British Airways On Business is introducing a tier system and moving to a revenue-based model to provide members with "greater flexibility and choice", it was announced today.
From May 27, the airline's loyalty programme for small companies will reward those spending more on tickets, rather than distance flown.
Last month, BA announced similar changes to its Executive Club programme; these come into effect on April 28 (see news, January 28).
On Business members will be able to collect and redeem points on BA, American Airlines and Iberia networks, as well as their eligible partners. BA Executive Club and Iberia Plus members will also continue to earn Avios.
Three tiers are being introduced (Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3) based on the amount spent on business flights each year, rather than distance travelled.
BA said in a statement: "You will now earn On Business Points based on the amount you spend on business travel rather than how far you fly. This means that the programme will acknowledge those who fly with us regularly and those spending more on flights.
"In addition to this, as you earn more points and progress through the tiers, your points earning power will also increase...
"Introducing tiers, along with the other enhancements, which will provide our members with greater flexibility and choice. Your tier level will be reviewed annually. However, if you spend the amount required to move to the next tier before the year is up, you’ll move up to the next tier and benefit from the higher earn rate."
Tier 1 has a spend threshold up to £29,999 and earns one point per £1 spent; tier 2 has a spending threshold between £30,000 and £299,000 and earns 1.25 points per £1 spent; and tier 3 has a spending threshold above £300,000 and earns 1.5 points per £1 spent.
The current On Business programme will close at 2359 on May 24, BA said. The airline will then migrate each member account over to the new programme - this will be completed by May 27. During this period, all accounts will be inaccessible to both members and BA employees.
BA said it will double all points balances during the transfer.
However, it is also increasing the cost of redeeming points for premium cabins, while lowering the cost when redeeming non-premium cabins.
The new On Business Redemption Table (per return journey)
The new On Business Upgrade Table (per sector)
Other changes include the facility to choose to receive a cash discount on selected flight instead of earning points.
To find out more, visit BA's FAQ page here.
ba.com
Graham Smith
BA said in a statement: "You will now earn On Business Points based on the amount you spend on business travel rather than how far you fly. This means that the programme will acknowledge those who fly with us regularly and those spending more on flights.
"In addition to this, as you earn more points and progress through the tiers, your points earning power will also increase...
"Introducing tiers, along with the other enhancements, which will provide our members with greater flexibility and choice. Your tier level will be reviewed annually. However, if you spend the amount required to move to the next tier before the year is up, you’ll move up to the next tier and benefit from the higher earn rate."
Tier 1 has a spend threshold up to £29,999 and earns one point per £1 spent; tier 2 has a spending threshold between £30,000 and £299,000 and earns 1.25 points per £1 spent; and tier 3 has a spending threshold above £300,000 and earns 1.5 points per £1 spent.
The current On Business programme will close at 2359 on May 24, BA said. The airline will then migrate each member account over to the new programme - this will be completed by May 27. During this period, all accounts will be inaccessible to both members and BA employees.
BA said it will double all points balances during the transfer.
However, it is also increasing the cost of redeeming points for premium cabins, while lowering the cost when redeeming non-premium cabins.
The new On Business Redemption Table (per return journey)
The new On Business Upgrade Table (per sector)
Other changes include the facility to choose to receive a cash discount on selected flight instead of earning points.
To find out more, visit BA's FAQ page here.
ba.com
Graham Smith 
