Originally Posted by
vineyarder
Lest people think I am a BA apologist or hopeless optimist, I am extremely concerned that all of these changes are merely a smokescreen for a dramatic decrease in availability of award flights, which is really what should be the focus of attention, as taking away availability is the easiest and least transparent way to devalue the currency. Just one example, but last fall I booked 4 RT CW seats on the MIA-LHR-JNB route, and at this time availability was wide open for almost any T/W/R in the summer; looking at the availability calendar now, there is only 1 day all summer I see availability for 4 CW outbound and only 3 dates for return... Looking at some other itineraries, availability is also practically nonexistent.
Whether you think these changes are fabulous, horrendous or insignificant is really immaterial if the availability tanks, so maybe we should really focus on that issue, since without availability the cost of a redemption is moot!
It strikes me that the changes regarding ET and CE are designed to try and encourage more BAEC members to burn miles in Europe rather than on long haul. From memory, I have seen few questions or posts regarding miles for intra-Europe trips compared to the Far East or the US.
Availability may not be being constrained on long haul by anything other than strong demand. BA have noted an increase in demand in premium cabins. Without additional capacity on certain routes, then if BA want to continue making money they will take revenue over redemptions. Some of the 744s coming back from the desert, as well as the additional 77Ws that will arrive in the Spring will give some extra capacity, but I also wonder whether at some later point we may be encouraged onto partner airlines to try and balance demand vs. capacity.