Sorry, leisure travelers: British Airways plans to move to a revenue-based earning tier points program that determines status eligibility within the airline.
This change will take effect on April 1, 2025 and will be accompanied by a rebrand British Airways loyalty program, Executive Club, Head to the British Aero Club.
Here’s what you need to know.
Level points reform
Currently, tier points are earned based on flight distance and fare class. These points are necessary to obtain British Airways status. The current system is conducive to Travelers on a budgetallowing them to find cheaper fares without sacrificing tier points.
From 1 April 2025, members of the loyalty program will earn 1 point for every £1 spent on flight fares, ancillary purchases such as seat selection and excess baggage, sustainable aviation fuel purchases and British Airways Holidays packages Level points.
The shift will also allow loyal fliers to earn tier points in new ways, such as Co-branded credit card spending. However, according to British Airways, the ability to earn bonus tier points via this method will be available later in 2025 rather than in April.
Be sure to note the currency on U.S. flights. Considering current conversion rates, you can earn 1 tier point by spending just over $1. While this may not sound like much, considering the thousands of dollars spent, it can make a meaningful difference.
In addition to moving to this new system, British Airways has also introduced an overhaul of its status eligibility requirements, as follows:
- Bronze status: 3,500 tier points
- Silver status: 7,500 tier points
- Gold status: 20,000 Tier Points
- Gold Guest List Status: 65,000 Tier Points
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It’s worth noting that Gold Guest List qualification requires “earning a minimum of 52,000 Tier Points on British Airways marketed flights, qualifying add-on services and British Airways Holidays packages”. You need to earn at least 40,000 [Tier Points] To retain gold guest list status, “at least 32,000 [Tier Points] Earn on British Airways marketed flights, qualifying add-ons and British Airways Holiday Packages. “
Different from the previous regulations, level points can be accumulated from April 1st to March 31st each year. Level point collection year This will also be implemented in April 2025.
The significant increase in spending required for Gold status compared to Silver status will discourage leisure and budget travelers from seeking Gold status benefits such as first-class lounge access, additional free checked bags, Gold upgrade coupons, and more .
Using a co-branded credit card to fast-track your way to elite status will help, but it won’t meaningfully help those who can’t afford to spend $25,000 (£20,000) a year.
Related: America’s Best Airline 2024
bottom line
Unfortunately, if this is to be expected, the way BA obtains status will also change. most airline loyalty program The shift toward elite status tiers based on income is making it harder for everyday travelers to achieve meaningful status on their favorite airlines.
British Airways’ decision to jump on this trend reinforces what we preach at TPG: always make money Transferable points and miles. While transferable awards don’t change how you achieve British Airways status, it does allow you to transfer your business to a different airline if the changes result in your need to do so. lose interest Retain exclusive flying status with British Airways.
If you choose to pursue British Airways membership in 2025, be sure to plan your spend to determine the membership tiers you can achieve.
