Open Editor's Digest for free
Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favorite stories for this weekly newsletter.
British Airways has announced major changes to its passenger loyalty program, prompting criticism from some customers who fear they will lose their travel deals.
The airline, which has been under fire for cancellations and delays that have increased since the Covid-19 pandemic, is shaking up its points system where passengers get rewards such as free seat selection and access to the BA lounge.
Under the change, points will be awarded based on the cost of flights or booking package holidays instead of class of travel and length of trip.
Some industry figures say the move, which will be introduced from April, will hit leisure travellers, who previously had to hunt for the best deals on flights to earn a living.
“BA is effectively washing its hands of the entertainment market,” said Rob Burgess, editor of the frequent flyer website Head of Articles.
“In fact, it will now be impossible to find gold for small business travelers, economy travelers or self-funded travelers.”
Flyers can earn bronze, silver or gold status in the airline's Tier Points program. One point will be earned for every pound spent, excluding taxes.
Bronze will now be offered at 3,500 points, silver at 7,500 points and gold at 20,000 points in a revamp of its offering.
Gilbert Ott, of the regular website God Saves the Articles, said the move would “reward overall spending and branding, rather than encouraging people to interact with more people to reach artificial status”.
ARE THEY he said the changes, part of a wider £7bn transformation programme, meant there were now “more ways than ever to earn Tier points”.
It added that the adjustment points earned for pounds spent would bring BA in line with “the model used by many other airline loyalty programs around the world”.
Colm Lacy, BA's chief commercial officer, said: “The changes we've announced today underline our continued investment in our loyalty program and our customers.”
Customers can earn up to 2,500 points for spending on credit cards.
The Tier Points system is separate from the Avios loyalty currency which can be used for flights and holidays.