Originally Posted by
oscietra
With respect, until this is substantiated, I would treat it with some considerable scepticism.
It would not make sense to announce the increase in mileage awarded separately from any further announcement of an increase in redemption rates.
Further, it is unlikely that an increase would happen immediately; even with the recent onbusiness changes, there was a "grace period" where old redemption rates would be honoured.
There is no track record for this sort of behaviour in any FF plan. None.
While it hasn't happened in the past, nothing to stop it in the future. From the BAEC T&Cs:
24.2. Examples of the action which British Airways might take under Clause 24.1 include withdrawing Services which British Airways provides itself (such as Lounges), modifying the right to earn or redeem Mileage, the withdrawal of a Service (such as car hire) provided by a Service Partner or the withdrawal of Awards. In addition, Service Partners reserve similar rights to withdraw, amend or add to Services or impose requirements or restrictions relating to them.
and
* 25. Variation of mileage currency
British Airways may, from time to time, change the mileage currency used by the Executive Club either in whole or in relation to any country or region. British Airways will use its reasonable endeavours to give at least six months notice to Members of any such changes.
* 26. Variation of these Terms and Conditions
British Airways reserves the right at all times to make any changes to these Terms and Conditions subject to giving Members reasonable notice as appropriate in the circumstances. Members who do not accept the amendments may terminate their Membership as described in Clause 20.
I'm not sure if 25 is applicable, but otherwise it's just reasonable notice. And even if they do give us reasonable notice, there's nothing to stop them reducing (or eliminating) the number of award seats until the new redemption levels kick in.
I hope it isn't true, however I think that there will be some sort of alignment of reward levels as MegaAirline1 takes shape.