Originally Posted by
ftrichard
On topic for the thread... I could abandon the target of BAEC Silver and qualify for Iberia Plus Gold instead given the OneWorld flights I have booked between now and end March. From what I've read in various threads I should not do this and I should stick with BAEC. Once I'm in Lisbon I will easily get the four BA/IB metal flights for BAEC Silver each year so is there really no benefit to switching to IB from BA given that I'm more likely to book IB metal flights than BA? I will not be driving from Lisbon to Madrid to catch flights so the parking benefit does not appeal.
Thanks for any informed advice.
BAEC Silver status is easily understood. And if you are flying to/from London regularly you can structure ex-UK BA Holidays bookings for double TPs.
IB+ elite status has two particular sweetspots for Elite Point earning:
- Madrid <--> Europe 3 (i.e. Germany, Switzerland and beyond) in Business Class
- 3,000 + mile flights in Business Class (i.e. Qatar long-hauls connecting in DOH)
You can also get IB+ Gold status from 50 Vueling flights, if you are so unfortunate as to fly on VY. (of course IB and BA flights also count for the 50)
You also get lounge access for the whole family in IB lounges, instead of just one guest. Platinum status is valid for 2 years instead of 1, if you think you might have a heavy travel year.
IB+ has an elite qualification period from 1 April - 31 March, instead of BA's personalised version. This can make a difference sometimes..
Unless you have a clear idea of travel patterns that would lead you to see IB+ as the easier option, I'd stick with the easily understood BA Silver option...