British Airways is set to overhaul its Executive Club loyalty program, transitioning to a revenue-based system starting April 1, 2025. Under the new structure, members will earn one Tier Point for every £1 spent on tickets, wiht the requirements for achieving frequent flyer status adjusted accordingly. To attain Bronze status (Oneworld Ruby), travelers will need 3,500 tier Points; silver (Oneworld Sapphire) requires 7,500, and Gold (Oneworld Emerald) demands 20,000 Tier Points.This change aligns with similar updates from other Oneworld partners, emphasizing booking class and distance for flights outside of British Airways, American Airlines, and Finnair.Additionally,members can earn Tier Points through spending on British Airways credit cards and holiday bookings,while the program will be rebranded as “The British Airways Club.”
Frequent flyers are facing important changes in the Oneworld airline alliance’s tier point system, set to take effect in April 2025. Recent calculations reveal that travelers flying from Budapest to Los Angeles via London and New York, previously earning 640 tier points for a round trip, will see their rewards slashed to approximately 1,250 tier points based on a £1,250 ticket price. This change translates to only 17% of the points needed for Oneworld Sapphire status, compared to the previous 107%. Similarly,Finnair’s routes to New York will also experience a downgrade,with tier points dropping from 360 to 2,265 based on distance. As these adjustments roll out,travelers may find it increasingly challenging to maintain their frequent flyer status,prompting a reevaluation of loyalty programs and travel strategies.
British Airways has announced significant changes to its Executive Club loyalty program, impacting how Tier Points are awarded for flights booked before December 30, 2024, for travel starting April 1, 2025. Under the new system, existing bookings will earn Tier Points based on a conversion from the current method, ensuring that travelers receive the same or more points than before. However, the future of the “Soft Landing” policy remains uncertain, which currently allows Gold members to retain some status benefits for an additional year after dropping to Silver.With the diminishing value of miles and the increasing difficulty of achieving meaningful frequent flyer status,many travelers are reconsidering their loyalty. Alternatives include purchasing the cheapest economy tickets, booking business class for enhanced benefits, or switching to other frequent flyer programs like Miles & More or Flying Blue, as options within the Oneworld alliance continue to dwindle.In a significant move to enhance transparency in digital marketing, industry leaders are advocating for clearer guidelines on link placements and compensation practices. This initiative aims to address growing concerns about the ethical implications of paid links, which can mislead consumers and distort search engine rankings. By establishing standardized practices, marketers hope to foster trust and integrity in online content, ensuring that audiences receive authentic information. as the digital landscape evolves, these efforts could reshape how brands engage with their audiences, promoting a more honest and effective marketing surroundings.
A Discussion on British Airways’ Loyalty Program Overhaul
Editor of Time.news: Today,we’re discussing the upcoming overhaul of british Airways’ executive Club,which will transition to a revenue-based system starting April 1,2025. This significant change outlines new ways for frequent flyers to earn Tier Points. Joining us is an expert in airline loyalty programs, Dr.Sarah Collins. sarah,can you explain the key elements of this new revenue-based system?
Dr. Sarah Collins: Absolutely! Under the revamped system, members will earn one Tier Point for every £1 they spend on tickets. The thresholds for achieving elite statuses will also change.For example, acquiring Bronze status, which is equivalent to Oneworld Ruby, will now require 3,500 Tier Points.This adjustment mirrors similar trends we’ve seen among other airlines in the oneworld alliance,emphasizing booking class and flight distance.
Editor: That’s quite a shift from the previous system, where earning points often depended more on distance traveled. What implications will this have for frequent flyers, particularly those booking international routes?
Dr. Sarah Collins: The implications are significant. For instance, travelers who previously flew from Budapest to Los angeles via London and New York would see their Tier Points slashed from 640 to approximately 1,250, based on a £1,250 ticket. That amounts to only 17% of the points needed for Oneworld Sapphire status compared to the previous 107%. This change may compel manny travelers to rethink their flying habits or even their loyalty programs, as they’ll need to spend considerably more to maintain or achieve elite status.
editor: It seems that maintaining frequent flyer status will become more challenging. What practical advice do you have for those affected by these changes?
Dr. Sarah Collins: First, travelers should evaluate their travel patterns and spending habits. Utilizing British Airways credit cards and considering holiday bookings that also yield Tier Points can definitely help accumulate points more effectively. Additionally,if maintaining status becomes too challenging within the Oneworld alliance,travelers might consider diversifying their loyalty by exploring programs from competing airlines,such as Miles & More or Flying Blue.
Editor: That’s a smart approach. It’s also worth noting that while existing bookings before December 30, 2024, will convert Tier Points to the new system, the future of the “Soft Landing” policy for Gold members is uncertain. How will that affect loyal customers?
Dr. Sarah Collins: The uncertainty surrounding the “Soft Landing” policy, which allows Gold members to retain some status benefits after dropping to Silver, adds another layer of anxiety for frequent flyers. If this policy is removed or altered, it could discourage travelers who are on the edge of maintaining their current status, pushing them to pursue additional travel solely for securing their benefits, which might not be lasting long-term.
Editor: As these changes become more mainstream, do you see a shift in traveler behavior regarding how they approach loyalty programs and travel?
Dr. Sarah Collins: Definitely. With the diminishing value of miles and increased difficulty in achieving substantial frequent flyer status, many travelers may opt for cheaper economy fares rather than padded premium classes that used to earn more Tier Points. This shift could lead to a broader reevaluation of loyalty programs. As travelers search for value, airlines may need to enhance their offerings to keep their loyal customers engaged.
Editor: It’s a rapidly evolving landscape for travelers. Thanks, sarah, for shedding light on the upcoming changes to British Airways’ loyalty program. It’s clear that keeping abreast of these updates is crucial for frequent flyers as they plan their travel strategies for the future.
Dr. Sarah Collins: My pleasure! As the airline industry continues to refine its loyalty offerings, staying informed will empower travelers to make the best choices for their travel needs.