In a long awaited move, Aer Lingus have applied to join the oneworld alliance transatlantic joint venture. This means they will be cooperating with American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia and Finnair across the Atlantic.
Since Aer Lingus were acquired by British Airways and Iberia’s parent company IAG, this move has been on the cards. What does it mean though in real terms?
Joint Venture Cooperation
A joint venture allows the airlines to cross sell their seats. This means that if you do a flight search, you will see flights available on all the airlines that fly the route.
Frequent Flyer Benefits
While Aer Lingus is not a member of the oneworld alliance, frequent flyers will see benefits. The joint venture application specifically states that members of each of the five airlines will be able to earn points, redeem and achieve status by flying on each other.
What About The Existing Relationships?
Aer Lingus currently has relationships with both United Airlines and JetBlue. You can connect to United Airlines flights and JetBlue flights from Aer Lingus stations in the USA to go on to other places.
Overall Thoughts
From a frequent flyer perspective, I think this is a good move. Joint ventures provide more options for flying, with better schedules and reciprocal benefits.
Since Aer Lingus will retain pricing freedom, it should not result in an increase in fares. As Aer Lingus operates with a completely different model to its full service counterparts, this makes sense.
You can check out the full text of the application here. I think it makes for some fascinating reading.
What do you think of Aer Lingus joining forces with these oneworld alliance airlines? Good or bad? Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.
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All images via Aer Lingus.
When will the decision be made?
I honestly wouldn’t be able to tell you. They usually take months to be decided, then they start later again as they have to integrate the IT, schedules and so on. My guess would be a decision first half of this year, and perhaps it will commence from the end of October winter timetable. If all goes well!
What about Alaska airlines partnership on earning and using miles ?
In the press release about their partnership, it says that the ability to earn miles and redeem will come for both Mileage Plan and AerClub, but at a later date. Alaska is allowing Mileage Plan earning on Aer Lingus according to their web site, but nothing is mentioned on AerClub about earning with Alaska. So I guess it’s still a work in progress. Aer Lingus have been notoriously slow when it comes to their programme. The new joint venture should not have any impact on Alaska Airlines. They’re not even mentioned in the submission. Thanks for the comment!
The last I read EI is allowed to codeshare with whomever they want so there might be the scenario where Aer Lingus interlines/codeshares with United, jetBLue AND American in the States. Don’t know if they will all last but I like the flexibility as I may visit Ireland next year.
Yes, the oneworld alliance generally allows their member airlines to codeshare and enter into agreements outside of the alliance. You should definitely visit Ireland – fantastic country all round. See how you go!