Originally Posted by
alanw
I haven't seen a specific discussion about this here...
I've been with BAEC ever since the demise of BD Diamond Club (RIP) and just stayed with them out of convenience. After lo these many years I decided to look into it and turns out I'd be better off using IB+. For my flying patterns, TPs come out almost exactly the same, but since I'm forced to fly VY several times a year getting tier points for those is a plus. It also seems that the various perks and promos offered by IB are of more use to me than the UK-centric ones from BA.
Has anyone ever tried to get IB status matched from BA? Any luck? Suggestions for best strategy?
Doubt there will be a status match...?
We've previously discussed BAEC v IB+ at the OWS on here, and for those that actually fly IB I think IB+ wins. At the OWE level I think some things even but some differences remain:
IB+
Earning EP on Level, Vueling and lounge access when flying Vueling (booked on VY code)
BA
TP and lounge for Air Lingus? Soon JetBlue? Definitely more Global.
IB+ has many 50% avios sales a year, which anyone with just classics can access, but when things go wonky and you need to call in, being IB+ elite makes it easier.
BAEC has the Amex voucher, which for us expats not relevant?
BAEC also has the double TP which for non US expats also not relevant.
Not sure of the free avios and upgrade certs and freebie status cards differences after the new extra bonuses this year.
BA has the OWE+ levels that has extra house benefits and is also recognised by AA...
Lifetime status... probably BA would be better? Unless one has permanently moved to Spain.