I am still trying to understand who thought that the BA Holidays (hotels count towards status) would be seen by the road warriors as something they'd entertain? We get status though the hotel's loyalty programme and this gives us upgrades, premium WiFi, late check-outs, breakfast etc - and the ability to spend the hotel points on family vacations (where we also hopefully get upgraded).

Many of us have lifetime hotel status but this isn't usually honoured unless you book directly with the hotel.

I'm all for renting a car through BA Holidays as Avis recognises your status. Unless BA Holidays allow you to earn hotel points and status (and it's recognised by hotels) the new change seems to miss the mark. I see no effort to have hotels award points and benefits when booked through BAH. Individual exceptions have occurred but that's not the norm. The US major airlines such as Delta and United have tie-ups with the hotel chains (i know BA does have with Hilton for GGLs) but in the US it is far deeper relationship.

Ironic, since if this was the work of one of the top management consultancies, all of the consultants know very well about hotel loyalty schemes - and they'd not give them up.