Worth getting Aer Lingus Gold Circle ?

OU812

I'm going to have to travel next month - New York, Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles. The plan is to fly in and out of NYC and use internal flights for the rest. Is it worth getting the Gold Circle Club& is there any cost involved ?

faceman

You can't purchase Gold Circle membership on its own but certain ticket tiers such as business and possibly flex will give you the same benefits such as lounge access and priority boarding. You'd need to double check when booking to confirm what perks it gives.

You need to earn 2,400 points to gain Gold Circle membership which is 4 return economy flights to the U.S. in a 12 month period.

You can purchase aer lingus lounge access in Dublin. Not sure about other airports. AFAIK It costs €25 per visit.

whomitconcerns

its grand when you get it. Saves you a few mins in security and boarding and the lounge is nice.

But they have so few flights that qualify. I had over 40 flights a few years ago in a calender year and still didnt qualify as a "frequent flyer"

OU812

Is there another "club" that would give access to lounges in the various airports ?

whomitconcerns

priority pass...but you will pay 24€ per visit unless you get super prestige membership

Terrontress

I think that Bank of Ireland's business gold credit card gives Aer Lingus Gold Circle and costs about €150. AIB charges the same and gives Priority Pass, but for one passenger only. BoI lets you take a guest.

L1011

OU812 wrote: »

Is there another "club" that would give access to lounges in the various airports ?

Diners Club cards (credit/charge cards) usually have some form of lounge available in most airports; there's also schemes like Priority Pass. I have no experience of using any of them so can't recommend one over another.

KevR

I was signed up to the Aer Lingus frequent flyer programme for years and never got anything out of it. I was effectively flying back and forth to the UK weekly, however most of the flights did not qualify for frequent flyer points. I would pick up a few points here and there on European flights and an occasional transatlantic. Never accumulated enough points to see any benefits despite being a frequent flyer.

I switched to BA as my preferred airline in 2014 and joined their frequent flyer programme. I made it to Bronze member within 6 months and got to Silver by the end of the year. Silver gives me: free seat selection at time of booking, business class check-in, fast track security, lounge access for me + a guest, priority boarding and additional checked baggage allowances. I also get double air miles on every flight as Silver. I accumulated significant air miles last year, enough for 4 long haul upgrades. Not to mention BA upgraded me for free on 2 long haul flights last year so I have yet to dip into my air miles.

Never even got so much as priority check-in or boarding from Aer Lingus and I did give them a lot of business over the years. You live and learn! BA will continue to be my preferred airline for the foreseeable future.


Also, it's worth noting that BA are part of the One World alliance meaning you can pick up miles and avail of your tier privileges when travelling with their partner airlines. So you are not strictly tied to flying with BA exclusively.

Noxegon

I've got to agree with KevR. I'm currently in Gold Circle but I'm not doing enough long haul to stay in it through the scheme alone. Staying it last year cost me 2400 points. Next year I don't expect to have enough left to remain in it, at which point I will stop using Aer Lingus in favour of other airlines.

Tenger

Best et OP would be to purchase GC lounge access at DUB (EUR 20-25?)
GC is very hard to earn points on and ultimately not really worth (seems to be the consensus) it won't get you anything travelling internally in the US.

cactusgal

I've been flying Aer Lingus 3 times to the USA each year, plus usually two or three European flights per year. Been doing this for the past five years. I've a frequent flyer number with Aer Lingus but have never gotten any benefit. Or Gold Circle anything

Locker10a

They really need a new frequent flyer program and it really wouldn't cost that much ! Seriously how hard can it be to figure this! They are loosing customers and could attract so many more if they sorted themselves

whomitconcerns

its crazy..i can understand if they dont want to give you points to use for freebies with every flight. But if you do x amount of flights in a year you should still be classed a "frequent flyer"

L1011

Basically this is just the top tier of the old loyalty system with the entire rest of it deleted during the LCC experiment. Why they've not bothered to reinstate/replace it yet is inexplicable.

At one point there were members of the LGW crew that knew my name due to how often I was flying and I was barely hanging on by the skin of my teeth.

OU812

looks like I'll skip it so. thanks lads.

faceman

I have Gold Circle access earned from all the T/A flying I do. I also used to have Bronze tier with BA. To be fair to Aer Lingus, its easier to earn Gold Circle access than it is to earn equivalent access (Silver) with BA if you're doing T/A flying. However BA give points on short haul where as most economy flights with Aer Lingus don't.

Really the perks with Aer Lingus are priority check in and Lounge access. BA Silver Tier grants the same but also gives fast track security in Heathrow which really is the ultimate perk of any Frequent Flyer program.

Ironically the more you fly better you get at getting to an airport 'on time' thus lounge access becomes less of a big deal unless you've a stopover.

*Kol*

whomitconcerns wrote: »

its grand when you get it. Saves you a few mins in security and boarding and the lounge is nice.

But they have so few flights that qualify. I had over 40 flights a few years ago in a calender year and still didnt qualify as a "frequent flyer"

Same here. I have never managed to qualify! Priority pass is excellent value if you do a lot of flying.

L1011

OU812 wrote: »

looks like I'll skip it so. thanks lads.

You may as well sign up (its free) and put the number on your bookings; but for lounge access the other options will be easier for now.

elastico

I've been in airports where the lounge has been busy so found it easier to relax in the public area, also if the company are paying for it you might just want to eat in a restaurant anyway as its a claimable expense.

Also have had lots of air miles from long haul and when went to redeem them found reward flights seem to be limited to a small percentage on holiday type destinations.

Also found that if you book BA for example you could pay €700 for flights, get some airmiles of limited use but if you go onto ebookers etc. you could get similar flights for €200 via other airlines but no airmiles, so I really don't see the value in these things unless your company is paying for it.

squonk

What do you get in the Gold Circle lounge that makes it worthwhile? I've always flown cattle class which isn't a problem really but did notice that the option to purchase lounge access comes up with them on bookings for €25. Is it just more comfy seats/waiting areas or are showers, food and drink provided? Any other benefits?

whomitconcerns

squonk wrote: »

What do you get in the Gold Circle lounge that makes it worthwhile? I've always flown cattle class which isn't a problem really but did notice that the option to purchase lounge access comes up with them on bookings for €25. Is it just more comfy seats/waiting areas or are showers, food and drink provided? Any other benefits?

if you have it for free and have time to kill very handy as you get space to relax, free drinks and food usually. I wouldnt pay for it. But i had earner it through work and was very handy especially when transiting, or back when we flew from teh tunnel in T1 Heathrow. Nice to get out of the heat!

Tenger

whomitconcerns wrote: »

its crazy..i can understand if they dont want to give you points to use for freebies with every flight.....

An announcement in Sept last mentioned that a new FPP will be rolled out in 2015. Personally I think it is years too late.

This situation is a clear indication of the battle between marketing/PR people and beancounters. The 'beancounter' mentality has no interest in any move/program/product that doesn't add to the bottom line, they don't care for intangible things like loyalty and rewarding frequent customers.

Personally a I like the idea of spending 100 Euro.....you get 100 points. Simple. So in this way GC pax get 'rewards' every time they book a flight. Excluding certain tickets fares merely punishes (bit of a string word perhaps?) GC members for booking sale tickets. Why should a person who travels twice a year in J class to the US be more rewarded than the person who travels 50 times a year to the UK?
With the straightforward earning system you can then tailor the reward levels to suit the GC membership.......

Crumbs868

Don't forget lounge is located before US emigration so most definitely not worth buying it as unlike on shortfall travel you have to leave the lounge early and clear customs

faceman

Crumbs868 wrote: »

Don't forget lounge is located before US emigration so most definitely not worth buying it as unlike on shortfall travel you have to leave the lounge early and clear customs

This isnt really an issue. in Dublin in the lounge they announce when you should go to immigration for every T/A flight.

fits

Lounge access isnt really worth anything to me in dublin as i dont get to airport earlier than necessary. It matters where you have meetings elsewhere and might get to airports early, and when transiting. I have silver status with finnair which is decent enough. If i am flying with a different airline and have a long stopover somewhere ill pay into it though.

Ryanair's business plus is all you need for short haul imo. Its excellent. I changed my mind about flight times last week and changed the ticket with no hassle. Was 30 euro more than regular fare and i had a bag to check in so cost difference wasnt much at all. Aer lingus had beter wake up!

Noxegon

faceman wrote: »

This isnt really an issue. in Dublin in the lounge they announce when you should go to immigration for every T/A flight.

Actually, it is an issue – and a relatively significant one. I've sat for almost two hours on the far side of US Immigration after being told to leave the lounge and go through.

knockon

Noxegon wrote: »

Actually, it is an issue – and a relatively significant one. I've sat for almost two hours on the far side of US Immigration after being told to leave the lounge and go through.

Not the case in SNN. Leave the lounge, go through US CBP and go back in to the lounge which has access from the (US Side) which before anyone says according to SNN website you cannot but you can and I have. Great idea.

+1 For priority pass. Also left Aer Lingus points - now collect EI points on a BA Frequent Flyer programme.

Crumbs868

knockon wrote: »

Not the case in SNN. Leave the lounge, go through US CBP and go back in to the lounge which has access from the (US Side) which before anyone says according to SNN website you cannot but you can and I have. Great idea.

+1 For priority pass. Also left Aer Lingus points - now collect EI points on a BA Frequent Flyer programme.

I'm sorry I find that very hard to believe. It would have to be a different lounge and I doubt Shannon has 2 because no way would us emigration allow you back into the into the 'non secured area'.

your last sentence is also v confusing, you can only collect ba Avios points on aer lingus flights if they are booked on a ba ticket. Otherwise everyone majority of gold circle members would jump ship to avios as it's so much better

KevR

Crumbs868 wrote: »

your last sentence is also v confusing, you can only collect ba Avios points on aer lingus flights if they are booked on a ba ticket. Otherwise everyone majority of gold circle members would jump ship to avios as it's so much better

Seemingly you can collect Avios by flying with Aer Lingus. Only for certain fare classes however. You never get any tier points.

Aer Lingus is listed under "Other Airline Partners":
http://www.britishairways.com/en-de/executive-club/collecting-avios/flights

faceman

knockon wrote: »

+1 For priority pass. Also left Aer Lingus points - now collect EI points on a BA Frequent Flyer programme.

The points award for flying Aer Lingus with a BA frequent flyer number is quite small.

NobodyImportant

EI FFP is useless, been back and forth to europe 15+ times in the last 12 months and I still have nothing to show for it. On the contrary, with FlyingBlue, i am closing in on a transatlantic upgrade in the next few months.

Starting now to prefer flying with AF / KLM / Cityjet (codeshare with AF) so i can collect points and maybe get something out of all the travelling I'm doing. Plus, with FlyingBlue, they have loads of hotels which give points. Everytime I say in a Crown Plaza, i get 400 miles.

Crumbs868

NobodyImportant wrote: »

EI FFP is useless, been back and forth to europe 15+ times in the last 12 months and I still have nothing to show for it. On the contrary, with FlyingBlue, i am closing in on a transatlantic upgrade in the next few months.

Starting now to prefer flying with AF / KLM / Cityjet (codeshare with AF) so i can collect points and maybe get something out of all the travelling I'm doing. Plus, with FlyingBlue, they have loads of hotels which give points. Everytime I say in a Crown Plaza, i get 400 miles.

You must be booking a non qualifying fare (basic). You need to book the flex fare otherwise you wont earn points. You also need to keep an eye and make sure you are getting your points as they have a habit of not showing up.

In terms of the flex fare, I think its €20 extra each way, however you get a free checked bag so its only really €5 more expensive than the base fare. If you are flying on business then it would take a scroge to deny you an extra €5 fare each way.

Chris_5339762

Ryanair need to have a frequent flyer program, then they'd clean up completely, even more so than they are now.

One euro = One point.

Ten points get you a priority boarding, or something like that, or twenty points = free tea. Something small but, something.

L1011

Chris_5339762 wrote: »

Ryanair need to have a frequent flyer program, then they'd clean up completely, even more so than they are now.

One euro = One point.

Ten points get you a priority boarding, or something like that, or twenty points = free tea. Something small but, something.

That would ensure that everyone basically got a priority boarding every flight bar their first as their lowest fare ever is 9.99. Meaning the concept would cease to exist.

More like 100 points before you get anything - rather like supermarkets.

Noxegon

Crumbs868 wrote: »

In terms of the flex fare, I think its €20 extra each way, however you get a free checked bag so its only really €5 more expensive than the base fare. If you are flying on business then it would take a scroge to deny you an extra €5 fare each way.

Actually, I use hand luggage on the vast majority of my Aer Lingus flights – so it's more like €20 extra each way. And even then I tend to have to fill in a points claim form as I don't get them automatically.

NobodyImportant

Crumbs868 wrote: »

You must be booking a non qualifying fare (basic). You need to book the flex fare otherwise you wont earn points. You also need to keep an eye and make sure you are getting your points as they have a habit of not showing up.

In terms of the flex fare, I think its €20 extra each way, however you get a free checked bag so its only really €5 more expensive than the base fare. If you are flying on business then it would take a scroge to deny you an extra €5 fare each way.

I usually fly flex plus, but think they have not credited me all the flights i have taken.

steve-o

Crumbs868 wrote: »

You need to book the flex fare otherwise you wont earn points.

That's not true. While the cheapest "Low" fares don't earn points, many do. Of course the points often fail to post automatically, but Aer Lingus' crap IT is a separate issue.

Bigcheeze

faceman wrote: »

BA Silver Tier grants the same but also gives fast track security in Heathrow which really is the ultimate perk of any Frequent Flyer program.

Gold Circle gets you priority security in Heathrow.

faceman

Bigcheeze wrote: »

Gold Circle gets you priority security in Heathrow.

OMG! I never knew this!! You sure? It's not on their website!

Bigcheeze

faceman wrote: »

OMG! I never knew this!! You sure? It's not on their website!

From my June 2013 gold circle statement :


Fast Track Security at London Heathrow

We are delighted to inform you that, with effect from Monday 17th June, Gold Circle members will have access to the Fast Track security channel at London Heathrow.

To avail of this facility please present your Gold Circle membership card and your Aer Lingus boarding pass to the attendant located at the entrance to the Fast Track security channel. Gold Circle members may also bring one guest through the Fast Track channel when travelling with you. If you wish to bring a guest, please identify them to the attendant and present their Aer Lingus boarding pass.

jhegarty

faceman wrote: »

The points award for flying Aer Lingus with a BA frequent flyer number is quite small.

I got a full 90 miles for my last ORK -> LHR flight

Tenger

faceman wrote: »

OMG! I never knew this!! You sure? It's not on their website!

Maybe it was introduced as part of the move to T2?



On a related note....I have been told that EI are going to introduce a new fare class on limited trial/introductory period. Fully flexible ticket, 2-2 config, free checked bag, lounge access, comp stuff onboard.

Bigcheeze

Tenger wrote: »

Maybe it was introduced as part of the move to T2?

No it was there from June 2013.

goingnowhere

Priority security was there in T1 days alright, not that it really made a difference

GC members also get priority security at DUB, BHX, LGW and probably a few others, SFO for one

IRLConor

goingnowhere wrote: »

GC members also get priority security at DUB, BHX, LGW and probably a few others, SFO for one

It's always worth asking, especially if the regular security line looks busy.

For example, I don't know if GC is supposed to get you priority security at MXP but it worked for me ~18 months ago. The guy doing the checks just looked, shrugged and waved me on.

ButtersSuki

My GC is about to lapse (10+years as a member) and I'm not sure whether to renew or not. The recent change to the Lounge provider in JFK is appalling, but not as bad as the pre-Christmas visit I had to the United Lounge in Orlando - undoubtedly the worst lounge I have ever been in anywhere in the world. First of all my name wasn't on the list for some reason and the two gimps behind the counter made me wait almost a half an hour before they got clearance (LOL) from someone at the Aer Lingus desk to let me in. This despite showing them a valid GC Card and my ticket with my number on it. It was a real "computer says no" moment. Then when I finally got in, there was no hot food, some cheese crackers, cheese that was so processed it would make Calvita look like some artisanal French chef carefully crafted it, and some peanuts. I asked did they have any fruit and I got a big sigh….and eventually a banana - wrapped in cling film. I don't drink alcohol pre or indeed during flights but you had to pay for everything at the bar. Overheard a fellow traveller's confused conversation when he was asked for $6 for a beer by the barman. He asked was it not complimentary as it was the lounge and the barman said "Sir, this is not Europe". I almost fell off my chair laughing.

As someone else mentioned, trying to reclaim points that fall through the cracks in the system is painful - they make you jump through hoops when you try to do this.

And don't start me on the number of flights not qualifying for flights. Last year I did 100+ (mainly to the UK) flights on Aer Lingus and I still had to dip into my stash of points to retain membership. Crazy. Used a shedload of points for upgrades last year to the point where I've now less than 2400 remaining.

The real benefit though for me is the fast track, tbh there's been mornings where I've just used that and gone straight to the plane without even bothering with the lounge. It's now at the point where I pretty much only use the lounge for delays and long flights.

So it has its good and bad points, mainly bad. Lol.

fits

You can get the fast track and a coffee with airport genie for six euro. Or is that still going?

ButtersSuki

fits wrote: »

You can get the fast track and a coffee with airport genie for six euro. Or is that still going?

I think that offer comes and goes, though I am open to correction on that.

IRLConor

That description of the United lounge in Orlando sounds like the one in SFO. Then again, I've a very low opinion of United in general so I wasn't expecting much.

ButtersSuki

IRLConor wrote: »

That description of the United lounge in Orlando sounds like the one in SFO. Then again, I've a very low opinion of United in general so I wasn't expecting much.

Yup, I've had that pleasure as well (United in SFO). On the other hand though, the Virgin Lounge in SFO is "loike totes amazeballs". I'm not sure Aer Lingus still use it as I haven't been on that route in 5 years now (sigh) but it was one of the better ones I've been in.

Re. United - once flew First Class with them - SF to Boston. Complete waste of money, thank God the company paid for it and not me.

whomitconcerns

ButtersSuki wrote: »

I think that offer comes and goes, though I am open to correction on that.

Its always available and is a great service!