Very interesting diamond club news !!! (MFUs, Family membership, iGUVs) : discussion
Nov 17, 2009, 1:34 am
#1
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club, Marriott Bonvoy
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Englandshire
Programs: SPG LT Plat, BA G, BD*LG, MG Blue+ ...
Posts: 16,035
Very interesting diamond club news !!! (MFUs, Family membership, iGUVs) : discussion
On the website now.
Need to be logged into your DC account DC to see this : Diamond Club - Members - Diamond Club News
New membership cards
Upgrade using destinations miles
Family membership
Confirmable upgrades..... (CUVs ?)
New ways to use miles
Q & As :
Upgrade using miles
How far in advance can I request to upgrade using miles?
You can spend your miles to upgrade a revenue ticket 7 days in advance of your departure date.
Do I need to have a ticket purchased in a specific class in order to upgrade?
Yes, you'll need to hold a ticket booked in Y, S, O, B.
How do I use my destinations miles to upgrade my flight?
You'll need to contact the Diamond Club call centre to requests to upgrade an existing flight booked using destinations miles.
Can I upgrade my flight using destinations miles with any other airline?
No, at present you can only upgrade using destinations miles on bmi operated flights. All requests to upgrade using miles are subject to availability.
Will I be charged for upgrading my flight using destinations miles?
The only thing you'll be required to pay is any additional taxes or charges.
Family Membership
How do I create a Family Membership?
You'll need to log into your Diamond Club account at flybmi.com and select 'Family Membership' in the left hand navigation.
How do I request for other members to join my Family Membership?
Within the application process to create a family membership, you'll add details of each member you wish to invite to join. The member will then be sent an email asking them to either accept or reject your invitation.
How many people can join my Family Membership?
You can have 8 members within your Family Membership. A maximum of 2 members of your Family Membership can be personal staff, this is classed as a paid for employee, employed by the head of the Family Membership.
Bookable upgrades for Gold members
Will I receive printed Gold upgrade vouchers in my membership pack?
No, when your Diamond Club Gold membership is renewed or when your membership is upgraded to Gold membership, four complimentary upgrades will be credited to your Diamond Club account.
How can I book my upgrades?
You'll need to contact the Diamond Club call centre to request to use your upgrade vouchers.
I still have some printed vouchers, am I able to use them?
edit, website now updated to read
We will allow you to use paper upgrade vouchers until 15 December 2009. From 17 November 2009 your Diamond Club account will be credited with four complimentary upgrade vouchers.
was originally
No, following the launch of the bookable upgrades on 17 November 2009 any printed vouchers will be invalid. However, from 17 November 2009 your Diamond Club account will be credited with four complimentary upgrade vouchers.
If I don't use all of my upgrade vouchers will they be carried forward to my next membership year?
No complimentary upgrades from your previous membership year will not be carried over to the following membership year. Your Diamond Club account will only ever show the maximum of 4 vouchers.
How many vouchers will I need to use to upgrade my flight?
No. of vouchers required per one way flight
Route
1 x voucher required for an upgrade from Economy to Business All routes with upgrades available except those below
2 x vouchers required for an upgrade from Economy to Business Saudi Arabia
1 x voucher from Economy to Premium Economy
2 x vouchers from Premium Economy to Business Airbus A330 Cairo and Tel Aviv
How far in advance can I request to use my complimentary upgrade vouchers?
You can request to upgrade your flight using your complimentary upgrade vouchers a maximum of 7 days in advance of your flight.
Can I upgrade my flight using my upgrades vouchers with any other airline?
No, complimentary upgrade vouchers are valid on bmi operated flights excluding codeshare flights on any fare type including redemption bookings, although all requests to use the complimentary upgrades and are strictly subject to availability.
Need to be logged into your DC account DC to see this : Diamond Club - Members - Diamond Club News
New membership cards
Great new look for Diamond Club
Diamond Club cards and information packs have a new look.
We hope you'll like the sleek new look of our membership cards and information packs. As your membership year renews you'll receive your new card through the post.
If you're a Gold member and your current card expires at the end of February 2010 or before, you'll receive it as you renew. If your current card expires after February 2010, we'll be sending you a replacement card very shortly.
Diamond Club cards and information packs have a new look.
We hope you'll like the sleek new look of our membership cards and information packs. As your membership year renews you'll receive your new card through the post.
If you're a Gold member and your current card expires at the end of February 2010 or before, you'll receive it as you renew. If your current card expires after February 2010, we'll be sending you a replacement card very shortly.
You can now book and upgrade in advance.
We've launched a new service where you can use your destinations miles to upgrade into the next cabin on a bmi flight of your choice. As long as your ticket is booked in U, L, Y, S, O or B class.
Whether your destinations miles are earned from flights, hotel stays or online shopping, you can use them to upgrade. The great news is that these upgrades are confirmed before you arrive at the airport - giving you peace of mind.
For more information or to request an upgrade on your flight, simply contact the Diamond Club call centre on 0844 8480 808.
UK domestic flights
Between the UK and Republic of Ireland, Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland and Denmark
Economy to Business 5,000
Economy to Premium Economy n/a
Premium Economy to Business n/a
Between the UK and Russia, Ukraine
Economy to Business 10,000
Economy to Premium Economy n/a
Premium Economy to Business n/a
Between the UK and Armenia, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Georgia, Israel, Jordan, Azerbaijan, Iran
Economy to Business 15,000
Economy to Premium Economy 10,000*
Premium Economy to Business 15,000*
Between the UK and Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Ethiopia
Economy to Business 20,000
Economy to Premium Economy n/a
Premium Economy to Business n/a
* Currently only available on flights between London Heathrow, Cairo and Tel Aviv. Upgrade from Economy to Business will be charged at 25,000 destinations miles.
We've launched a new service where you can use your destinations miles to upgrade into the next cabin on a bmi flight of your choice. As long as your ticket is booked in U, L, Y, S, O or B class.
Whether your destinations miles are earned from flights, hotel stays or online shopping, you can use them to upgrade. The great news is that these upgrades are confirmed before you arrive at the airport - giving you peace of mind.
For more information or to request an upgrade on your flight, simply contact the Diamond Club call centre on 0844 8480 808.
UK domestic flights
Between the UK and Republic of Ireland, Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland and Denmark
Economy to Business 5,000
Economy to Premium Economy n/a
Premium Economy to Business n/a
Between the UK and Russia, Ukraine
Economy to Business 10,000
Economy to Premium Economy n/a
Premium Economy to Business n/a
Between the UK and Armenia, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Georgia, Israel, Jordan, Azerbaijan, Iran
Economy to Business 15,000
Economy to Premium Economy 10,000*
Premium Economy to Business 15,000*
Between the UK and Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Ethiopia
Economy to Business 20,000
Economy to Premium Economy n/a
Premium Economy to Business n/a
* Currently only available on flights between London Heathrow, Cairo and Tel Aviv. Upgrade from Economy to Business will be charged at 25,000 destinations miles.
Family membership
Invite up to eight family members and combine your destinations miles.
From 01 December 2009 family membership will be available to all Diamond Club members.
Family membership will allow you and your family to combine your destinations miles and take advantage of awards sooner.
You'll become the 'Head of Account' and invite up to eight members to the family, which can even include staff such as nannies and security. All family members continue to be Diamond Club members in their own right and are invited by the 'Head of Account' to join the family membership. Plus you'll now be able to enrol under 18's as long as they are part of a family account.
To set up an account, you'll need to simply log into your Diamond Club account on or after 01 December 2009.
From 01 December 2009 family membership will be available to all Diamond Club members.
Family membership will allow you and your family to combine your destinations miles and take advantage of awards sooner.
You'll become the 'Head of Account' and invite up to eight members to the family, which can even include staff such as nannies and security. All family members continue to be Diamond Club members in their own right and are invited by the 'Head of Account' to join the family membership. Plus you'll now be able to enrol under 18's as long as they are part of a family account.
To set up an account, you'll need to simply log into your Diamond Club account on or after 01 December 2009.
Confirmable upgrades..... (CUVs ?)
Four flight upgrade vouchers - book in advance.
Currently, as a Gold Diamond Club member you receive four complimentary upgrade vouchers for use during your membership year, allowing you to upgrade on bmi flights.*
We've made this benefit even better so that you don't need to wait to upgrade at the desk. These upgrades can now be booked and confirmed seven days in advance of departure.
To use your complimentary upgrade vouchers and confirm your seat in the next cabin, contact the Diamond Club call centre on 0845 608 7788.
*bmi operated flights only, exludes bmibaby.
Currently, as a Gold Diamond Club member you receive four complimentary upgrade vouchers for use during your membership year, allowing you to upgrade on bmi flights.*
We've made this benefit even better so that you don't need to wait to upgrade at the desk. These upgrades can now be booked and confirmed seven days in advance of departure.
To use your complimentary upgrade vouchers and confirm your seat in the next cabin, contact the Diamond Club call centre on 0845 608 7788.
*bmi operated flights only, exludes bmibaby.
Get more out of your Diamond Club membership.
You can now earn miles through our three new airline partners; Continental, Brussels Airlines and TAM.
Also, from 1 December 2009 when you stay in any Missoni Hotel around the World, you'll earn 1,000 destinations miles per night, up to a maximum of 3,000 destinations miles per stay.
And look out for news on our new hotel partnership with Wyndham hotels in the new year.
You can now earn miles through our three new airline partners; Continental, Brussels Airlines and TAM.
Also, from 1 December 2009 when you stay in any Missoni Hotel around the World, you'll earn 1,000 destinations miles per night, up to a maximum of 3,000 destinations miles per stay.
And look out for news on our new hotel partnership with Wyndham hotels in the new year.
Upgrade using miles
How far in advance can I request to upgrade using miles?
You can spend your miles to upgrade a revenue ticket 7 days in advance of your departure date.
Do I need to have a ticket purchased in a specific class in order to upgrade?
Yes, you'll need to hold a ticket booked in Y, S, O, B.
How do I use my destinations miles to upgrade my flight?
You'll need to contact the Diamond Club call centre to requests to upgrade an existing flight booked using destinations miles.
Can I upgrade my flight using destinations miles with any other airline?
No, at present you can only upgrade using destinations miles on bmi operated flights. All requests to upgrade using miles are subject to availability.
Will I be charged for upgrading my flight using destinations miles?
The only thing you'll be required to pay is any additional taxes or charges.
Family Membership
How do I create a Family Membership?
You'll need to log into your Diamond Club account at flybmi.com and select 'Family Membership' in the left hand navigation.
How do I request for other members to join my Family Membership?
Within the application process to create a family membership, you'll add details of each member you wish to invite to join. The member will then be sent an email asking them to either accept or reject your invitation.
How many people can join my Family Membership?
You can have 8 members within your Family Membership. A maximum of 2 members of your Family Membership can be personal staff, this is classed as a paid for employee, employed by the head of the Family Membership.
Bookable upgrades for Gold members
Will I receive printed Gold upgrade vouchers in my membership pack?
No, when your Diamond Club Gold membership is renewed or when your membership is upgraded to Gold membership, four complimentary upgrades will be credited to your Diamond Club account.
How can I book my upgrades?
You'll need to contact the Diamond Club call centre to request to use your upgrade vouchers.
I still have some printed vouchers, am I able to use them?
edit, website now updated to read
We will allow you to use paper upgrade vouchers until 15 December 2009. From 17 November 2009 your Diamond Club account will be credited with four complimentary upgrade vouchers.
was originally
No, following the launch of the bookable upgrades on 17 November 2009 any printed vouchers will be invalid. However, from 17 November 2009 your Diamond Club account will be credited with four complimentary upgrade vouchers.
If I don't use all of my upgrade vouchers will they be carried forward to my next membership year?
No complimentary upgrades from your previous membership year will not be carried over to the following membership year. Your Diamond Club account will only ever show the maximum of 4 vouchers.
How many vouchers will I need to use to upgrade my flight?
No. of vouchers required per one way flight
Route
1 x voucher required for an upgrade from Economy to Business All routes with upgrades available except those below
2 x vouchers required for an upgrade from Economy to Business Saudi Arabia
1 x voucher from Economy to Premium Economy
2 x vouchers from Premium Economy to Business Airbus A330 Cairo and Tel Aviv
How far in advance can I request to use my complimentary upgrade vouchers?
You can request to upgrade your flight using your complimentary upgrade vouchers a maximum of 7 days in advance of your flight.
Can I upgrade my flight using my upgrades vouchers with any other airline?
No, complimentary upgrade vouchers are valid on bmi operated flights excluding codeshare flights on any fare type including redemption bookings, although all requests to use the complimentary upgrades and are strictly subject to availability.
Last edited by Oxon Flyer; Nov 17, 2009 at 5:40 am
Nov 17, 2009, 1:55 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: SE1, London
Posts: 23,454
Nov 17, 2009, 1:56 am
#7
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: NYC, BLR, LHR, SIN and a few others
Programs: UA 1K 1.01 MM
Posts: 1,245
From Q&A
"I still have some printed vouchers, am I able to use them?
No, following the launch of the bookable upgrades on 17 November 2009 any printed vouchers will be invalid. However, from 17 November 2009 your Diamond Club account will be credited with four complimentary upgrade vouchers."
tht
"I still have some printed vouchers, am I able to use them?
No, following the launch of the bookable upgrades on 17 November 2009 any printed vouchers will be invalid. However, from 17 November 2009 your Diamond Club account will be credited with four complimentary upgrade vouchers."
tht
Nov 17, 2009, 2:01 am
#9
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: HKG
Programs: Marriott Ambassador (Titanium Lifetime), BA Gold, Ex-Hertz 5* PC, Ex-HH Diamond, Ex-BD*G
Posts: 3,062
Overall this is actually a really great set of changes, I'm a big fan as it will do me a lot of favours - these are actually the changes that I've been wanting - just a shame that the upgrades are only 7 days in advance, but that is a lot better than on the day - guess you'll be stuck buying a more expensive ticket and hoping that the flight doesn't fill up before the day! Hope that diamond club/Joanna can come and explain to us a little bit more about the booking classes / seats - I assume that GUVs / MFU will book into the redemption classes?
So, my thoughts;
MFUs (Confirmed upgrades with miles)
Great news - even better that we can move from PE to Business. It gives a whole new aspect to C+M redemptions, now we have to consider the Miles For Upgrade route. Shame that it looks like miles only, rather than C+M as well... Wonder if you still earn any miles for the underlying fare type (I'd guess not!).
So on the new CUV (GUV v2)....
I like that you can move from economy to business now ( though requires 3 CUVs... guess the missus won't be able to join me in a single year if we both booked economy
). The only downside is for those who have been collecting paper GUVs (or who might use their GUVs the next year, or pass them onto friends).... as all the paper GUVs are now instantly invalidated from today from reading the FAQ (We'll all get 4 CUVs credited today if you're a BD*G?). Seems interesting as well that it mentions the GUV can be used on any fare type including redemptions.... means that you could theoretically book a redemption into PE and use a few CUVs to get up to business... so as a BD*G (which I like too);
Buy Premium Economy for Economy fare redemption (on A330) + 2 CUVs = Business on the A330 (plus probably plus a bit more APD)
New cards look good.... shame I'll have to wait a while for mine (current expires in Feb)
Family Membership - good news, and that its just destination miles being combined makes it a lot easier - no more silly having to balance out miles together for my wife and I. Bring on December 1st! (Amusing that you will be able to earn your nannie's miles (if you pay for them to go on holiday - fewer perks for them, not that I have a nanny!)
So, big changes needed for the FAQ, and will be interesting to see how the CUVs / new GUVs work in practice.... I see mention of the call centre, oh dear....
Thanks for listening diamond club!
PS: I don't actually have any CUVs in my account today
So, my thoughts;
MFUs (Confirmed upgrades with miles)
Great news - even better that we can move from PE to Business. It gives a whole new aspect to C+M redemptions, now we have to consider the Miles For Upgrade route. Shame that it looks like miles only, rather than C+M as well... Wonder if you still earn any miles for the underlying fare type (I'd guess not!).
So on the new CUV (GUV v2)....
I like that you can move from economy to business now ( though requires 3 CUVs... guess the missus won't be able to join me in a single year if we both booked economy
). The only downside is for those who have been collecting paper GUVs (or who might use their GUVs the next year, or pass them onto friends).... as all the paper GUVs are now instantly invalidated from today from reading the FAQ (We'll all get 4 CUVs credited today if you're a BD*G?). Seems interesting as well that it mentions the GUV can be used on any fare type including redemptions.... means that you could theoretically book a redemption into PE and use a few CUVs to get up to business... so as a BD*G (which I like too);Buy Premium Economy for Economy fare redemption (on A330) + 2 CUVs = Business on the A330 (plus probably plus a bit more APD)
New cards look good.... shame I'll have to wait a while for mine (current expires in Feb)
Family Membership - good news, and that its just destination miles being combined makes it a lot easier - no more silly having to balance out miles together for my wife and I. Bring on December 1st! (Amusing that you will be able to earn your nannie's miles (if you pay for them to go on holiday - fewer perks for them, not that I have a nanny!)
So, big changes needed for the FAQ, and will be interesting to see how the CUVs / new GUVs work in practice.... I see mention of the call centre, oh dear....
Thanks for listening diamond club!
PS: I don't actually have any CUVs in my account today
Nov 17, 2009, 2:02 am
#10
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: HKG
Programs: Marriott Ambassador (Titanium Lifetime), BA Gold, Ex-Hertz 5* PC, Ex-HH Diamond, Ex-BD*G
Posts: 3,062
Can I upgrade my flight using my upgrades vouchers with any other airline?
No, complimentary upgrade vouchers are valid on bmi operated flights excluding codeshare flights on any fare type including redemption bookings, although all requests to use the complimentary upgrades and are strictly subject to availability.
No, complimentary upgrade vouchers are valid on bmi operated flights excluding codeshare flights on any fare type including redemption bookings, although all requests to use the complimentary upgrades and are strictly subject to availability.
Nov 17, 2009, 2:08 am
#14
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Thatcham, UK or Adelaide Australia
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Plat OZ Diamond SK Diamond BA Blue
Posts: 3,323
All good steps in a positive direction, but the transition (or lack thereof) hurts. I was going to use a printed GUV on Thursday. Now, I have to use one from next year's notional allotment, which is not yet visible under account details on the site.
Nov 17, 2009, 2:16 am
#15
Company Representative - British Airways
Join Date: Oct 2005
Programs: bmi Diamond Club - Retired Official Lurker
Posts: 438
The upgrade vouchers won't show on your on-line account, this information is held within the diamond club database and the call centre will look after/advise you on the amount of vouchers you have left etc.