Mar 11, 2020, 5:58 am
Last edit by: carrotjuice
BAEC notification
updated 25 March 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Executive Club Tier Flexibility Policy
We understand the substantial impact these unprecedented times are having on the lives of our Executive Club Members. We have taken steps to protect the Tier status and well-earned benefits of our Members.
We’ll be lowering Tier Point thresholds by 30% for all Members due for Tier upgrade or renewal in April, May and June. This results in lower Tier qualification thresholds as laid out below
To ensure our Members still have the opportunity to use their Gold Upgrade Vouchers, Companion Vouchers and Travel Together Tickets earned via a British Airways credit card, we’re applying a six-month expiration extension to any current vouchers.
The situation is constantly changing, which is why we’re continuously reviewing our policy and will communicate any updates.
See here for details: https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/executive-club/tiers-and-benefits?dr=&dt=British%20Airways%20%7C%20Book%20F lights,%20Holidays,%20City%20Breaks%20%26%20Check% 20In%20Online&scheme=&audience=travel&CUSTSEG=&GGL Member=&ban=c2b728e5fe0683865614c44450048aa6%7C%7C CAM%7C6%7CCTA1%7C1%7C%7C%7C%7CHOME%7C%7C%7C%7CL4%7 C%7C%7C%7Canonymous-inspiration%7C%7C%7C&KMtag=c&KMver=1.0&clickpage=H OME#flexibility
How do I benefit from the Tier Flexibility policy?If you are eligible for a Tier upgrade or renewal under this policy, there is no need to contact us. This will be processed automatically once your Tier Point collection year ends and you will receive an email from the Executive Club team to confirm this.
In the meantime, you will not see any changes to your account until the start of your new Tier Point collection year.
My Tier Point collection year ends in July 2020 or thereafter. Does the Tier Flexibility policy apply to me?The Tier Flexibility policy only applies to Members due for renewal in April, May and June 2020. We understand that the situation is constantly changing, which is why we are continuously reviewing our policies and will be in touch with any changes that are applicable to your membership in the future. There is no need to contact us.
Where can I see my Tier Point collection year end date?This can be viewed on the My Executive Club page or the mobile app. This is shown underneath your current Tier Point total, or at the bottom of the ‘My account’ page on the mobile app.
Do I need to reach the eligible flights required for my Tier to benefit from the 30% Tier Point threshold reduction?The eligible flight requirements have been waived for Members who qualify for the 30% Tier Point threshold reduction in order to renew or upgrade.
I redeemed a Companion Voucher, or Travel Together Ticket, earned via a British Airways credit card on a booking that was changed or cancelled. Does the six-month extension apply to me?If you’ve applied a voucher, or ticket to a booking for travel from 1 March 2020, should your flight(s) get cancelled or you defer your travel to a later date, we will apply a 6-month extension to your voucher. This will happen automatically and there is no need to contact us.
I redeemed a Gold Upgrade Voucher on a booking that was changed or cancelled. Does the six-month extension apply to me?If you’ve applied a voucher to a booking for travel from 1 March 2020, should your flight(s) get cancelled or you defer your travel to a later date, we will apply a six-month extension to your voucher. This will happen automatically and there is no need to contact us.
Is my voucher included in the six-month extension policy?This policy covers all vouchers earned using a British Airways credit card. This includes American Express Companion Vouchers, Chase Travel Together Tickets, RBC Companion Award Vouchers, Asba Companion Vouchers, RSB American Express Companion Vouchers and RSB World Mastercard Companion Vouchers.
This policy also includes Gold Upgrade Vouchers.
I am close to earning a Companion Voucher, or Travel Together Ticket, with a British Airways credit card. Does the 6-month extension apply to me?We want to maximise the opportunity for Members to use their well earned vouchers. If your Companion Voucher, or Travel Together Ticket, earned via a British Airways credit card is issued during March, April, May or June, we will be automatically applying a 6-month extension. This may take some time to reflect in your account, however there is no need to contact us.
This does not currently apply to Gold Upgrade Vouchers.
updated 25 March 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Executive Club Tier Flexibility Policy
We understand the substantial impact these unprecedented times are having on the lives of our Executive Club Members. We have taken steps to protect the Tier status and well-earned benefits of our Members.
We’ll be lowering Tier Point thresholds by 30% for all Members due for Tier upgrade or renewal in April, May and June. This results in lower Tier qualification thresholds as laid out below
- Bronze: 210 Tier Points
- Silver: 420 Tier Points
- Gold: 1050 Tier Points
- Gold Guest List (Renewal): 2100 Tier Points (not on BA.com, internal only)
Gold Guest List (Upgrade): 3500 Tier Points (not on BA.com, internal only)
To ensure our Members still have the opportunity to use their Gold Upgrade Vouchers, Companion Vouchers and Travel Together Tickets earned via a British Airways credit card, we’re applying a six-month expiration extension to any current vouchers.
The situation is constantly changing, which is why we’re continuously reviewing our policy and will communicate any updates.
See here for details: https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/executive-club/tiers-and-benefits?dr=&dt=British%20Airways%20%7C%20Book%20F lights,%20Holidays,%20City%20Breaks%20%26%20Check% 20In%20Online&scheme=&audience=travel&CUSTSEG=&GGL Member=&ban=c2b728e5fe0683865614c44450048aa6%7C%7C CAM%7C6%7CCTA1%7C1%7C%7C%7C%7CHOME%7C%7C%7C%7CL4%7 C%7C%7C%7Canonymous-inspiration%7C%7C%7C&KMtag=c&KMver=1.0&clickpage=H OME#flexibility
FAQs
Show all|Hide allHow do I benefit from the Tier Flexibility policy?If you are eligible for a Tier upgrade or renewal under this policy, there is no need to contact us. This will be processed automatically once your Tier Point collection year ends and you will receive an email from the Executive Club team to confirm this.
In the meantime, you will not see any changes to your account until the start of your new Tier Point collection year.
My Tier Point collection year ends in July 2020 or thereafter. Does the Tier Flexibility policy apply to me?The Tier Flexibility policy only applies to Members due for renewal in April, May and June 2020. We understand that the situation is constantly changing, which is why we are continuously reviewing our policies and will be in touch with any changes that are applicable to your membership in the future. There is no need to contact us.
Where can I see my Tier Point collection year end date?This can be viewed on the My Executive Club page or the mobile app. This is shown underneath your current Tier Point total, or at the bottom of the ‘My account’ page on the mobile app.
Do I need to reach the eligible flights required for my Tier to benefit from the 30% Tier Point threshold reduction?The eligible flight requirements have been waived for Members who qualify for the 30% Tier Point threshold reduction in order to renew or upgrade.
I redeemed a Companion Voucher, or Travel Together Ticket, earned via a British Airways credit card on a booking that was changed or cancelled. Does the six-month extension apply to me?If you’ve applied a voucher, or ticket to a booking for travel from 1 March 2020, should your flight(s) get cancelled or you defer your travel to a later date, we will apply a 6-month extension to your voucher. This will happen automatically and there is no need to contact us.
I redeemed a Gold Upgrade Voucher on a booking that was changed or cancelled. Does the six-month extension apply to me?If you’ve applied a voucher to a booking for travel from 1 March 2020, should your flight(s) get cancelled or you defer your travel to a later date, we will apply a six-month extension to your voucher. This will happen automatically and there is no need to contact us.
Is my voucher included in the six-month extension policy?This policy covers all vouchers earned using a British Airways credit card. This includes American Express Companion Vouchers, Chase Travel Together Tickets, RBC Companion Award Vouchers, Asba Companion Vouchers, RSB American Express Companion Vouchers and RSB World Mastercard Companion Vouchers.
This policy also includes Gold Upgrade Vouchers.
I am close to earning a Companion Voucher, or Travel Together Ticket, with a British Airways credit card. Does the 6-month extension apply to me?We want to maximise the opportunity for Members to use their well earned vouchers. If your Companion Voucher, or Travel Together Ticket, earned via a British Airways credit card is issued during March, April, May or June, we will be automatically applying a 6-month extension. This may take some time to reflect in your account, however there is no need to contact us.
This does not currently apply to Gold Upgrade Vouchers.
COVID-19 - TP reduction requirement for re-qualification [currently to June year end]
May 3, 2020, 6:09 pm
#1216
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 19,900
This did make me think whether FFP will still be around in a few years time / will offer the benefit they used to. LATAM has recently left OneWorld and does not look like it will sign up to any other alliance. Qatar has long been complaining of OneWorld and the benefits of being part of an alliance. Alitalia has also said they may leave SkyTeam and with South African most likely transforming into something else they may leave the Star Alliance.
I guess my point is that if other airlines leave OW there will be little benefit of being BA Silver / Gold apart from the perks at LHR, MAD and JFK / US
I guess my point is that if other airlines leave OW there will be little benefit of being BA Silver / Gold apart from the perks at LHR, MAD and JFK / US
With travel demand expected to be low for the foreseeable future and no one knows when business travel will return, it's probably safe to say that alliances will be around for the foreseeable future.
Are Alitalia's problems related to ST or it's related to the mismanagement of the company over the past decades?
What about LAX and HKG? Decent perks for BA Silver/Gold members?
May 4, 2020, 12:42 am
#1217
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: The Blackwater Valley (Berkshire/Hampshire/Surrey border area)
Programs: BAEC Silver, Hilton Gold, Bonvoy Gold, IHG Diamond, etc etc
Posts: 199
If I don't have a lounge (with power, decent wifi, and most importantly a bit of peace and quiet) then work doesn't get done.
There are few enough places one can sit, never mind work, elsewhere!
May 4, 2020, 4:03 am
#1218
Join Date: May 2003
Location: TLL
Programs: OZ Diamond, BA Gold, Bonvoy Ambassador, HH Gold
Posts: 4,412
I had a dream last night that BA extended everyone by 12 months and I had read it here of FT. I had to check the board this morning because when I woke up, I couldn't remember if it was a dream or reality. Sadly, still a dream.
May 4, 2020, 4:42 am
#1219
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 15,347
Isquare. Qatar has been playing with the idea of putting together their own "Premier League" of top carriers, generally ones they have investments with, BA, CX, themselves, Air Italy (gone), LAN (they lost out), and in their dreams a US carrier. I think those dreams are on hold. As for AZ, as they have essentially been in a contstant state of bankruptcy organization and reorganization for close to 20 years, they simply have wanted to keep all options open.
May 4, 2020, 5:42 am
#1220
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,061
Isquare. Qatar has been playing with the idea of putting together their own "Premier League" of top carriers, generally ones they have investments with, BA, CX, themselves, Air Italy (gone), LAN (they lost out), and in their dreams a US carrier. I think those dreams are on hold. As for AZ, as they have essentially been in a contstant state of bankruptcy organization and reorganization for close to 20 years, they simply have wanted to keep all options open.
May 4, 2020, 9:30 am
#1221
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 36
My Card expired ended 30th April and TP year 8th March so i got a bit of grace. So back down to blue it is. I only had 100 points and hadn't flown for a while, so fair enough.
May 4, 2020, 2:30 pm
#1222
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: NYC/LAX/ATL
Programs: JAL Diamond, BAEC Gold, AS 75K, VS Gold, AC 50K, WoH Globalist, HHonors Diamond, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 237
This did make me think whether FFP will still be around in a few years time / will offer the benefit they used to. LATAM has recently left OneWorld and does not look like it will sign up to any other alliance. Qatar has long been complaining of OneWorld and the benefits of being part of an alliance. Alitalia has also said they may leave SkyTeam and with South African most likely transforming into something else they may leave the Star Alliance.
I guess my point is that if other airlines leave OW there will be little benefit of being BA Silver / Gold apart from the perks at LHR, MAD and JFK / US
I guess my point is that if other airlines leave OW there will be little benefit of being BA Silver / Gold apart from the perks at LHR, MAD and JFK / US
In all three major alliances SkyTeam is kinda "separated" as DL has more "higher-tier" partners (in or not in ST), Star Alliance has a lot of carriers but the major ones are partnering well, Oneworld is small but is still expanding, and I feel like ow carriers have the strongest partnerships as most of them have some sort of JVs. Having QR and AA partnering again, I think oneworld does not have much competitions within the alliance and airlines CAN make this alliance work. Worst case scenario even if ow collapsed, IAG carrier should still have FFP benefits at AA JL QR under the current JVs.
May 4, 2020, 5:18 pm
#1223
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 19,900
LATAM left ow mainly because of Delta's shares, and to me Delta is forming its own small alliance by holding others' shares (DL/WS/VS/AF/KL/VA/MU/KE/LA). These "Delta Alliance" carriers do have FFP partnership with Delta.
In all three major alliances SkyTeam is kinda "separated" as DL has more "higher-tier" partners (in or not in ST), Star Alliance has a lot of carriers but the major ones are partnering well, Oneworld is small but is still expanding, and I feel like ow carriers have the strongest partnerships as most of them have some sort of JVs. Having QR and AA partnering again, I think oneworld does not have much competitions within the alliance and airlines CAN make this alliance work. Worst case scenario even if ow collapsed, IAG carrier should still have FFP benefits at AA JL QR under the current JVs.
In all three major alliances SkyTeam is kinda "separated" as DL has more "higher-tier" partners (in or not in ST), Star Alliance has a lot of carriers but the major ones are partnering well, Oneworld is small but is still expanding, and I feel like ow carriers have the strongest partnerships as most of them have some sort of JVs. Having QR and AA partnering again, I think oneworld does not have much competitions within the alliance and airlines CAN make this alliance work. Worst case scenario even if ow collapsed, IAG carrier should still have FFP benefits at AA JL QR under the current JVs.
May 4, 2020, 10:10 pm
#1224
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
I think the value of alliances will rebound in a post-COVID19 world. It seems like DL's relationship with its JV partners will change. With DL, even with its distant ST partners, you can still earn some miles and EQMs on the cheapest economy flights. I can never understand why AA won't even count CX's cheapest economy fares. I would love AA more if they can make something work with CX.
It's highly popular that (some) airlines refuse to pay other FFPs the miles for cheaper fare buckets.
Other examples include, Turkish Airlines ultra discount Economy fare ( F and U fare classes -> only credits to TK M&S ); Air France discounted Business Class ( O fare class -> Only credits to Flying Blue, Delta, Alitalia, Aerolineas Argentinas ); Lufthansa ultra discount Economy fare ( K fare class -> Credits only to LH M&M, SK, NH, UA )
May 4, 2020, 10:37 pm
#1225
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Gold, Accor Live Limitless Gold, Hilton Honours Gold, Avis Preferred Plus
Posts: 1,807
Because there is a fact that Cathay Pacific must pay American Airlines for those miles.
It's highly popular that (some) airlines refuse to pay other FFPs the miles for cheaper fare buckets.
Other examples include, Turkish Airlines ultra discount Economy fare ( F and U fare classes -> only credits to TK M&S ); Air France discounted Business Class ( O fare class -> Only credits to Flying Blue, Delta, Alitalia, Aerolineas Argentinas ); Lufthansa ultra discount Economy fare ( K fare class -> Credits only to LH M&M, SK, NH, UA )
It's highly popular that (some) airlines refuse to pay other FFPs the miles for cheaper fare buckets.
Other examples include, Turkish Airlines ultra discount Economy fare ( F and U fare classes -> only credits to TK M&S ); Air France discounted Business Class ( O fare class -> Only credits to Flying Blue, Delta, Alitalia, Aerolineas Argentinas ); Lufthansa ultra discount Economy fare ( K fare class -> Credits only to LH M&M, SK, NH, UA )
May 4, 2020, 11:04 pm
#1226
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 19,900
May 4, 2020, 11:12 pm
#1227
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Gold, Accor Live Limitless Gold, Hilton Honours Gold, Avis Preferred Plus
Posts: 1,807
See here for an explanation by c-w-s from 2015: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/24390577-post6.html
As far as I know, it hasn't changed since then and to cut a long story short, booking in O class will earn nothing. When I search for fares on MH using ITA, I add the following:
F BC=L|BC=V|BC=S|BC=K|BC=M|BC=Y|BC=B|BC=H
Edit: KARFA's post here actually highlights that also N, Q and G earn nothing: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/24390640-post7.html
As far as I know, it hasn't changed since then and to cut a long story short, booking in O class will earn nothing. When I search for fares on MH using ITA, I add the following:
F BC=L|BC=V|BC=S|BC=K|BC=M|BC=Y|BC=B|BC=H
Edit: KARFA's post here actually highlights that also N, Q and G earn nothing: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/24390640-post7.html
May 5, 2020, 9:12 am
#1228
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Peterborough, UK
Programs: BA Silver; IHG Spire; Avis P+; Global Entry
Posts: 1,505
Because there is a fact that Cathay Pacific must pay American Airlines for those miles.
It's highly popular that (some) airlines refuse to pay other FFPs the miles for cheaper fare buckets.
Other examples include, Turkish Airlines ultra discount Economy fare ( F and U fare classes -> only credits to TK M&S ); Air France discounted Business Class ( O fare class -> Only credits to Flying Blue, Delta, Alitalia, Aerolineas Argentinas ); Lufthansa ultra discount Economy fare ( K fare class -> Credits only to LH M&M, SK, NH, UA )
It's highly popular that (some) airlines refuse to pay other FFPs the miles for cheaper fare buckets.
Other examples include, Turkish Airlines ultra discount Economy fare ( F and U fare classes -> only credits to TK M&S ); Air France discounted Business Class ( O fare class -> Only credits to Flying Blue, Delta, Alitalia, Aerolineas Argentinas ); Lufthansa ultra discount Economy fare ( K fare class -> Credits only to LH M&M, SK, NH, UA )
May 5, 2020, 9:29 am
#1229
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: London
Programs: plenty - ggl, ccr, etc, etc.
Posts: 1,704
It does seem weird BA will let people lapse and seems to have no real plan here. So far, BAEC is not exactly a prime example of a customer winning route for your most likely to repeat customers to win back custom when things do restart -which they will, despite Bungle Borris and rest of the incompetents in Whitehall. Huge contrast with the approach I'm getting from UAL and Delta, for example. Its in testing times you find out who your real 'friends' are.
May 5, 2020, 12:47 pm
#1230
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: LHR
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 51
It does seem weird BA will let people lapse and seems to have no real plan here. So far, BAEC is not exactly a prime example of a customer winning route for your most likely to repeat customers to win back custom when things do restart -which they will, despite Bungle Borris and rest of the incompetents in Whitehall. Huge contrast with the approach I'm getting from UAL and Delta, for example. Its in testing times you find out who your real 'friends' are.
Mine and my girlfriend's silver are lapsing soon - we had flights to Asia on Qatar this month that would have requalified us as silver but these flights aren't happening any more. If BA refuse to extend status (which it looks like they are hellbent on doing) then we are going to switch to another alliance post COVID-19. I wonder how many other regular customers will be doing the same?