The retro credit rule change goes into effect Jan 1 2027.

Would they be willing to let you into the lounge after you remove your FFP manually?

Or if I remove it after my visit, would they still be willing to do it?

I have had it stick when removed at the gate. I wonder what the latest to remove now is.

Really gives a headache knowing everyone travels in Dec holiday season

As predicted: a new Diamond Exec (Diamond Plus) tier is created.

I’ve done it several times at the lounge entrance. Last instance was last month at The Wing J. One time they asked if it was for retro-claim (RIP 2027) due to upcoming membership end date (RIP 2027) and I fessed up to it, but they didn’t kiss up a fuss and removed it. No problem with priority checking, lounge access and priority boarding (since you already have the lounge invitation and the FFP printed on the physical BP during the pre-boarding check). Worst case is you can remove the FFP after you use the lounge on your way to the gate. No PR on the flight however.

Caveat is that I’ve only done it in HKG with Cantonese staffers.

Also, to make sure your FFP doesn’t “stick” to your boarding pass, you can check the CX app for the current flight segment. Once the FFP is successfully removed, your name should not have the membership tier colour framing your name. Potentially, your itinerary will be marked as “Companion” (I think it’s basically the system saying that your account has someone else’s itinerary added to it, and they just happen to have the exact same name).

Have your TA remove them if they're good https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/37144761-post54.html

Otherwise have a totally FFP sterile ticket - enter lounge by flash card, not claim any baggage or priority check in/priority boarding

(Or credit to BA without middle name? https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/37373010-post19.html ***no idea whether that works to force eligibility for back credit***)

Maybe they know their Christmas traffic's booking in.

I don't have a travel agent for personal travel but maybe i can get my corporate travel agent to do it

The one I am thinking of is my Christmas/NY ticket I have been holding directly with CX and rolling over every 21 days and its only the outbound that is in 2025. It actually originates in Europe in a non-LHR port and its J and I don't check bags so I don't really get anything with the number. The only benefit of the number is being able to roll it thus far. Not the end of the world if I lose the 100 SPs for 2027 membership purposes but its just annoying on top of the 400+ SPs I lose for those purposes already since my year isn't Jan to Dec. Another shafting due to off calendar year cycle.

Yes, the it stuck when I did it at the gate was in SIN. I suspected they didn't know what they were doing.

I removed my FFP at the gate and so far it works.

HKG or non-HKG or both?

for me is both

I think this is pretty clear per the FAQ. It's total points earned regardless of membership year:

Very well-informed indeed

Thanks for pointing this out..