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 6, 2020, 11:43 am
#1261
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: BER
Programs: BA GGL, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,843
i apologize in advance if something gets lost in translation here:
but im really really sick of this topic. because is so diametric. Many airlines ask for "our understanding" or "our patience". Lufthansa for example seems to be sitting on 1.8 billion euros of paid tickets that are cancelled and due to refund. Im waiting since 7th April for my 800 euro of AA... other airlines seem trying to lure customers into vouchers.
and all this happens after all those years of trying to maximize yield. of baggage fees and "im so sorry but we cant do anything for you right now". if customers would now persue their interests and their rights in the same manner and intensity as airlines (in general!) did in the last years, the airlines would drown in law suits cause of reimbursments werent paid within 8 days as eu261 tells them to do... thats at least how i understand this topic.
now, when the times are hard "we sit in the same boat". but i still cant say that the statement BA made felt like they are honoring loyality in the way I (and i can and will only speak for myself) would have honored loyalty.
PUCCIS way of honoring cancelled flights in corona times just "as if they we're flown" in TP terms (and not in avios terms) seems to be a reasonable approach. it would honor loyality.
May 6, 2020, 11:53 am
#1262
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 7,464
May 6, 2020, 12:00 pm
#1263
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: West Coast USA
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 559
Oh believe me, I'm not forgetting people whose year ended on March 8th as that includes me! I had reasonably comfortably re-qualified for GGL / CCR but haven't flown since February 29th so have no chance of accruing tier points myself. I am therefore watching what happens with interest.
May 6, 2020, 12:01 pm
#1264
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: BER
Programs: BA GGL, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,843
single credit for Avios.
dont forget: buying a ticket is a zero interest loan from the date of paying till the date of flying. when you ask a painter to paint your living room and you two agreed that he will do that in december, you dont have to pay upfront.the airline might have the money for 18 or even 20/22 months until they have to actually work for that
May 6, 2020, 12:46 pm
#1265
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Boston, UK
Programs: BA Exec Club Gold
Posts: 103
I've given up.
Year ends in October, loads of travel since March gone and well short. Been Gold for 5 years. Now booking travel for next year and going on price/schedule rather than loyalty. There's some good stuff out there and time to spread wings and see what else is on offer. Not that the loss of my business will probably bother British Airways, but loyalty cuts both ways...
Year ends in October, loads of travel since March gone and well short. Been Gold for 5 years. Now booking travel for next year and going on price/schedule rather than loyalty. There's some good stuff out there and time to spread wings and see what else is on offer. Not that the loss of my business will probably bother British Airways, but loyalty cuts both ways...
May 6, 2020, 12:52 pm
#1266
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: London
Programs: BA Silver (for now)
Posts: 1,000
I've given up.
Year ends in October, loads of travel since March gone and well short. Been Gold for 5 years. Now booking travel for next year and going on price/schedule rather than loyalty. There's some good stuff out there and time to spread wings and see what else is on offer. Not that the loss of my business will probably bother British Airways, but loyalty cuts both ways...
Year ends in October, loads of travel since March gone and well short. Been Gold for 5 years. Now booking travel for next year and going on price/schedule rather than loyalty. There's some good stuff out there and time to spread wings and see what else is on offer. Not that the loss of my business will probably bother British Airways, but loyalty cuts both ways...
I’m only Silver and always fly J, makes me question why I don’t book based on price and chose BA for EC benefits but I do, or have done until now in pursuit of the odd redemption in First.
Not accommodating people like me is literally wasting my loyalty.
May 6, 2020, 12:59 pm
#1267
Fontaine d'honneur du Flyertalk
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Morbihan, France
Programs: Reine des Muccis de Pucci; Foreign Elitist (according to others)
Posts: 19,180
I was very specific - I would not expect the Avios - I think that the Tier Points should be awarded - and when the voucher is transformed into another ticket you should receive Tier Points and Avios in the usual way for that particular flight - one might have got a voucher for a return to ALC that was cancelled and eventually used it against a flight to LAX. To me it seems fair - they're keeping your money and you ought to get something for them to use your money in the interim
May 6, 2020, 1:05 pm
#1268
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Boston, UK
Programs: BA Exec Club Gold
Posts: 103
They need to sort this out- how many loyal flyers could be lost?
I’m only Silver and always fly J, makes me question why I don’t book based on price and chose BA for EC benefits but I do, or have done until now in pursuit of the odd redemption in First.
Not accommodating people like me is literally wasting my loyalty.
I’m only Silver and always fly J, makes me question why I don’t book based on price and chose BA for EC benefits but I do, or have done until now in pursuit of the odd redemption in First.
Not accommodating people like me is literally wasting my loyalty.
I know they say the ‘grass in greener’.. but let’s see. Just bunged some business onto Oman Air, Emirates and Swiss. Price on all was good.
May 6, 2020, 1:20 pm
#1269
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Gold, Accor Live Limitless Gold, Hilton Honours Gold, Avis Preferred Plus
Posts: 1,807
They need to sort this out- how many loyal flyers could be lost?
I’m only Silver and always fly J, makes me question why I don’t book based on price and chose BA for EC benefits but I do, or have done until now in pursuit of the odd redemption in First.
Not accommodating people like me is literally wasting my loyalty.
I’m only Silver and always fly J, makes me question why I don’t book based on price and chose BA for EC benefits but I do, or have done until now in pursuit of the odd redemption in First.
Not accommodating people like me is literally wasting my loyalty.
May 6, 2020, 1:24 pm
#1271
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Gold, Accor Live Limitless Gold, Hilton Honours Gold, Avis Preferred Plus
Posts: 1,807
May 6, 2020, 1:26 pm
#1272
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Belfast
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 379
This whole thing is ridiculous now. I’ve read all of the posts around all of the edge cases and complications but I still think there is a simple solution to catch the huge majority.
For anyone who had requalified or moved up tiers within the last 6 months, extend to the end of 2021 at current tier.
Deal with the edge cases of people who would have gone up or down on a case by case basis then extend to end of 2021.
Caveat all of this with, “it will be kept under review and may be changed based on future circumstances.”
Loyal customers get to keep their FF status (and we stop moaning or looking elsewhere) and BA get the flexibility to reduce the extension in the future should that be a sensible option when things play out.
I fail to see how this is difficult.
In true WW/AC style they have gone straight into slasher mode instead of taking a simple step that may protect future revenue from loyal customers when things start to move again. What harm is it to BA to have a large, content FF base right now? Its not as though we are currently eating and drinking the lounges dry.
For anyone who had requalified or moved up tiers within the last 6 months, extend to the end of 2021 at current tier.
Deal with the edge cases of people who would have gone up or down on a case by case basis then extend to end of 2021.
Caveat all of this with, “it will be kept under review and may be changed based on future circumstances.”
Loyal customers get to keep their FF status (and we stop moaning or looking elsewhere) and BA get the flexibility to reduce the extension in the future should that be a sensible option when things play out.
I fail to see how this is difficult.
In true WW/AC style they have gone straight into slasher mode instead of taking a simple step that may protect future revenue from loyal customers when things start to move again. What harm is it to BA to have a large, content FF base right now? Its not as though we are currently eating and drinking the lounges dry.
May 6, 2020, 2:38 pm
#1273
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: BAEC Gold, EK Skywards (enhanced Blue !), Oman Air Sindbad Gold
Posts: 6,399
.................................
................In true WW/AC style they have gone straight into slasher mode instead of taking a simple step that may protect future revenue from loyal customers when things start to move again. What harm is it to BA to have a large, content FF base right now? Its not as though we are currently eating and drinking the lounges dry.
As for the lounges .... true enough ; and I suspect it will be some considerable time before they become available again. In fairness to BA (and other airlines), I feel there is every reason to be extremely cautious in setting a date for their re-opening (quite apart from any relevant official rulings). Personally I would have no pressing wish to use them until I see the risk factor as sufficiently acceptable. Health reasons apart, there is of course a good deal of money to be conveniently saved in keeping them closed for as long as possible.
Meanwhile we must wait & see what exactly transpires from this BAEC status announcement (as predicted by some) to be made in June, or thereabouts.
May 6, 2020, 3:37 pm
#1274
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: West Coast USA
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 559
Loyalty programs are meant to increase revenue for the airlines (or other businesses) though so it does seem like a strange approach they are taking. That said, I fully agree with you as then they can continue to strip back the benefits of BAEC. Don't need a first wing if there are fewer Golds and fewer aircraft with first, don't need multiple different lounges etc.
May 6, 2020, 3:52 pm
#1275
Join Date: Oct 2013
Programs: BA Gold, VS Gold, IHG Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hertz Presidents Circle.
Posts: 1,448
Who knows we may yet see status matches to BA Gold by the competition, or perhaps challenges. Anyway it's not surprising people want visibility of requal requirements before planing what upcoming travel they may be doing.