United and Aer Lingus To End Codeshare on October 27

Updated: October 23, 2023, 3:47am CDT

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United and Aer Lingus To Part Ways
Final Thoughts

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According to a U.S. Department of Transportation regulation, Aer Lingus — the flag carrier of Ireland — will be terminating the codeshare it has in place with United Airlines.

As of October 27, 2023, the airlines will go their separate ways and pull the window shades down on their 15-year relationship.

Here are the details of the separation and how it could affect you on your future travels.

United and Aer Lingus To Part Ways

When you consider the details, Aer Lingus and United’s codeshare was a little odd to start with.

The codeshare, which remains live until October 27, 2023, means that members of Star Alliance member United’s MileagePlus program and members of non-airline alliance affiliated Aer Lingus’ AerClub are able to credit miles to reciprocal mileage programs when flying the other airline.

In turn, members of British Airways’ Executive Club, Iberia’s Iberia Plus, and Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club (all of which belong to rival airline alliance Oneworld) have been able to credit United flights to Aer Lingus and then transfer the Avios to their preferred Oneworld airline.

Aer Lingus A330 Business Class Seat — Aer Lingus’ throne seat is a great way to cross the Atlantic between the U.S. and Ireland and Manchester. Image Credit: Aer Lingus

What makes things even more weird is that Aer Lingus is also a codeshare with rival Oneworld alliance member American Airlines — talk about double-dipping.

That said, the love triangle will soon come to an end, which could result in Aer Lingus and American Airlines frequent flyers having even more reciprocal perks and benefits.

A major change that could also come about after Aer Lingus and United part ways would be that Aer Lingus officially joins the Oneworld alliance given its closeness with fellow IAG-owned airlines British Airways and Iberia, as well as American Airlines, of course.

However, that wouldn’t likely be possible without Aer Lingus also terminating the codeshare that appears to be remaining intact with Air Canada — the national flag carrier of Canada and also a member of Star Alliance.

Bottom Line:

Aer Lingus has a huge presence in North America, with over 16 nonstop routes from its hub airport in Dublin (DUB). It also offers nonstop service between New York (JFK) and Orlando (MCO) to Manchester (MAN) in the U.K., as well as from Shannon (SNN) to Boston (BOS) and New York (JFK).

Final Thoughts

While the ending of Aer Lingus and United Airlines’ long-stanging codeshare might be unwelcome by some, the potential of strengthened relations with Oneworld airlines, such as American, BA, Iberia, and Qatar, might be welcome news for others.