Aer Lingus, the flag carrier of Ireland, uses Avios as its loyalty currency through the AerClub program. Like many frequent flyer programs, AerClub Avios have an expiration policy that members need to understand to avoid losing their hard-earned points.
Aer Lingus AerClub Expiration Policy
According to the AerClub terms, Avios will expire if you do not collect or spend at least one Avios point within a period of 36 consecutive months. This means your account needs some form of qualifying activity at least once every three years to keep your entire Avios balance active.
Inactivity is defined as a period where no Avios have been credited to or debited from your account.
How to Keep Your AerClub Avios From Expiring
Preventing your Aer Lingus Avios from expiring is straightforward. You simply need to ensure there's at least one transaction involving earning or spending Avios within any 36-month window. Here are some common ways to maintain activity:
- Earn Avios:
- Fly with Aer Lingus or its partner airlines (like British Airways, Iberia, Qatar Airways).
- Use an Aer Lingus branded credit card.
- Transfer points from flexible credit card programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, or Capital One Miles (check current transfer partners).
- Earn Avios through hotel stays, car rentals, or shopping portals linked with AerClub/Avios.
- Spend Avios:
- Book reward flights on Aer Lingus or partner airlines.
- Use Avios for upgrades on Aer Lingus flights.
- Pay for seat selection or baggage fees with Avios (if offered).
Any single earning or spending activity will reset the 36-month expiration clock for your entire Avios balance.
Official Policy
For the most current and detailed information, always refer to the official AerClub documentation:
Using Aer Lingus Avios
Aer Lingus Avios can provide excellent value for travelers looking to cross the Atlantic, especially when booking during off-peak dates. The airline uses a peak and off-peak pricing model, which makes timing an important factor in maximizing your rewards.
Award Flight Sweet Spots
- East Coast to Ireland
- Business class: 50,000 Avios one-way, plus taxes and fees.
- Economy class (off-peak): 13,000 Avios one-way, plus taxes and fees.
- West Coast to Ireland
- Business class (off-peak): 62,500 Avios one-way, plus taxes and fees.
Even at peak pricing, these awards are often a solid deal compared to cash fares, but the best value comes from booking off-peak dates.
Boosting Your Aer Lingus Avios Balance
If you are short on Avios for a redemption, you can easily top up your account by transferring points from bank partners or from other Avios-based airline programs.
Bank Rewards That Transfer to Aer Lingus
| From Program | To Program | Transfer Ratio | Minimum Transfer | Average Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Membership Rewards (US) | Aer Lingus (AerClub) | 1:1 | – | Immediate |
| Chase Ultimate Rewards | Aer Lingus (AerClub) | 1:1 | – | Immediate |
| Bilt Rewards | Aer Lingus (AerClub) | 1:1 | 2,000 | Unknown |
| HSBC Rewards (US) | Aer Lingus (AerClub) | 1.25:1 | – | Unknown |
| Wells Fargo Go Far Rewards | Aer Lingus (AerClub) | 1:1 | – | Unknown |
Avios Airline Transfers
Aer Lingus shares its Avios currency with British Airways, Iberia, and Qatar Airways. Avios can be freely moved between Aer Lingus, British Airways, and Iberia via Avios.com at no cost.
| From Program | To Program | Transfer Ratio | Minimum Transfer | Average Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Airways Executive Club | Aer Lingus AerClub | 1:1 | – | Immediate |
| Iberia Plus | Aer Lingus AerClub | 1:1 | – | Immediate |
For Qatar Airways Privilege Club, transfers must be routed through British Airways first, and then onward to Aer Lingus.
| From Program | To Program | Transfer Ratio | Minimum Transfer | Average Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qatar Airways Privilege Club | British Airways Executive Club | 1:1 | – | Immediate |
Best Ways to Redeem Aer Lingus Avios
Aer Lingus Avios can unlock excellent value, especially for transatlantic travel. With off-peak pricing and no fuel surcharges, members have access to some very strong redemption opportunities.
East Coast to Ireland in Economy
One of the best sweet spots is flying between the U.S. East Coast and Ireland. Off-peak one-way fares start at just 13,000 Avios, making this one of the lowest-cost ways to cross the Atlantic. Popular routes include Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Chicago.
Longer U.S. Routes to Ireland
Even if you are flying from farther away, the value holds up. West Coast and other long-haul North American cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, and Seattle price at 16,250 Avios in economy off-peak. That’s only a slight increase compared to East Coast departures, despite the much greater distance.
North America to Ireland in Business Class
For added comfort, business class awards are also a solid deal. Off-peak pricing is 50,000 Avios one-way from the East Coast and 62,500 Avios from the West Coast, competitive compared to many other airline programs.
Ireland to the U.K. and Europe
Avios also stretch well for short-haul flights. Routes within Europe, including Ireland to the U.K., can be booked for as little as 4,000 Avios off-peak. These short hops are a great way to connect within the region while saving cash on low-cost fares.
Summary
Aer Lingus AerClub makes it easy to keep your Avios active. Your points will only expire if your account has no earning or redemption activity for 36 consecutive months. Completing even a small transaction within that time, such as transferring points, taking a flight, or redeeming for a reward, will protect your balance. Since inactivity wipes out your entire account, setting a reminder or taking occasional action is the safest way to ensure your Avios are available when you are ready to redeem them.
Disclaimer: Always use credit responsibly. Program terms and conditions can change. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Verify details directly with Aer Lingus.