Aer Lingus AerClub Transfer Partners

When a traveler in Boston discovered she could transfer Chase points directly to Aer Lingus AerClub and book a business class flight to Dublin for just 50,000 Avios—half what United wanted for the same route—she learned an important lesson: knowing exactly which credit card points transfer to Aer Lingus AerClub can unlock significant value. But the transfer partner landscape for AerClub is more limited than many assume, and making an irreversible transfer to the wrong program wastes both time and points.

Understanding Aer Lingus AerClub transfer partners matters because this program offers genuine sweet spots for transatlantic travel, particularly to Ireland and the UK, but only two U.S. credit card programs transfer directly to AerClub. Every other path requires indirect Avios movement between partner programs—a process that works but demands careful planning.

Key Takeaways

• Only two direct transfer partners exist: American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards, which transfer instantly to Aer Lingus AerClub at a 1:1 ratio.
• Capital One, Citi, Bilt, and Wells Fargo do not transfer directly to AerClub, even though they transfer to other Avios programs like British Airways.
• Avios can move between programs: Transfer Avios from British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, or Qatar Airways Privilege Club to AerClub as an indirect path—but this requires earning Avios in those programs first.
• AerClub sweet spots include off-peak transatlantic awards starting at 13,000 Avios one-way in economy and 50,000 in business class.
• Transfers are irreversible: Once points are transferred to AerClub, they cannot be returned to your credit card program or transferred to non-Avios airline partners.

What Is Aer Lingus AerClub, and How Does Avios Work?

Aer Lingus AerClub is the frequent flyer program of Aer Lingus, Ireland’s flag carrier and a member of the Oneworld Alliance. The program uses Avios as its currency—the same points currency used by British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, Qatar Airways Privilege Club, and several other airline loyalty programs.

This shared Avios ecosystem creates both opportunities and complexity. While Avios earned in one program can often transfer to another Avios program, each airline maintains separate award charts, partner availability, and booking rules. AerClub’s award chart differs significantly from British Airways’, particularly for Aer Lingus-operated flights, where fuel surcharges are typically lower.

Key distinction: Earning Avios in AerClub versus British Airways Executive Club is not the same thing. They use the same currency name, but they are separate loyalty programs with different transfer partners, award availability, and redemption options.

Direct Credit Card Transfer Partners for Aer Lingus AerClub

According to Award Travel Hub’s verified transfer partner data, only two U.S. credit card programs transfer directly to Aer Lingus AerClub:

American Express Membership Rewards → AerClub

• Transfer ratio: 1:1 (1,000 Amex points = 1,000 AerClub Avios)
• Transfer time: Instant to 24 hours (typically immediate)
• Minimum transfer: 1,000 points
• Transfer increments: 1,000-point increments
• Reversibility: No—transfers are permanent and cannot be reversed

American Express Membership Rewards remains one of the most flexible transferable points currencies, with 20+ airline and hotel partners. The instant transfer speed to AerClub makes it ideal for last-minute award bookings when you’ve confirmed availability.

Chase Ultimate Rewards → AerClub

• Transfer ratio: 1:1 (1,000 Chase points = 1,000 AerClub Avios)
• Transfer time: Instant to 24 hours (typically immediate)
• Minimum transfer: 1,000 points
• Transfer increments: 1,000-point increments
• Reversibility: No—transfers are permanent and cannot be reversed

Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to AerClub from cards including Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Ink Business Preferred. The 1:1 ratio and fast transfer speed match Amex’s offering.

Important note: Both programs occasionally offer transfer bonuses (typically 20-30% extra Avios), though AerClub bonuses are less frequent than those offered by British Airways or Iberia. Always check for active promotions before transferring.

Programs That Do NOT Transfer Directly to Aer Lingus AerClub

Despite what some outdated sources claim, the following credit card programs do not transfer directly to Aer Lingus AerClub:

This is a critical distinction. While Capital One, Citi, and Bilt all transfer to other Avios-based programs, they do not list AerClub as a direct transfer partner. If you hold points in these programs and want to use AerClub, you must use the indirect Avios-to-Avios transfer method explained below.

For a complete comparison of which credit card programs transfer to which airline partners, consult Award Travel Hub’s credit card transfer partners table.

The Indirect Path: Moving Avios Between Programs to Reach AerClub

The Avios ecosystem allows members to transfer Avios between participating programs, creating an indirect route to AerClub even if your credit card doesn’t transfer there directly. This process works but requires membership in multiple Avios programs and adds complexity.

How Avios-to-Avios Transfers Work

Avios can typically move between these programs:

• British Airways Executive Club ↔️ Aer Lingus AerClub
• Iberia Plus ↔️ Aer Lingus AerClub
• Qatar Airways Privilege Club ↔️ Aer Lingus AerClub
• Other Avios-based programs were supported

Transfer mechanics:

• Ratio: 1:1 (no conversion fee in Avios terms)
• Time: Instant to 24 hours
• Minimum: Varies by program (typically 1,000 Avios)
• Frequency limits: Some programs limit transfers to once per 24 hours
• Requirements: Must have active accounts in both programs

Step-by-Step: Indirect Transfer Example

If you hold Capital One miles and want to book an Aer Lingus award:

1. Transfer Capital One miles to British Airways Executive Club (1:1 ratio, instant)
2. Log into your British Airways account and navigate to “Combine my Avios.”
3. Select Aer Lingus AerClub as the destination program
4. Enter the amount and confirm the transfer
5. Wait for confirmation (typically instant, up to 24 hours)
6. Book your award through the AerClub website or app

Caution: This two-step process means you’ve made two irreversible transfers. If award availability disappears between steps, your Avios are stuck in AerClub. Always confirm availability before initiating transfers.

When the Indirect Path Makes Sense

Use Avios-to-Avios transfers when:

✅ You’ve confirmed award availability on Aer Lingus
✅ The AerClub award price is better than British Airways or Iberia pricing
✅ You want to consolidate Avios from multiple programs for a single booking
✅ You’re taking advantage of an AerClub-specific promotion

Skip the indirect path when:

❌ You haven’t confirmed availability yet
❌ British Airways or Iberia offers the same flight at a similar price
❌ You might need the Avios for a different partner airline
❌ Transfer bonuses exist for other Avios programs but not AerClub

Best Uses and Sweet Spots for Aer Lingus AerClub Avios

AerClub’s award chart offers competitive pricing for Aer Lingus-operated flights and select partner awards. The program uses distance-based pricing with seasonal variations.

Top AerClub Redemption Sweet Spots

1. Off-Peak Transatlantic Business Class

• Route example: Boston to Dublin, New York to Shannon
• Cost: 50,000 Avios one-way (off-peak)
• Peak pricing: 62,500 Avios
• Taxes/fees: Typically $100-200 one-way from the U.S. to Ireland (low fuel surcharges)
• Value: Approximately 2.0-3.0 cents per point (CPP) compared to paid fares

2. Off-Peak Transatlantic Economy

• Route example: Chicago to Dublin, Orlando to Shannon
• Cost: 13,000 Avios one-way (off-peak)
• Peak pricing: 20,000 Avios
• Taxes/fees: $100-150
• Value: Strong for positioning or one-way awards

3. Short-Haul European Flights on Aer Lingus

• Route example: Dublin to London, Cork to Paris
• Cost: 4,000-6,500 Avios one-way
• Taxes/fees: €20-40
• Value: Excellent for connecting flights or European positioning

4. Partner Awards on United (Limited Availability)

• AerClub can book United-operated flights as a oneworld partner
• Availability is restricted compared to booking through United MileagePlus
• Pricing follows AerClub’s distance-based chart

Off-Peak vs. Peak Pricing Calendar

AerClub defines off-peak and peak travel periods annually. For 2026:

Off-peak periods (lower award pricing):

• January 10 – March 14
• April 1 – May 15
• September 6 – November 13

Peak periods (higher award pricing):

• March 15 – March 31
• May 16 – September 5
• November 14 – January 9

Booking strategy: When possible, position travel dates within off-peak windows to save 20-25% in Avios. A single day shift can mean the difference between 50,000 and 62,500 Avios for business class.

Calculating Value: When to Transfer to AerClub vs. Other Programs

Before transferring points to AerClub, compare the value against alternative uses of your transferable points. Use Award Travel Hub’s points calculator to run the math.

Real-World Transfer Decision Example

Scenario: You want to book a flight from Boston to Dublin in business class during the off-peak season (March 10, 2026). You hold 60,000 Amex points and 60,000 Chase points.

Option 1: Transfer Amex points to AerClub

• Award cost: 50,000 Avios + ~$150 in taxes
• Points required: 50,000 Amex points
• Cash equivalent: $3,500 (typical paid business class fare)
• Value: $3,350 ÷ 50,000 = 6.7 cents per point (CPP)

Option 2: Transfer Chase points to British Airways, then move to AerClub

• Award cost: Same 50,000 Avios + ~$150
• Points required: 50,000 Chase points
• Additional steps: Two-step transfer process
• Value: Same 6.7 CPP, but added complexity

Option 3: Transfer Amex points to Air France-KLM Flying Blue

• Award cost: 53,000 Flying Blue miles + ~$400 in surcharges
• Points required: 53,000 Amex points
• Value: $3,100 ÷ 53,000 = 5.8 CPP

Decision: Transfer directly from Amex to AerClub offers the best value and simplest path. The 6.7 CPP significantly exceeds the typical 2.0 CPP baseline for good redemptions.

Transfer Decision Framework

Use this framework to decide whether to transfer to AerClub:

Step 1: Confirm award availability on your desired Aer Lingus flight
Step 2: Note the Avios cost and cash taxes/fees
Step 3: Check the paid cash price for the same flight
Step 4: Calculate CPP: (Cash price – Taxes) ÷ Avios required
Step 5: Compare against alternative programs for the same route
Step 6: Transfer only if CPP exceeds 1.5-2.0 cents (economy) or 2.5-3.0 cents (business class)

Fees, Surcharges, and Important Limitations

Taxes and Carrier-Imposed Surcharges

Aer Lingus imposes relatively low fuel surcharges on award tickets compared to British Airways:

• U.S. to Ireland/UK: $100-200 one-way in business class, $80-150 in economy
• Ireland/UK to U.S.: €150-250 one-way in business class, €100-150 in economy
• Intra-Europe: €20-60 one-way

These fees are significantly lower than British Airways’ notorious surcharges, which can exceed $600 one-way on transatlantic routes. This makes AerClub awards on Aer Lingus-operated flights particularly attractive.

Partner awards: When booking partner airlines through AerClub (such as United or other oneworld carriers), surcharges are determined by the operating carrier’s policies. Always check the total cost before confirming.

Change and Cancellation Policies

Award ticket changes:

• Before departure: 5,000 Avios fee per person to change dates or route
• Within 24 hours of booking: Free cancellation (if booked 7+ days before departure)
• No-show: Ticket value forfeited; change fees apply if rebooked

Award cancellations:

• Standard cancellation fee: 5,000 Avios per person
• Avios redeposit: Remaining Avios return to your account (minus fee)
• Cash taxes: Typically refundable minus a processing fee

Strategy: Book refundable awards when availability is tight, then cancel if plans change. The 5,000 Avios fee is reasonable compared to losing the entire award value.

Avios Expiration Rules

AerClub Avios expire after 36 months of account inactivity. Activity includes:

• Earning Avios (flights, credit card spending, transfers)
• Redeeming Avios (award bookings)
• Transferring Avios in or out

Best practice: Transfer points to AerClub only when ready to book. Parking points in Amex Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards keep them flexible and prevent them from expiring.

Common Mistakes and Pitfalls

❌ Transferring before confirming availability
Award space can disappear within hours. Always search and confirm availability before initiating transfers.

❌ Assuming all Avios programs are interchangeable
While Avios moves between programs, each program has its own award charts, partner access, and surcharge structures. AerClub cannot book all the same partners as British Airways.

❌ Ignoring off-peak vs. peak pricing
A single day can change your award cost by 12,500+ Avios. Check the calendar before selecting dates.

❌ Overlooking partner award limitations
AerClub has limited access to some oneworld partners. If you’re booking a partner airline, verify AerClub can see and book that award space.

❌ Transferring from programs without direct access
Don’t transfer Capital One or Citi points to British Airways “just in case” you might want AerClub later. Transfer only when you have a specific redemption planned.

❌ Forgetting about the married segment logic
Some awards require booking the origin to the final destination. Breaking the journey into separate awards may not work or may cost more Avios.

Step-by-Step: How to Transfer Points to Aer Lingus AerClub

From American Express Membership Rewards

1. Create or log into your AerClub account at aerlingus.com and note your membership number
2. Log into your Amex account and navigate to the Membership Rewards section
3. Select “Transfer Points” from the menu
4. Choose “Aer Lingus AerClub” from the airline partner list
5. Enter your AerClub membership number (verify it matches exactly)
6. Enter the number of points to transfer (minimum 1,000, in 1,000-point increments)
7. Review and confirm the transfer details
8. Submit the transfer and note the confirmation number
9. Check your AerClub account within 24 hours to confirm Avios arrival

Transfer time: Typically 0-2 hours; allow up to 24 hours during high-volume periods.

From Chase Ultimate Rewards

1. Create or log into your AerClub account and note your membership number
2. Log into your Chase account and navigate to Ultimate Rewards
3. Select “Transfer to Travel Partners” (requires Sapphire or Ink card)
4. Choose “Aer Lingus AerClub” from the airline list
5. Enter your AerClub membership number and verify accuracy
6. Enter the number of points to transfer (minimum 1,000)
7. Review terms and confirm the transfer is irreversible
8. Submit the transfer and save the confirmation
9. Monitor your AerClub account for Avios arrival (typically instant)

Transfer time: Usually instant; occasionally takes up to 24 hours.

Indirect Transfer via British Airways (for Capital One, Citi, or Bilt)

1. Transfer points to the British Airways Executive Club following your credit card program’s process
2. Log into your British Airways account at ba.com
3. Navigate to “Executive Club” → “Combine my Avios.”
4. Select “Move Avios to another account.”
5. Choose “Aer Lingus AerClub” as the destination program
6. Enter your AerClub membership number
7. Enter the amount of Avios to transfer
8. Confirm the transfer (typically instant)
9. Verify arrival in your AerClub account

Important: This is a two-step process with two irreversible transfers. Confirm award availability before starting.

Maximizing Your AerClub Transfer Strategy

When to Transfer Directly vs. Indirectly

Transfer directly from Amex or Chase when:

• You need Avios immediately for a time-sensitive booking
• You’re certain about the AerClub redemption
• No transfer bonuses exist for other Avios programs
• The one-step process reduces error risk

Use the indirect Avios-to-Avios path when:

• You only hold Capital One, Citi, or Bilt points
• You want to consolidate Avios from multiple programs
• You’re taking advantage of program-specific promotions
• You’ve already accumulated Avios in British Airways or Iberia

Monitoring for Transfer Bonuses

Transfer bonuses to AerClub are less common than to British Airways or Iberia, but they do occur:

• Historical bonuses: 25-30% extra Avios (rare)
• Frequency: 1-2 times per year, often during shoulder seasons
• Duration: Typically 2-4 weeks
• Notification: Announced via email to cardholders and on bank partner pages

Strategy: If you have a flexible timeline, wait for transfer bonuses. A 30% bonus on 50,000 points yields 65,000 Avios—enough for a business class ticket with Avios to spare. However, don’t wait indefinitely if the award space is limited.

Combining Avios from Multiple Sources

AerClub allows you to pool Avios from:

• Direct credit card transfers (Amex, Chase)
• Avios-to-Avios transfers from other programs
• Aer Lingus flight activity
• Shopping portal earnings
• Household account linking (combine with family members)

Household accounts: AerClub permits linking up to six household members to pool Avios for award bookings. This feature helps reach award thresholds faster when multiple people earn Avios separately.

Comparing AerClub to Other Avios Programs

Understanding when to use AerClub versus British Airways or Iberia Avios optimizes your redemption value.

AerClub vs. British Airways Executive Club

When to use AerClub: Book Aer Lingus-operated flights to save $300-500 per ticket.

When to use British Airways: Booking partner awards on American, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, or other oneworld carriers where AerClub has limited access.

AerClub vs. Iberia Plus

When to use AerClub: Flying Aer Lingus to Ireland or connecting through Dublin.

When to use Iberia Plus: Flying Iberia to Spain or taking advantage of off-peak pricing to Latin America.

FAQ: Aer Lingus AerClub Transfer Partners

Can I transfer Capital One miles to Aer Lingus AerClub?
No. Capital One does not transfer directly to AerClub. You can transfer Capital One miles to British Airways Executive Club, then move those Avios to AerClub as a two-step indirect process.

How long do transfers from Amex to AerClub take?
Typically, instant to 2 hours. During high-volume periods, transfers may take up to 24 hours. Most members report seeing Avios appear within minutes.

Can I transfer Avios from AerClub back to my credit card?
No. All credit card point transfers to airline programs are irreversible. Once points are converted to Avios in AerClub, they cannot be returned to Amex or Chase.

Does Citi transfer to Aer Lingus AerClub?
No. Citi ThankYou Points do not transfer directly to AerClub. Citi transfers to Qatar Airways Privilege Club; you can then move those Avios to AerClub if needed.

What’s the minimum transfer amount to AerClub?
Both Amex and Chase require a minimum transfer of 1,000 points, and transfers must be in increments of 1,000 points.

Do AerClub Avios expire?
Yes, after 36 months of account inactivity. Any earning or redemption activity resets the clock. Transferring points from credit cards counts as activity.

Can I book United flights with AerClub Avios?
Yes, but with limitations. AerClub can book some United-operated flights as an Oneworld partner, but availability is restricted compared to booking directly through United MileagePlus.

Are there transfer bonuses to AerClub?
Occasionally. Amex and Chase have offered 25-30% transfer bonuses to AerClub in the past, though less frequently than to British Airways or Iberia. Monitor bank partner pages for promotions.

Can I transfer Avios from British Airways to AerClub instantly?
Yes. Avios-to-Avios transfers between British Airways and AerClub are typically instant, though they can take up to 24 hours.

What’s the best use of AerClub Avios?
Off-peak business class awards on Aer Lingus transatlantic routes (50,000 Avios one-way) offer the best value, especially when fuel surcharges are low and cash fares are high.

Conclusion: Making Smart Transfer Decisions to Aer Lingus AerClub

Understanding Aer Lingus AerClub transfer partners prevents costly mistakes and unlocks valuable award redemptions. Only American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer directly to AerClub—a more limited selection than other Avios programs like British Airways. Capital One, Citi, and Bilt require the indirect Avios-to-Avios transfer route, adding complexity and irreversibility risk.

The key to maximizing AerClub transfers:

1. Confirm award availability before transferring any points
2. Calculate cents per point to verify that the redemption offers strong value
3. Compare AerClub pricing against British Airways and Iberia for the same route
4. Use direct transfers (Amex or Chase) when possible to minimize steps
5. Monitor for transfer bonuses if your timeline allows flexibility
6. Book during off-peak periods to save 20-25% in Avios

AerClub shines for Aer Lingus-operated transatlantic flights, where low fuel surcharges and competitive award pricing deliver 3-6 cents per point value—well above the 2.0 CPP baseline for good redemptions. The program’s off-peak business class awards at 50,000 Avios one-way represent one of the better uses of transferable points for premium cabin travel to Ireland and the UK.

Next steps:

• Create an AerClub account at aerlingus.com if you don’t have one
• Search for award availability for your desired routes
• Compare redemption value using the Award Travel Hub calculator
• Review your transferable points balances across all bank programs
• Transfer points only when you’re ready to book immediately

For readers new to transferable points strategies, Award Travel Hub provides comprehensive guides to each bank program, alliance partner, and redemption sweet spot. The ability to move points strategically between programs creates opportunities—but only when you understand exactly which paths exist and which require workarounds.

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