BA has made several changes to its Executive Club loyalty scheme, with particular emphasis on its Silver and Gold cardholders. The carrier says the move is aimed at “making it easier to earn and burn BA miles”.
One of the biggest changes is the permanent introduction of a “Priority Reward” scheme for Gold cardholders, following a trial of the service. The new scheme enables these premium members to book redemption tickets on any route, in any cabin, on any date (provided they book at least 30 days in advance), thus avoiding any issues with limited availability of reward tickets. The catch is that members have to redeem twice the normal number of miles, so its aimed at those who fly regularly enough to have plenty of excess miles to burn.
In addition Gold and Silver cardholders will earn tier points on discount economy tickets for flights flown between February 18 and May 18 – these types of tickets would not normally attract tier points.
There has also
been a change to eligibility for Silver tier status. Previously members needed to earn 600 tier points in order to upgrade to Silver status - this rule still applies, but members can now also earn Silver status if they make 50 flights during the year. Any flights members have taken from January 2009 onwards will count towards this new rule. It's likely to be of most use to those making frequent but short trips with the carrier on fares that do not attract tier points.
For more information visit ba.com.
Report by Mark Caswell