LONDON — British Airways (BA) has officially rolled out changes to its famous loyalty program, introducing a new way for frequent flyers to earn tier points—but only after backtracking on a previously planned overhaul that faced strong customer criticism.
How Has BA Changed Its Frequent Flyer Scheme?
Until now, BA’s Executive Club members have earned tier points based on miles flown, with statuses ranging from Blue (basic) to Bronze, Silver, and Gold. The new system will still reward frequent travelers but will now offer more tier points per flight, rather than shifting entirely to a spending-based model.
Key Changes in the Loyalty Program:
- Frequent flyers can qualify for Bronze status by taking 25 flights per year (including Aer Lingus and Iberia flights under BA numbers).
- Bonus Tier Points have increased, rewarding travelers more generously:
- Short-haul economy (Euro Traveller): 75 points (up from 50)
- European business class (Club Europe): 175 points (up from 100)
- Long-haul economy (World Traveller): 150 points (up from 70)
- Premium economy (World Traveller Plus): 275 points (up from 140)
- Long-haul business class (Club World): 400 points (up from 210)
- First-class flights: 550 points (up from 330)
BA’s Chief Commercial Officer Colm Lacy emphasized that the airline wanted to reassure customers that they now have “more ways to earn status” while ensuring the program remains flexible and adaptable.
BA Backtracks on Spending-Based Model After Backlash
The adjustments follow a major U-turn after BA’s initial plan to move to a spending-based model was heavily criticized by loyal customers.
In December 2024, BA announced that, starting in April 2025, the Executive Club would be rebranded as “The British Airways Club,” with tier points based on money spent rather than distance flown. The system proposed:
- 1 point per £1 spent, covering plane tickets, seat selection, and extra baggage.
- Gold status requiring 20,000 points (i.e., £20,000 spent) instead of the previous 1,500 tier points.
The proposed system faced immediate backlash, with customers arguing it would favor high-spending business travelers over loyal flyers who earned status through long-haul flights. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:
“I’ve been British Airways Silver for 12 years, doubt I can even make Bronze with this.”
Final Verdict: A Win for Frequent Flyers?
BA’s decision to increase tier point bonuses while maintaining a flight-based model appears to be a compromise that addresses customer concerns. While frequent travelers will still benefit from their loyalty, elite status remains achievable without excessive spending.
For now, BA passengers can continue earning status through miles flown, with enhanced rewards for each journey—a move that many loyal flyers will likely welcome.
