British Airways has announced a significant overhaul of its loyalty program, transitioning from the current tier points system to a revenue-based model. The change, set to take effect in 2025, is designed to better reward high-spending customers while simplifying the path to elite status for travelers who contribute the most revenue to the airline.
This marks one of the most transformative changes in the history of the British Airways Executive Club, now rebranded as “The British Airways Club.”
Key Changes to the Elite Status Qualification
The new system will calculate elite status qualification based on the revenue generated by each passenger rather than the miles flown or flights taken. Members will earn Club Points, replacing the long-standing tier points system. Here’s how the new program will work:
Earning Club Points: Members will earn points at a fixed rate per dollar (or equivalent currency) spent on British Airways flights, as well as on eligible flights with oneworld partners.
Rewarding Premium Spending: First Class, Business Class (Club World), and Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus) passengers will earn more Club Points per dollar than Economy travelers.
Threshold Adjustments: To achieve elite status, members will need to meet new spending thresholds rather than complete a specific number of flights or earn a set number of miles.
For example:
Bronze Status: Requires $3,000 in eligible spending.
Silver Status: Requires $7,500 in eligible spending.
Gold Status: Requires $12,000 in eligible spending.
A Shift Toward Simplicity and Transparency
British Airways has emphasized that the transition to a revenue-based system will make the loyalty program simpler and more transparent for members. By focusing on revenue, the airline aims to ensure that frequent high-spending travelers receive the greatest rewards. This also aligns with broader trends in the industry, as airlines like Delta, United, and Lufthansa have already implemented similar models in their loyalty programs.
A spokesperson for British Airways explained, “This shift allows us to reward the travelers who contribute the most to our business. It’s a reflection of the value we place on our loyal customers and an opportunity to enhance the travel experience for our most dedicated flyers.”
Enhanced Benefits for Elite Members
With the rebranding to The British Airways Club, the airline is also introducing enhanced benefits for elite members:
Priority Access and Upgrades: Elite members will continue to enjoy perks such as priority boarding, additional baggage allowance, and complimentary upgrades. British Airways has hinted at exclusive new upgrade opportunities for Gold and Silver members.
Lounge Access: British Airways is investing in its lounge network, with plans to open new lounges at key international hubs and enhance existing facilities. Gold members will retain access to First lounges, while Silver members will continue to enjoy Club lounges.
New Partnership Perks: The airline is expanding its partnerships with oneworld carriers, allowing members to earn and redeem Club Points seamlessly across the alliance’s network.
While the changes are designed to benefit high-value customers, the transition may present challenges for leisure travelers who rely on discount fares. Some passengers have expressed concerns that the revenue-based model might disproportionately favor premium cabin travelers, making it harder for budget-conscious flyers to achieve elite status.
Frequent flyer forums and social media platforms have been abuzz with mixed reactions. While many premium travelers welcome the change, others worry about losing the ability to qualify for status through mileage runs or frequent short-haul flights.
British Airways’ shift reflects a larger trend among global airlines to adopt revenue-based loyalty systems. The rationale is clear: airlines are prioritizing profitability and rewarding customers who drive the most revenue. This model also allows airlines to better manage costs associated with loyalty programs by aligning rewards with financial contributions.
Looking Ahead
As the changes roll out in 2025, British Airways plans to provide detailed guidance and tools to help members transition smoothly. The airline is committed to maintaining the program’s core value while evolving to meet the needs of modern travelers.
For members, this is an opportunity to reassess travel strategies and maximize the value of their spending. Whether the new system meets expectations will depend on how well British Airways balances its focus on high-spending customers with the needs of its broader membership base.
