British Airways has reversed recent changes to its loyalty program that affected premium cabin catering. The airline had initially planned to reduce in-flight catering for flights departing between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., as well as overnight flights leaving after 9:00 p.m. However, following feedback, British Airways decided to restore full meal services.
The airline has partnered with Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge to enhance its meal offerings. Kerridge expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “This is an opportunity to showcase British produce, British cooking, fantastic hospitality… into a plane and showcasing it around the world.”
In addition to restoring catering services, British Airways is making adjustments to its new loyalty rewards program, the British Airways Club. This program will replace the BA Executive Club. The company plans to offer bonus points alongside a “1 Tier Point for £1 earning mechanism.” Points can also be earned through various means such as spending on the British Airways American Express Premium credit card or purchasing sustainable aviation fuel credits.
Colm Lacy, Chief Commercial Officer of British Airways, reassured members that under the new model, “Bronze and Silver members can still re-qualify based on around the same number of average-priced standard fare flights as previously.” He emphasized that these changes aim to provide more clarity and reassurance for members.
A new Bonus Tier Point offer is available for flights booked before December 31, 2025. The offer provides varying bonus tier points depending on the class of flight booked.
Despite these adjustments, some analysts remain skeptical about their effectiveness in addressing customer concerns. Head for Points noted that while these changes may placate commuters, they do not address issues related to lounge overcrowding or ticket value discrepancies.
Virgin Atlantic is reportedly attempting to attract dissatisfied British Airways loyalty members affected by these changes.
