5 Tips & Tricks to Boost Your AerClub Tier Credits
I am an Aer Lingus frequent flyer, but I haven’t yet reached Silver Tier Status with AerClub. So, I did some research and discovered some tips and tricks to boost your AerClub Tier Credits.
I have been collecting Avios for years now and thought I knew every trick to boost my Avios balance! However, one thing I couldn’t seem to manage was to move from the Green Tier (basic entry level) to Silver Tier status with AerClub. To unlock Silver Tier perks like priority check-in, complimentary Fast Track at Dublin Airport, and lounge access (where available), it’s essential to focus on earning AerClub Tier Credits in addition to collecting Avios.
While Silver Tier membership with AerClub comes with great perks, the benefits only increase as you move up. Platinum Tier members can enjoy complimentary upgrades, and those who reach the exclusive Concierge Tier are even guaranteed an economy seat on fully booked flights – although apologies for the inconvenience to other passengers!
Despite what you might think, you don’t have to be a business class traveller to get some of these benefits. You will see below that a few economy class trips to the USA in one year, or one return business class trip, may see you avail of complimentary lounge access in no time!
Here are my top 5 tips and tricks to boost your AerClub Tier Credits
1. Know the difference between Avios and Tier Credits:
Avios is the reward currency of Aer Lingus, as well as its partner airlines and a host of online and high street retailers. There are many ways to collect Avios, including flying and shopping online, and Avios don’t expire, as long as you collect, spend or purchase at least one Avios every 36 months.
Tier Credits can ONLY be earned by flying with Aer Lingus or its airline partners. Unlike Avios which are awarded based on the amount you spend, Tier Credits are awarded based on the type of fare and destinations you book.
2. Watch out for sale and saver fares:
I love a seat sale as much as anyone, in fact as soon as I receive one of the Aer Lingus 20% off emails, I am online immediately researching flights. What I didn’t realise was you get different amount of Tier Credits depending on fare type you choose, so it is always best to check when you are booking. For instance ‘saver’ and ‘sale’ fare types within Europe offer lower Tier Credits than the ‘plus’ fares.
To put this into context, if you book a return sale or promotional return fare to Malaga with Aer Lingus you will earn only 15 Tier Credits. The regular return saver fare to Europe has 30 Tier Credits. If you are not checking in a bag and don’t want to pre book seats, then these are probably the best options.
However, if you are checking in a bag and pre booking seats, you should opt for the ‘plus’ fare. This will give you 50 Tier Credits per return flight. You can check to see what your fare type is by clicking on “About your fare” and you can read more about that here.
3. Know whats required to upgrade to the next tier:
Keeping track of your Tier Credits and knowing how many more you need to reach the next level can be a game-changer when choosing which fare to book. In some cases, it might be worth paying a little extra for a higher fare if it helps you unlock the benefits of Silver Tier status for an entire year.
You need to earn 301 Tier Credits in one year to move from the Green to the Silver Tier. This equates to 7 return ‘plus fare’ flights to Europe. However if flying to the USA, you need 4 return ‘smart’ flights to upgrade from the Green to Silver tier. And, if you can fly business class this will reduce the number of flights required considerably.
You will earn 250 Tier Credits with one return business class flight to the USA and remember you only need 301 to move from the Green to the Silver Tier. If you are a frequent flyer with Aer Lingus 601 tier credits will see you advance from Silver to Platinum, while 1051 Tier Credits will see you advance to the Concierge Tier.
4. Fly Aer Lingus to the USA
I flew to San Francisco via London two years ago and vowed I would never to do it again. As well as our luggage not arriving, having to spend two hours clearing customs in the US is not ideal after a long flight! Flying direct from Dublin to the US and availing of the pre-clearance before you leave, saves you so much time and stress.
If there are no direct flights to your chosen destination in the US, you can still book indirect Aer Lingus flights to avail of pre-clearance, and the all important Tier Credits!
Top Tip: For most of us, flying transatlantic will mean you need to check in a bag. If this is the case, opt for a ‘smart’ fare and you will receive 100 Tier Credits per return journey. Just to confuse things, Aer Lingus do have promotional fares in the ‘smart’ category, where you will only earn 50% of the regular smart economy fare, so be careful to watch out for these.
Click on the ‘About your fare’ section when booking if you are unsure. If you fancy treating yourself, you can earn 250 Tier Credits with a return business class transatlantic fare.
5. Know your AerClub anniversary date:
This is extremely important because every year your AerClub Tier Credits will reset on your anniversary (the date you joined AerClub). You can easily check your anniversary date and your up-to-date Tier Credits by logging into your AerClub account.
If you move a tier within your current membership year (e.g. move from Green up to Silver), then you’ll remain in the Silver Tier for the following membership year.
