ANNOUNCEMENT - A new revitalised Executive Club is coming
Sep 1, 2011, 3:24 am
#46
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Scotland
Posts: 1,301
I like. The reduced rates benefit the routes I am most interested in with the Asia savings look especially attractive. While I won't make much use of the shorthaul changes I can see that being an attractive proposition for those earning a few miles but not many. After all we've all criticsed shorthaul as a poor use of miles and EC have addressed this.
Even stepping away from the personal the changes make Exec Club an even more attractive proposition. ^
Even stepping away from the personal the changes make Exec Club an even more attractive proposition. ^
The changes to Europe are certainly beneficial as well, particularly over longer routes to DME, IST, ATH, etc.
I think the BAEC have done well with the changes which so far appear more beneficial to members than negative.
Sep 1, 2011, 3:24 am
#47
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: 15 minutes west of LHR, Stockholm, or somewhere inbetween.
Programs: BAEC Gold GGL, CCR, GfL, Mucci des Recherches des Consommations Exotiques.
Posts: 2,463
On the face of it, it looks like the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, but as we don't yet have full details, I'll await the rest of the information that is to be released before making any judgment.
bjorns
bjorns
Sep 1, 2011, 3:25 am
#48
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: London / Los Angeles
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond Ambassador, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Globalist, BA Silver
Posts: 1,631
This whole thing seems to be [mostly] good news for what we currently call BAEC redemptions, with cheaper simpler European redemptions and many cheaper long haul redemptions.
On the other hand this seems to be [mostly] bad news for what we currently call airmiles.co.uk redemptions with a return to Paris increasing from 750 to 900 miles(ignoring the 10x) and an extra £27 on top. Although for CE and some central European destinations it will be slightly better. As long as the short notice availability of armiles.co.uk flights remains as good as it is now, I won't mind too much.
On the other hand this seems to be [mostly] bad news for what we currently call airmiles.co.uk redemptions with a return to Paris increasing from 750 to 900 miles(ignoring the 10x) and an extra £27 on top. Although for CE and some central European destinations it will be slightly better. As long as the short notice availability of armiles.co.uk flights remains as good as it is now, I won't mind too much.
Sep 1, 2011, 3:25 am
#49
Join Date: May 2005
Location: UK
Programs: BAEC (Gold), Hilton (Gold)
Posts: 4,168
Seems to be good changes all round.
I especially like the lowering of redemption rates to NRT - my constant cravings for all things Japanese can be indulged still more often !
I think the changes to Euro-redemptions are good as well, definitely addresses what was always a big weakness in the whole program.
BAH
I especially like the lowering of redemption rates to NRT - my constant cravings for all things Japanese can be indulged still more often !
I think the changes to Euro-redemptions are good as well, definitely addresses what was always a big weakness in the whole program.
BAH
Sep 1, 2011, 3:27 am
#51
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: MAN
Programs: F
Posts: 2,898
Well, Airmiles Avios collectors will be able to redeem into premium seats, so I don't think BA Blues will be banned.
Premium flights
You can still fly premium with your Avios. But now it's even better value to fly in cabins like British Airways' Club World – for just twice the Avios of economy.
You can still fly premium with your Avios. But now it's even better value to fly in cabins like British Airways' Club World – for just twice the Avios of economy.
Sep 1, 2011, 3:28 am
#52
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold, LH Sen, MUCCI, Junior Jet Club.
Posts: 8,101
Nah, I was having a natter with another friend in a high place in an industry relevant to this board (aka the woman on the cosmetics counter at the World Duty Free in Terminal 3) and she gave me all the info on the forthcoming changes.
Sep 1, 2011, 3:29 am
#53
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,741
Originally Posted by Business Traveller
All three programmes remain separate: Avios will replace Air Miles, but BA Exec Club and Iberia Plus remain as three distinct programmes “... keeping their brands and heritage which has value for the airlines which have different customer bases”.
<snip>
Avios members will not, however, earn tier points. Anyone wanting to earn status would have to join one of the airline programmes.
Swaffield believes that customers will make the choice of whether to be an Avios customer and earn on spend and burn on a range of options such as Eurostar journeys, hotel accommodation, UK days out at LegoLand, Alton Towers and spa and golf breaks, while the flyer programme members will concentrate their efforts on flights, albeit with the addition of hotels and car rentals now being options for burning points.
<snip>
Avios members will not, however, earn tier points. Anyone wanting to earn status would have to join one of the airline programmes.
Swaffield believes that customers will make the choice of whether to be an Avios customer and earn on spend and burn on a range of options such as Eurostar journeys, hotel accommodation, UK days out at LegoLand, Alton Towers and spa and golf breaks, while the flyer programme members will concentrate their efforts on flights, albeit with the addition of hotels and car rentals now being options for burning points.
Incidentally, about the pronunciation...
Originally Posted by Business Traveller
The name Avios, which “means nothing” according to Swaffield, was chosen because it was “easy to pronounce, scalable, international and would work around the world, yet also hinted at aviation and travel.”
Sep 1, 2011, 3:31 am
#54
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: OSL
Posts: 2,646
Originally Posted by FAQ via Irish Guy
Can I cancel my existing reward flight and rebook using Reward Flight Saver?
Yes. You can cancel an existing reward flight and book a Reward Flight Saver. But you will only be able to book Reward Flight Saver tickets when they go live in November. And once a reward flight is cancelled, there is no guarantee there will be space available on the same flight.
which suggests that no, there will not be automatic refunds...
Also, what a poor name in order to keep brand identity. Changing the miles name rather than programme name is an easy fix to say BA/IB is one.
And I think 'more recognition' simply alludes to the Bronze tier being introduced (as in more people will get recognition).
Comment: Think I may be mistaken and that the Reward Flight Saver is not going to be applicable on LH - but most programmes that have this name also usually introduce a the two layers
Last edited by dodgeflyer; Sep 1, 2011 at 3:38 am
Sep 1, 2011, 3:32 am
#55
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Gold/OWE, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
Posts: 32,146
So far so good ... ^
Prophets of Doom have proved incorrect, it seems.
On a personal level, I like the prospect of needing fewer Miles to MFU an East Coast TATL.
Shame I've already booked for May 2012 already
And everything else we use, like MFU, seems to be the same.
The Zone 1-3 deal [Reward Flight Saver] will undoubtedly be popular with many people, especially TP runners!
Now, what about this "Bronze" thing?
I guess that will be part of the "Breaking News" later in the year?
Prophets of Doom have proved incorrect, it seems.
On a personal level, I like the prospect of needing fewer Miles to MFU an East Coast TATL.
Shame I've already booked for May 2012 already
And everything else we use, like MFU, seems to be the same.
The Zone 1-3 deal [Reward Flight Saver] will undoubtedly be popular with many people, especially TP runners!
Now, what about this "Bronze" thing?
I guess that will be part of the "Breaking News" later in the year?
Sep 1, 2011, 3:36 am
#57
Join Date: Jan 2008
Programs: BA silver
Posts: 122
As BA and IB will now have the same FFP will this mean the end of differential (lower) earnings rates on IB? For example LHR-MAD IB "discounted" economy 196 miles, BA (with Silver card) 1570 miles
It seems quite strange to give such a strong incentive to use BA rather than IB flights when they are both part of the same company.
It would also be really nice if my Amex 241 voucher became valid on IB but I suspect that's too much to hope for!
It seems quite strange to give such a strong incentive to use BA rather than IB flights when they are both part of the same company.
It would also be really nice if my Amex 241 voucher became valid on IB but I suspect that's too much to hope for!
Sep 1, 2011, 3:41 am
#59
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: SE1, London
Posts: 23,441
Sep 1, 2011, 3:43 am
#60
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: OSL
Posts: 2,646
