Originally Posted by
brunos
I know that BA and AF benefits are different at all status levels and I won't try to compare them.
But why would AFKL not match even the higher status of old BAEC? I know some GGL (gold guest list) based in Scotland and they would hardly consider AFKL if they are not matched.
The status match in all levels will temporarily attract more occasional pax in the lounges; those who just happen to find AFKL more convenient once in a while while not needing to prioritize earning BA TP (something like XP) to retain their BA status..But that will only last a year,while AFKL will gain a number of true FFP jumpers.
Why would AFKL need to devalue status benefits if AFKL number of true frequent flyers does increase with that promotion?
Of course, the situation would be different if credit cards entered the picture like in the US model.
I don't mind the matching from GGL to Ultimate per se. I mean, if you are GGL, chances are that you are spending significant money with BA/Oneworld that could now flow into the AFKL bank accounts instead. But by doing the GGL-Ultimate match, you are giving away the exclusivity of the Ultimate status level, since the most people at this level have earned the status the hard way,
through flying AFKL on expensive itineraries.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I've never heard anybody successfully match their XX status to LH HON, for instance?
As I wrote on some thread before, FB should at least slap a challenge on this match and demand "6 long haul J flights within 6 months with AFKL" to extend the status further. That way AFKL can see which ones of the Scottish GGLs you referred to are actually willing to take the layovers in AMS/CDG on their travels.
The main issue with the Flying Blue status levels right now is the fact that it's currently
way too easy to become just a Gold member in the Flying Blue program and thus gain access to the lounges, fast track etc. This has led to the lounges being overcrowded at AMS and CDG and thus a worser passenger experience for the
actual frequent travellers. By diluting the highest/higher status levels with new members from other programs will only add to this problem, a trickle-down effect.