In what has to be good news for American Airlines loyalists, Aer Lingus will join the oneworld alliance in 2017, making its flights more available for AAdvantage members, and also allowing AA members to collect miles on paid Aer Lingus flights.
The Irish airline was a member of oneworld before, leaving in 2007 as it tried to develop itself as a lower-fare carrier, and to develop itself as a one-stop route to Europe with a plane change in Dublin. Last year it was bought by International Air Group, the parent of British Air, Iberia and Vueling, and has added a number of new U.S. destinations since.
IAG chief Willie Walsh says that when the return to oneworld is completed (computer systems have to be coordinated first) it will also join the joint venture run by BA, Iberia, American Airlines and Finnair which allows them to coordinate flights and fares across the Atlantic, and to share the profits.
