The cat's out of the bag - some BA 'animals' are more equal than others
... to misquote George Orwell.
As reported elsewhere, the BAEC handbook is now online. This is no doubt in an attempt to contain costs, but it does make available information which was previously difficult to find.
Comparison of the various editions clarifies the qualifying levels for status. As we know, BA operate different levels in different markets, and Merry has explained that this is for tactical business reasons.
Comparing the UK, US and Swiss versions, I see that qualifying rates for the UK and the US are the same, but European levels are more favourable.
Silver:
UK/US: entry 700, renew 500
Europe: entry 400, renew 300
Gold:
UK/US: entry 1,700, renew 1,200
Europe: entry 800, renew 600
So I could be gold at around half the price if I use my Swiss address. OK, but it can't be that simple, can it? No, there's more to it.
Earning miles is more complicated. US and European earnings for Club and First use a complicated formula of bonuses, partly depending on status. In this respect at least, the UK 2x/3x formula is easier to understand.
But the major differences are in the award tables. Award destinations are grouped - for the UK into 8 bands, for Europe into 10 and for the US into 7. Comparing different awards produces interesting results, for example
(from the UK in economy)
Geneva: UK 13,000, Europe 20,000, US 10,000
Prague: UK 13,000, Europe 22,000, US 15,000
Sydney: UK 100,000, Europe 80,000, US 80,000
For Club UK-Sydney:
UK 200,000, Europe 160,000, US 100,000
So my North American cousins can travel from London to Sydney for the same price as I pay in economy. Hmmm.
And they get a Concorde award at only 3x!
But it doesn't stop there. If I move to my Swiss address, I will lose the opportunity of credits from Sainsbury's/Tesco and my BA Amex card.
But Diners Club Switzerland would give me around 2.4 miles per £ (compared with 1.5 for BA Amex).
Oh dear, my brain hurts. I'm going to have to sit down and think.
[Caveat: I did not compare all editions. I believe US and Canada share the North American scheme. 'Europe' above may not extend to all European countries.]