British Airways (BA) is ushering in a new chapter for its frequent-flyer program, focusing on rewarding customer spending rather than traditional metrics like distance traveled or fare class. The shift aligns with broader industry trends emphasizing loyalty through financial commitment rather than miles flown. Alongside these changes, the airline is rebranding its loyalty program to the streamlined British Airways Club, dropping the word “Executive” for a fresh, simplified identity.
Starting April 1, 2025, British Airways Club members will earn Tier Points based on how much they spend, encompassing fares, ancillary services, and air-hotel packages. Additionally, purchases made using co-branded British Airways credit cards will count toward Tier Points, a feature expected to roll out later in the year.
For every British pound spent, members will earn one Tier Point. This earning structure applies not only to British Airways flights but also to partner flights with American Airlines and Iberia, allowing frequent flyers to maximize their rewards across these airlines. However, flights with other partner airlines, such as Alaska Airlines, will see Tier Points earned as a percentage of distance traveled, varying between 2% and 25% of miles flown, depending on the ticket class.
These changes follow BA’s decision in late 2023 to calculate frequent-flyer points exclusively based on spending. The airline’s shift away from mileage-based rewards reflects a broader industry move to focus on customer value and engagement.
British Airways Club’s revamped structure introduces new thresholds for achieving elite status. Members can now reach:
- Bronze Status with 3,500 Tier Points.
- Silver Status with 7,500 Tier Points.
- Gold Status with 20,000 Tier Points.
- Gold Guest List Status, the pinnacle of the program, with 65,000 Tier Points. However, at least 52,000 of these points must be earned through British Airways purchases.
In 2025, the program will also introduce milestone rewards for members who reach specific Tier Point thresholds. For example, members moving between Bronze and Silver tiers will be eligible for bonus frequent-flyer points, creating additional incentives to progress through the tiers.
The spending-based model promises greater flexibility for frequent travelers who prioritize premium experiences and ancillary services. Customers who frequently book first-class or business-class tickets or bundle their flights with hotel packages will likely see faster progress toward higher status levels. However, travelers accustomed to earning status through long-haul economy flights or discounted fares may find the new system less advantageous.
Additionally, the integration of co-branded credit card spending provides a new avenue for earning Tier Points, making it easier for loyal customers to gain status without relying solely on flights. For British Airways, this strategy deepens customer engagement by encouraging spending across multiple touchpoints.
British Airways’ decision to overhaul its loyalty program reflects the airline’s ambition to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. By rewarding spending over mileage, BA ensures that high-value customers feel recognized and incentivized to continue booking with the airline and its partners.
This transformation could inspire other airlines to re-evaluate their loyalty programs, signaling a continued industry trend toward rewarding customer expenditure. For travelers, it’s a reminder to pay close attention to the fine print of loyalty programs, as these changes can significantly impact the value they receive.
As British Airways prepares for these changes, the airline has emphasized its commitment to enhancing customer experience and engagement. While the new system may not appeal to all flyers, it represents a tailored approach to recognizing customer loyalty in a way that aligns with modern travel habits.
With its simplified name and revamped rewards structure, British Airways Club is setting the stage for a new era of loyalty—one where every pound spent brings travelers closer to their next adventure.
