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 10, 2020, 2:10 am
#1366
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Effectively grounded
Programs: BA GGL for a little while longer
Posts: 844
In any case, Google Maps does find an open Blockbuster at 211 NE Revere Ave, Bend, OR so who knows?
Not sure I will ever make it from the North West to the Pacific North West but will certainly visit the store if I do!!
May 10, 2020, 2:16 am
#1367
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,190
I can't work out if that Twitter is a spoof or not
In any case, Google Maps does find an open Blockbuster at 211 NE Revere Ave, Bend, OR so who knows?
Not sure I will ever make it from the North West to the Pacific North West but will certainly visit the store if I do!!
In any case, Google Maps does find an open Blockbuster at 211 NE Revere Ave, Bend, OR so who knows?
Not sure I will ever make it from the North West to the Pacific North West but will certainly visit the store if I do!!
rb211.
Last edited by RB211; May 10, 2020 at 2:23 am
May 10, 2020, 2:18 am
#1368
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,853
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-45175194
May 10, 2020, 4:07 am
#1369
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: In between BRU, AMS, DUS and LUX...
Programs: AF/KL Plat, BA Gold, A3 Gold, IHG Diamond, MR Gold, HH Diamond, ALL Platinum
Posts: 1,044
While I haven't read the entire 92 pages of this thread 
(I just read the first page and the wiki, which had the information I already knew of), I just emailed BAEC (with still a decent amount of hope they will reply to me positively) concerning my status renewal and the upgrade of my partner. My membership anniversary date is early june and my gf's one is early july and I currently have 965 TP, while Mrs has 980 TP. We were supposed to fly on QR and CX last month, which would have generated 600 TP for each of us, but obviously this trip got cancelled by the airline and there is no way the world will come back to normality in one month allowing both of us to plan a trip on the spot. Now, I know that BA decreased the qualification criteria to 1050 TP in my case, but I will still be short of 85 TP to qualify. I have been enjoying gold status with BA for 8 years or so now (after the "merger" with BMI) and Mrs just became Silver 2 months ago for the first time, we both have more than 4 eligible segments on BA or IB to (re-)qualify. Let's see what they will reply, I provided booking references and ticket numbers of the cancelled trip if they need to check, but has anyone in this situation succeeded getting an extension ?
(I just read the first page and the wiki, which had the information I already knew of), I just emailed BAEC (with still a decent amount of hope they will reply to me positively) concerning my status renewal and the upgrade of my partner. My membership anniversary date is early june and my gf's one is early july and I currently have 965 TP, while Mrs has 980 TP. We were supposed to fly on QR and CX last month, which would have generated 600 TP for each of us, but obviously this trip got cancelled by the airline and there is no way the world will come back to normality in one month allowing both of us to plan a trip on the spot. Now, I know that BA decreased the qualification criteria to 1050 TP in my case, but I will still be short of 85 TP to qualify. I have been enjoying gold status with BA for 8 years or so now (after the "merger" with BMI) and Mrs just became Silver 2 months ago for the first time, we both have more than 4 eligible segments on BA or IB to (re-)qualify. Let's see what they will reply, I provided booking references and ticket numbers of the cancelled trip if they need to check, but has anyone in this situation succeeded getting an extension ?
May 10, 2020, 6:33 am
#1370
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: LHR, LGW
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 3,444
I can't work out if that Twitter is a spoof or not
In any case, Google Maps does find an open Blockbuster at 211 NE Revere Ave, Bend, OR so who knows?
Not sure I will ever make it from the North West to the Pacific North West but will certainly visit the store if I do!!
In any case, Google Maps does find an open Blockbuster at 211 NE Revere Ave, Bend, OR so who knows?
Not sure I will ever make it from the North West to the Pacific North West but will certainly visit the store if I do!!
Yes it’s the only remaining store in Bend Oregon as you found. I Googled blockbuster last store. Say hi to Danny on the roof if you ever make it!!
May 10, 2020, 6:41 am
#1371
Join Date: Apr 2020
Programs: BAEC - Gold
Posts: 29
PALMANFR: - I was in an almost identical situation except that my year end was 8 April.. I contacted the EC and they readily gave me a notional TP credit for my cancelled flights (I provided booking ref's etc) which would have taken me over the Gold renewal threshold. I was renewed to Gold till 2021. Although nothing has been said by BA in respect of those renewals beyond 8 June I cannot see that you would be treated any less favourably.
Last edited by Burberries1; May 10, 2020 at 6:44 am Reason: missing info
May 10, 2020, 6:49 am
#1372
Join Date: Oct 2013
Programs: BA Gold, VS Gold, IHG Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hertz Presidents Circle.
Posts: 1,448
Believe me or not more than 90% of BA elites ( Bronze or higher ) based in the UK would still continue to use BA if they did not extend their status; this percentage would be more than 95% for London based people.
There would be a minority being angry at BA and using other airlines in the couple next months but as I mentioned, for the convenience, for the comfort of flying from point to point without making an extra stop, people would still choose BA.
Also, add the fact that the UK does not have another airline that has a wide-network like BA, and the percentage of O&D passengers amount is really high on BA flights compared to other airlines.
By the way, it's easier to re-achieve Gold after a soft landing to Silver, rather than to build Star Alliance Gold or SkyTeam Elite Plus from zero.
There would be a minority being angry at BA and using other airlines in the couple next months but as I mentioned, for the convenience, for the comfort of flying from point to point without making an extra stop, people would still choose BA.
Also, add the fact that the UK does not have another airline that has a wide-network like BA, and the percentage of O&D passengers amount is really high on BA flights compared to other airlines.
By the way, it's easier to re-achieve Gold after a soft landing to Silver, rather than to build Star Alliance Gold or SkyTeam Elite Plus from zero.
May 10, 2020, 7:54 am
#1373
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Thailand
Programs: BA Silver (OWS), OZ Diamond (*G), TK Elite (*G), HH Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 361
Actually *G is quite a bit easier than Gold. For example I got it for almost 4 years with OZ flying 2 EU-Asia r/t's on LX/LH F costing me a tad over 4k€ total (companion sale). Then again I much prefer OWE perks over *G but if BA really thinks those of us with expiry date in Jan should fly x amount of TP to maintain GGL this year I will probably check out what LH HON is like.
May 10, 2020, 9:20 am
#1374
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Boston, UK
Programs: BA Exec Club Gold
Posts: 103
Actually *G is quite a bit easier than Gold. For example I got it for almost 4 years with OZ flying 2 EU-Asia r/t's on LX/LH F costing me a tad over 4k€ total (companion sale). Then again I much prefer OWE perks over *G but if BA really thinks those of us with expiry date in Jan should fly x amount of TP to maintain GGL this year I will probably check out what LH HON is like.
Not that our tiny business will have BA worried, but my year ends in October. I had loads booked to get over the Gold line again.. all cancelled. Now the replacement trips early next year have gone to other airlines. I wonder how many others are thinking the same?
Yes, of course, BA's management have got lots to think about. It would appear keeping customers isn't one of them.
May 10, 2020, 9:50 am
#1375
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 15,351
IST regarding UK or London based customers, that is only part of the argument. The same holds true of almost all Single or double hub/country carriers, you could say it of AF and Paris, or even TK and IST. one has to look further than this and see what is on the "other end". If we are talking about Gold card members BA has quite a lot at stations such HKG, JFK, LAX, JNB, SIN, etc (not so much anymore out of Istanbul however). While you are correct that there is no UK based carrier with the route network of BA (and as VS seems to be a goner..........and Norwegian seemingly also on their last legs) people in teh UK do still have plenty of other choices.
As for the other comments about upcoming "status matches" there really has been no point in the last two decades that the majority of airlines have always had some sort of status match program happening (including BA). It is just a matter of how wide it is or was, and who you are to be able to get offered it.
As for the other comments about upcoming "status matches" there really has been no point in the last two decades that the majority of airlines have always had some sort of status match program happening (including BA). It is just a matter of how wide it is or was, and who you are to be able to get offered it.
May 10, 2020, 11:04 am
#1376
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: UK
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium Elite, UA 1K
Posts: 822
IST regarding UK or London based customers, that is only part of the argument. The same holds true of almost all Single or double hub/country carriers, you could say it of AF and Paris, or even TK and IST. one has to look further than this and see what is on the "other end". If we are talking about Gold card members BA has quite a lot at stations such HKG, JFK, LAX, JNB, SIN, etc (not so much anymore out of Istanbul however). While you are correct that there is no UK based carrier with the route network of BA (and as VS seems to be a goner..........and Norwegian seemingly also on their last legs) people in teh UK do still have plenty of other choices.
As a result, I'm SEN on LH & 1K on UA, both "easy" *G qualifications if not a "national"
(Sorry, I know I'm slightly off topic)
May 10, 2020, 11:13 am
#1377
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 18
I think the recent suggestion to use them as ice scrapers is the best I've heard.
I've managed to scrape together enough points from leisure travel to get gold for the past few years, which runs out in July. Given that the likelihood of significant travel in 2020 is remote, it will need more than a 12 month extension to keep me on board.
I've managed to scrape together enough points from leisure travel to get gold for the past few years, which runs out in July. Given that the likelihood of significant travel in 2020 is remote, it will need more than a 12 month extension to keep me on board.
I re-qualified for gold in March - very unlikely to be flying much before, say, October and even then, what risk will I be taking I wonder.
Let's see what BA does in the coming months...
May 10, 2020, 12:47 pm
#1378
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: GLA
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 2,964
I like my BA status, I fly via LHR when I could fly via AMS or FRA, or even direct to retain it and enjoy its benefits.... take it away and I won’t, and am unlikely to be in such a small minority.
May 10, 2020, 1:23 pm
#1379
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Arizona
Programs: BA (GGL G4L), AA (Gold), HH (Diamond); Marriott (Gold)
Posts: 3,011
Some random ideas for things BA could try beyond reduced thresholds or reviewing cancellations:
These ideas seem mostly unlikely, but maybe they’ll pick up on a few ideas.
The other suggestion I and others have made is pushing to make it possible to book more than 1 year out given the current levels of uncertainty as a way to get BA money to lock in future travel at discounted rates. If not an option, perhaps come up with a way to purchase a future travel voucher with a way to guarantee a booking beyond the current booking window.
- Bonus tier points for those that rebooked via voucher rather than requesting refunds
- Double or triple tier points on a promotional basis once flights resume
- Extended qualification window (eg 2 years instead of 1)
- Some sort of prorated credit of tier points towards lifetime status
- Earning tier points based on BA credit card spend in 2020
- Discounted flight passes for future flexible travel (or perhaps unlimited passes like AA infamously sold 20 years ago)
These ideas seem mostly unlikely, but maybe they’ll pick up on a few ideas.
The other suggestion I and others have made is pushing to make it possible to book more than 1 year out given the current levels of uncertainty as a way to get BA money to lock in future travel at discounted rates. If not an option, perhaps come up with a way to purchase a future travel voucher with a way to guarantee a booking beyond the current booking window.
May 10, 2020, 2:43 pm
#1380
Join Date: Aug 2013
Programs: BAEC Gold, IHG Spire Elite
Posts: 1,713
I took a cash refund but have since spent more than my refund amount on flights again. Why should I be denied the extra TPS?
Last edited by NWIFlyer; May 12, 2020 at 5:55 am Reason: Fix quote box to avoid confusion