Does BA's treatment of its frequent flyers imply an abuse of market power?
#31
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That Some other carriers do the same as BA, however that does not mean that All other carriers do the same as BA
#32
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And Globaliser, although I was indeed prompted to write this by today's events it is an issue I've mused over for a while, namely why the BA EC has a number of negative features that are not observed elsewhere (eg high YQ charges). I'm sure others will point to positive features of the EC, but I just wanted to fly a kite and see whether anyone else has thought along these lines.
However, BA's size in the UK market does sometimes lead to questions of market dominance and possible abuse in other respects. But you see healthy interest taken by the relevant authorities in the areas in which this matters. For example, take the conditions that were imposed for the approval of the AA/BA JBA, and the conditions for the takeover of BD.
So I don't think that, in the abstract, your question was entirely off the wall. However, BAEC and its various practices and quirks aren't something that will attract any interest at all. There are plenty of other FF schemes that you can use if you prefer, even within oneworld.
#33
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As I see it, airlines compete not only on price and FF programs, but also networks, schedules, fees, hard product, soft product, lounges, etc. In fact, legacy carrieres are becoming increasingly sophisticated about using these dimensions to select they type of customers that they believe to be most profitable. However, I suspect that the EU regulators don't have a mandate to take such a big picture approach to market power issues.
#34
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As far as I'm concerned the big issue about these changes was the lack of notice. If they can change the fees without notice then surely they can also do the same with redemption rates. Imagine waking up and finding the RFS to AMS had increased to 20000 Avios or you had to pay for your domestic connections separately?
So for those who think the current changes fair, are you not worried that BA can change important aspects of the scheme without notice?
They've done a lot to build up goodwill with some genuine improvements to BAEC. Inspire some confidence and put a notice clause in the T&Cs so we know that future changes won't take us by surprise.
So for those who think the current changes fair, are you not worried that BA can change important aspects of the scheme without notice?
They've done a lot to build up goodwill with some genuine improvements to BAEC. Inspire some confidence and put a notice clause in the T&Cs so we know that future changes won't take us by surprise.
#36
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#37
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If you don't like BA or its rewards programme there is still other choices to be had.
#38
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