CHICAGO- Aer Lingus (EI) is quite a unique airline in various aspects. While Ireland’s location naturally makes it a strategic hub for connecting the U.S. and Europe, in addition to its role as a prime tourist destination, the airline is owned by the same parent company as British Airways (BA) and Iberia (IB).
United Aer Lingus Codeshare
Here are some noteworthy points:
- Although they are not a oneworld alliance member, it partners with American Airlines and participates in an anti-trust immunized, revenue-sharing joint venture that covers transatlantic routes.
- Interestingly, they also have codeshare agreements with United Airlines and collaborate with United’s MileagePlus program.
A member of the British Airways Executive Club has the flexibility to fly with United Airlines, accumulate miles in their Aer Lingus account, and subsequently transfer those miles to British Airways. Additionally, they have the option to earn miles with United or American if they prefer.
Surprisingly, United’s MileagePlus members can use their miles to book flights on Aer Lingus. In contrast, American AAdvantage members are unable to do so despite the revenue-sharing agreement between American and Aer Lingus across transatlantic routes. It’s an intriguing situation!
Good News for American Airlines Customer
This arbitrage opportunity might be coming to an end, and there may be new options for American Airlines frequent flyers. Aer Lingus and United Airlines are discontinuing their codeshare agreement.
Suppose the partnership between United MileagePlus and Aer Lingus Aer Club also comes to an end, which appears likely. In that case, British Airways (as well as Iberia and Qatar Airways) members will no longer be able to earn their own points by flying with United.
However, this codeshare agreement’s conclusion could bring American Airlines closer, which would be highly beneficial for AAdvantage members.
Aer Lingus recently relocated to Terminal 7 at New York JFK, although Terminal 8, which is used by American Airlines, would be a more logical choice.
Perhaps they will reconsider this decision, especially as American Airlines regains slots following the end of their partnership with JetBlue, which should provide more flexibility.
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