Enhancements Made to Earning Rewards on Aer Lingus and Japan Airlines Flights by British Airways
In a significant move for frequent flyers, British Airways has updated the Avios earnings charts for partner flights on Aer Lingus and Japan Airlines. These changes, which took effect on April 1, 2025, for Japan Airlines and September 1, 2025, for Aer Lingus, aim to provide more opportunities for passengers to earn Avios points.
For flights with Japan Airlines, passengers in premium economy, business, and first class will now earn substantially more Avios than before when crediting a paid flight into their British Airways account. Premium Economy and Business class fares have seen a 70% to 150% increase in Avios earnings, while First class fares have seen an impressive 150% to 300% increase.
Economy class passengers are not left out either. The earning percentages remain the same for existing fare classes, except for Economy Lowest (P) which continues to offer 25% of the flight miles flown. However, several new fare buckets have been added to the Aer Lingus chart, allowing more travelers to earn Avios, even in the lowest economy discounted fares.
The British Airways Club program hasn't boosted earning percentages on Aer Lingus flights, but has broadened eligibility, letting some of its lowest economy discounted fares earn Avios for the first time.
The updating of Avios savings when flying with Aer Lingus and Japan Airlines is managed by the frequent flyer program operator, typically British Airways Executive Club for Avios points, with Aer Lingus and Japan Airlines crediting flights to the Avios account accordingly.
It's important to note that these updates apply to international flights only, with no changes to earnings on JAL's domestic routes. The changes for Japan Airlines were officially implemented on British Airways' website this week, while the updated Aer Lingus chart took effect on September 1, 2025, and applies to all flights.
If booking Japan Airlines in premium economy or higher, make sure your British Airways Club loyalty number is added to your ticket to earn double (or more) Avios than the old rates. Similarly, if flying with Aer Lingus, ensure you're in the right fare class to maximise your Avios earnings.
These updates make British Airways Club a far stronger option for where to credit long-haul flights to maximise earnings, especially for passengers in premium cabins on Japan Airlines. With these changes, British Airways aims to offer its Club members more rewards for their travels.
