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.
Details of the American & Aer Lingus partnership
In late 2020, Aer Lingus was approved to join the oneworld transatlantic joint venture. This previously included just American, British Airways, Iberia, and Finnair. Aer Lingus is owned by International Airlines Group (IAG), though prior to that hadn’t been part of this agreement, and the airline also continues to not be part of the oneworld alliance.
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:
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.
Now as of January 2026, we’ve seen the introduction of reciprocal mileage redemptions. If you go to American’s website, you’ll finally see the availability of awards on Aer Lingus across regions. The award space should be the same as it is through other programs.
There are no carrier imposed surcharges on Aer Lingus redemptions through AAdvantage, and you can combine Aer Lingus with American or any other partner airline on an award.
This partnership execution is really strange
I’m really confused by the execution of Aer Lingus’ integration into the oneworld transatlantic joint venture. Ordinarily, the whole point of these joint ventures is to create as much metal neutrality as possible, which means giving customers an incentive to also travel on partner airlines.
Typically when a joint venture launches (or an airline is added to an existing joint venture), we almost immediately see reciprocal perks between airlines. This includes the ability to earn and redeem miles, take advantage of elite perks, etc.
In this case, it took over a year for American and Aer Lingus to even roll out a codeshare agreement, and then it took over five years for them to fully roll out reciprocal perks.
Interestingly Aer Lingus historically had a partnership with United. The two airlines finally ended their codeshare agreement in late 2023, but they still offer reciprocal mileage earning and redemption opportunities.
I have to imagine there’s a reason for this lackluster and very drawn out integration, I’m just not sure what it is. Anyone have any insights?
Bottom line
American Airlines and Aer Lingus launched a codeshare agreement in early 2022, roughly a year after Aer Lingus was approved to join the oneworld transatlantic joint venture. In late 2023, we saw the airlines introduce reciprocal points earning, then in late 2024 we saw the airlines introduce reciprocal elite perks, and now as of early 2026 we’ve seen the airlines introduce reciprocal points redemptions.
I’m happy to see the airlines now completing the promised integration of their partnership, I just can’t wrap my head around why this has taken so long.
What do you make of the American & Aer Lingus partnership?
