Aer Lingus rolls out some progressive changes to AerClub

Aer Lingus rolled out some welcome and progressive changes to AerClub (it’s loyalty programme) – for those going through life-changing events.

The airline’s loyalty programme will now allow the pausing of benefits for events such as adoption, maternity or serious illness.

The terms are pretty clear (section 5.16 in the AerClub terms and conditions)

Members can apply for their status to be extended due to the birth/adoption of a new baby or due to serious illness if they are Silver, Platinum or Concierge status. Members who have received complimentary status are not eligible.

In order to qualify, Members will need to provide a letter from their doctor, a birth certificate or documentation relating to the birth/adoption or serious illness and send it to aerclubassist@aerlingus.com. Existing benefits will remain available for use during the extended period.

Eligible Members are limited to a maximum of two approved applications within a five year period.

Eligible Members can continue to collect Tier Credits and Avios and enjoy their current tier benefits to the extended date. No new benefits will be awarded in the extended period.

Should a Member qualify for a higher Tier during the extension period this will be honoured and the extension on your previous Tier will come to an end.

Tier Extension is a discretionary benefit. Aer Lingus reserves the right to require any reasonable form of evidence or identification to validate an application and reserves the right to decline the application and to change or withdraw this benefit at any time

Let’s break that down to something a little friendlier:

• Applies if you are having a baby, adopting a child or have a serious illness
• Applies to Silver, Gold and Concierge Members (the elite members in the AerClub programme)
• You’ll need to contact AerClub with appropriate evidence.
• Two applications are allowed in a five year period
• If you qualify for a higher tier during the extension period, you will gain that status and the extension will come to an end
• This is at the sole discretion of the airline only. Evidence will be required.

It does not over

• Those who received AerClub status on a complimentary basis

Again – read the Terms and conditions before emailing AerClub to apply for the extension.

Life happens. It’s welcome to see airlines acknowledge that.

Life is full of changes. Sometimes positive, sometimes negative.

It’s welcome to see Aer Lingus join airlines such as Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Iberia and Qantas who have formalised their position in regards to pregnancy and other life-changing events – rolling out progressive and friendly policies that understand that changes in life happen and by pausing their status, they can keep the customer loyalty.

Other airlines do have informal programmes to, so it’s worth contacting it if you’re going through something like the above.

As we all know, it takes time to gain loyalty, but seconds to destroy it in silly moves.

For those who are going through events, a little understanding goes a long way.

Something the airline industry can do a lot better at.

Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond – Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, with in-depth coverage, unique research as well as the humour and madness as I only know how to deliver.

Follow me on Twitter at @EconomyBeyond for the latest updates! You can also follow me on Instagram too!

Also remember that as well as being part of BoardingArea, we’re also part of BoardingArea.eu, delivering frequent flyer news, miles and points to the European reader.