. However, the rollout has been incredibly strange. We saw reciprocal mileage earning introduced after nearly two years, we then saw reciprocal elite perks introduced after nearly three years, and now we’re seeing reciprocal mileage redemptions (finally!) after nearly for years.
With this joint venture, the airlines can share revenue and coordinate fares, schedules, and routes, across the Atlantic. Then in early 2022, American and Aer Lingus launched a codeshare agreement for flights between the United States and Ireland.
This primarily included American placing its code on Aer Lingus flights within Europe, and Aer Lingus placing its code on American flights within the United States. This is intended to create a more seamless experience for passengers, so that they can easily book itineraries involving both airlines through either carrier’s website.
What’s odd is how little reciprocity there was with this agreement initially, both in terms of mileage opportunities and elite perks. It has literally taken years for this partnership to be fully rolled out, in a way that I don’t think I’ve ever seen before.
American & Aer Lingus frequent flyer reciprocity
Back in December 2023, American AAdvantage and Aer Lingus AerClub added reciprocal mileage earning opportunities. American AAdvantage members can earn redeemable miles and Loyalty Points for all flights that are marketed and operated by Aer Lingus. Miles are awarded based on revenue, which includes base fare and carrier imposed surcharges, but excludes government imposed taxes and fees.
Specifically, AAdvantage members can earn 5x miles per dollar spent on Aer Lingus flights (the same as the rate of earning on British Airways and Iberia), plus there are elite bonuses:
- AAdvantage Gold members get a 40% mileage bonus, for a total of 7x miles
- AAdvantage Platinum members get a 60% mileage bonus, for a total of 8x miles
- AAdvantage Platinum Pro members get an 80% mileage bonus, for a total of 9x miles
- AAdvantage Executive Platinum members get a 120% mileage bonus, for a total of 11x miles
Then as of November 2024, we saw the introduction of reciprocal elite perks. For example, AAdvantage elite members can receive perks like priority check-in, fast track security, priority boarding, lounge access, and free checked bags, when traveling with Aer Lingus.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on One Mile at a Time.
