Overview
AerClub is the loyalty program of Aer Lingus, and like Iberia and British Airways it runs on Avios. Four U.S. bank programs transfer in at 1:1, which makes it an easy way to book transatlantic flights through Dublin, where you clear U.S. immigration before you board rather than on arrival.
This guide covers the transfer routes, the Tier Credit system and its April reset, the 2026 change that doubled Tier Credits on cheaper fares, and the expiration rule. For the cards that feed the program, see our roundup of the best credit cards.
AerClub overview
Aer Lingus sits in a useful spot for U.S. travelers. Dublin works as a gateway into Ireland, the UK, and continental Europe, and the airline is a member of the Avios family, so points move in and out of the four other Avios airlines without a fee.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Currency | Avios, shared with British Airways, Iberia, Finnair, and Qatar Airways |
| Elite tiers | Green, Silver, Platinum, Concierge |
| Status currency | Tier Credits |
| Membership year | 1 April to 31 March, balance resets each 1 April |
| Avios expiration | 36 months of inactivity |
| U.S. transfer partners | Chase, Amex, Bilt, Wells Fargo, all 1:1; Marriott 3:1 |
| Co-branded card | Aer Lingus Visa Signature Card, issued by Chase |
How to earn AerClub Avios
Transfer credit card points
AerClub shares the Avios family’s strong transfer coverage. Four U.S. bank currencies reach it at 1:1, and Marriott adds a hotel route at 3:1.
| Program | Ratio |
|---|---|
| Chase Ultimate Rewards | 1:1 |
| Amex Membership Rewards | 1:1 |
| Bilt Rewards | 1:1 |
| Wells Fargo Rewards | 1:1 |
| Marriott Bonvoy | 3:1 |
Beyond transfers, AerClub members collect Avios through the AerClub eStore, hotel bookings, car hire, and other partners. Chase also issues the Aer Lingus Visa Signature Card in the United States, which earns Avios directly.
AerClub tiers and Tier Credits
AerClub has four levels. Everyone joins at Green, then climbs on Tier Credits earned from flying. Benefits build up through priority security lanes, seat upgrades on selected flights, extra baggage, and lounge access at the top.
- Green: The entry tier every new member starts at.
- Silver: Adds priority security and other airport benefits.
- Platinum: Adds lounge access and stronger seat and baggage benefits.
- Concierge: The top level, with the fullest benefit set.
The membership year runs from 1 April to 31 March, and your Tier Credit balance resets to zero every 1 April. As a result, timing matters: flights taken in March count toward a year that is about to end, while the same flights in April start a fresh run.
How to use AerClub Avios
Avios book Aer Lingus flights across the Atlantic and within Europe, and the shared currency means you can also move them out to book on other airlines when the pricing works better elsewhere.
- Transatlantic through Dublin: U.S. preclearance in Dublin means you land at home as a domestic arrival.
- Short-haul across Europe: Distance-based pricing keeps intra-Europe hops cheap.
- Move Avios out: Combine with British Airways, Iberia, Finnair, or Qatar Airways when their charts price your route better.
Aer Lingus marked ten years of AerClub in 2026 by running its first transatlantic Avios-only flight, which reflects how central the currency has become to the program.
Do AerClub Avios expire?
Yes, after 36 months of inactivity. Crediting a flight to AerClub, transferring points from a credit card, or any other earning or spending activity resets the clock on your whole balance.
Because a transfer counts, keeping an AerClub account alive is easier than in programs that only accept flight activity. Still, set a reminder rather than assuming you will remember three years from now.
Is AerClub worth it?
For transatlantic travel to Ireland and onward into Europe, it earns its place. The 1:1 transfer coverage is excellent, the Dublin preclearance is a real convenience, and the 2026 Tier Credit change makes status achievable without buying expensive fares.
- Small network: Aer Lingus flies far fewer routes than the bigger Avios airlines.
- Annual status reset: Tier Credits zero out every 1 April regardless of when you earned them.
- Carrier charges: Award tickets still carry taxes and fees worth checking before you transfer.
Bottom line
AerClub is worth an account for the Dublin routing alone, and the Avios in it are never trapped because they move to four other airlines for free. Transfer in from whichever bank program you hold, then compare all five charts before you book.
Keep the account active every three years, and watch the 1 April reset if you are chasing status. For more on earning transferable points, see our guide to the best travel credit cards and subscribe to our newsletter.
Frequently Asked Questions about AerClub
Which credit card points transfer to Aer Lingus?
Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, and Wells Fargo Rewards all transfer at 1:1, and Marriott Bonvoy transfers at 3:1. Chase also issues the Aer Lingus Visa Signature Card, which earns Avios directly.
Do AerClub Avios expire?
They expire after 36 months of inactivity. Crediting a flight, transferring points from a credit card, or any other earn or spend activity resets the clock on your entire balance, so a small transfer is enough to protect it.
How do AerClub Tier Credits work?
Tier Credits come from flying and move you through Green, Silver, Platinum, and Concierge. The membership year runs 1 April to 31 March, and your balance resets to zero each 1 April, so status runs on a fixed annual cycle.
What changed for AerClub status in 2026?
From April 2026, Aer Lingus doubled Tier Credits on cheaper fares. Saver fares within Europe went from 7.5 to 15 Tier Credits, and transatlantic Smart fares went from 25 to 50, which makes status reachable without buying premium tickets.
Can I move AerClub Avios to British Airways?
Yes. Avios combine freely between Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Finnair, and Qatar Airways. Compare all five award charts before you book, because the same trip can price very differently depending on which program you book from.
Why fly Aer Lingus through Dublin?
Dublin has U.S. preclearance, so you clear American immigration and customs before boarding rather than on arrival. On the way home you land as a domestic arrival, which usually saves a long queue at a busy U.S. airport.
