Next Revenue Generator - Pay for Status [speculation, not fact]
Nov 9, 2018, 7:49 am
#4
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Peterborough, UK
Programs: BA Silver; IHG Spire; Avis P+; Global Entry
Posts: 1,505
I dont think so, the american carriers also have upgrades as a part of their benefits and no lounge access for north american flights (excl JFK-LAX/SFO), BA has not done any of these!
Nov 9, 2018, 9:17 am
#6
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: BAEC GGL/CR; Hilton Diamond; Mucci des Puccis
Posts: 5,609
The US has a different model for status benefits - even lounge access on domestic flights is an annual subscription if I'm not mistaken. I'd argue that the BAEC is extremely effective in driving irrational behaviour around carrier choice and price sensitivity. I can't imagine they'll be in a hurry to change it much.
Incidentally I think you can already buy OW status via S7 on a monthly basis.
Incidentally I think you can already buy OW status via S7 on a monthly basis.
Nov 9, 2018, 9:29 am
#8
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: CGK
Posts: 2,375
Nov 9, 2018, 11:08 am
#11
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Oxford
Programs: Skyteam Elite+, VS Red, HHonours Diamond, Accor Plat
Posts: 629
https://onemileatatime.com/buy-onewo...pphire-status/
Nov 9, 2018, 12:10 pm
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Brighton. UK
Programs: BA Gold / VS /IHG Diamond & Ambassador
Posts: 14,194
But, to me, some of the US schemes seem overly complicated where you may reach the $$ spend but not the mileage/ segment requirement.
Call me old fashioned but I'm a believer in earning status by actually flying!
Nov 9, 2018, 12:21 pm
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Gold/OWE, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
Posts: 32,145
I don’t really get excited about the 2-way street mentality, BUT if I fly BA (or OW partners) enough then I receive ‘recognition’ for doing that.
Any idea of ‘purchased’ status is, IMO, ludicrous. Corporates could uplift their executives as a bonus, or just routinely, for a modest outlay. The Lounges would be ‘standing room only’ for everyone, and consider the howls of protest here!
BAEC is a funny old British thing, which has evolved sensibly, Leave it alone!
Nov 9, 2018, 12:26 pm
#15
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Argentina
Posts: 40,210
I think the missus has a certain bank card which comes with AR/Skyteam status thrown in. As you get sod all from banks here for free I suspect she has to pay a fee for it....which amounts to the same thing.