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Aer Lingus can now fly from England to the US opening up new possibilities for American travelers (eventually)

Aug. 14, 2021
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3 min read
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Aer Lingus can now fly from England to the US opening up new possibilities for American travelers (eventually)
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After postponing its new routes between the U.K and the United States earlier this year, Aer Lingus has now received permission from the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority to start service between England and the U.S.

Starting Sept. 30, the Irish airline will launch nonstop service between Manchester (MAN) and New York-JFK and Orlando (MCO). On Oct. 20, a direct flight to Barbados (BGI) will be added. Another route to Boston (BOS) is expected to launch in the summer of 2022.

Aer Lingus jet. (Photo by Nicky Kelvin/The Points Guy)
Aer Lingus jet. (Photo by Nicky Kelvin/The Points Guy)

These new routes are excellent news for travelers in the northwest of England and potentially, eventually for Americans. Aside from the new nonstop service and extra Avios earning opportunities, this also provides them with a convenient way to get to these destinations on points without having to go to London first.

At least for now, these flights are not for sale to U.S. consumers as you can see in the press release announcing the routes.

An Aer Lingus spokesperson told TPG, "While Aer Lingus awaits imminent approval from the US Department of Transport (DOT), tickets on the Manchester to U.S. services can not be sold in the U.S."

The DOT has given 'approval in principle' for the route, but tickets can't be sold in the U.S. until final approval is granted.

These new flights can be booked with Avios, and Aer Lingus has recently been added to the American Airlines and British Airways joint venture, meaning there's ample backup in case of a delay or rebooking.

Related: Aer Lingus forced to delay launch of nonstop routes from Manchester to the US

According to a statement issued by Aer Lingus, the following rates apply for the new flights (per one-way in economy class):

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  • Manchester (MAN) to New York-JFK: 20,000 Avios in the summer of 2021 (down to 13,000 in autumn and winter)
  • Manchester (MAN) to Orlando (MCO): 25,000 Avios in the summer of 2021 (down to 16,250 in autumn and winter)
  • Manchester (MAN) to Barbados (BGI): 16,250 Avios in autumn and winter of 2021.

Avios amounts for flights to Boston are yet unknown but are expected to be around 20,000 Avios, given the similar distance to the New York-JFK flights.

Related: How to book Aer Lingus award tickets with Avios

Business class on the Aer Lingus A321 (Photo by Nicky Kelvin / The Points Guy)

In recent years, Aer Lingus has really upped its game with new aircraft and refreshed cabins. The Boston and New York City routes will be flown on the single-aisle Airbus A321Neo, of which the airline took delivery back in 2019.

On the Orlando and Barbados routes, a wide-body Airbus A330 will be used.

Additional reporting by Clint Henderson.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
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  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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