Quantcast

Sky Industry News

Asia's airlines blame supply chain woes for disrupted operations
Qantas and Qatar Airways: Planned partnership in the Australian aviation industry under the microscope
Spirit Airlines delays release of Q3 financial results as debt restructuring talks heat up
Riyadh Air plans new jet order decision early next year
Calls for a blanket ban on politicians receiving free flight upgrades
Wizz Air Loses Challenge Against EU-Approved Romanian Aid for TAROM
Southwest, Other Airlines Plan a Shake-Up. Why They Need More to Boost Their Stocks.
One of Boeing's biggest customers leveled fresh criticism over ongoing 737 Max delivery delays
Low-Cost Airlines Innovate with Subscription Models
LA Considers $25 And $30 Minimum Wages For Hotel And Airport Workers
Airlines are on the hook for more than you think if something goes wrong with your trip
WA Labor & Industries plans to create new airline worker protections
Airlines must now give automatic refunds for significant delays. Here's what to know.
American Airlines Technical Operations, Fleet Service, Cargo and Central Load Planning team members ratify new agreement
Spirit Airlines Pursues Bankruptcy as a Path to Tie-Up With Frontier
American Airlines fined $50M for violating disability laws
Canada's flight attendant union applauds NDP bill to end unpaid work in the airline sector
American Airlines testing new technology that would crack down on boarding
Exciting New Airline Routes Coming to North
Another city ignores airport commission's advice, zones for housing near JWA
United shares hit pre-pandemic high after airline forecasts strong finish to 2024, plans buyback
Alaska Airlines Just Made Its Loyalty Program Even More Lucrative With New Rewards, Better Upgrades, and More
Food safety problem closes Detroit airline kitchen leaving 200 flights without meals
5 Reasons Why Kazakhstan's Air Astana Is Establishing Itself As A Key Player In Asian Aviation
JetBlue is no longer serving hot food in economy class on transatlantic flights
Video shows traveler hurl computer monitor at Frontier employees in Chicago
White House 'in touch' with airlines as hurricanes Helene, Milton spark price-gouging fears
Airline bans two items from luggage amid conflict in the Middle East
Turkish Airlines pilot dies midflight, leading to emergency landing in New York
Spirit Airlines Explores Bankruptcy Filing
British Airways faces backlash over revamped loyalty program
Policy
Webp 5r3vc2svdh8ibaxk8gr8iutw0za2
Simple Flying | Simple Flying

British Airways is facing criticism from both customers and staff following its decision to revamp its frequent flier program. Starting April 1, 2025, the airline will transition to a revenue-based tier system, renaming its Executive Club to The British Airways Club.

The updated loyalty program will reward members based on their spending with British Airways and its holiday operations. This change aligns with similar moves by other airlines. However, the shift has sparked discontent among many of the airline's loyal customers who feel that achieving status tiers has become more challenging.

Previously attainable status levels now require significant spending. For instance, reaching Gold tier necessitates a minimum spend of £20,000 ($25,000), while Silver status requires £7,500 ($9,400). Points are earned at a rate of 1 point per £1 spent on eligible purchases. However, non-airline taxes and fees do not count towards these points.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Some passengers have expressed their dissatisfaction publicly. A Gold Guest List member highlighted that their current expenditure would only qualify them for Bronze tier under the new system. Another customer commented on social media about being unwilling to spend £3.5k annually merely for priority boarding.

Reports indicate internal discontent as well. According to excerpts from BA's internal message board published by Paddle Your Own Kanoo, some staff members have criticized the changes. One employee remarked that the airline "seems to be on a mission to annoy, alienate and drive away loyal customers."

In response to the backlash, an airline spokesperson defended the changes by stating they align with models used by many other global airlines' loyalty programs.

###

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Air Europa has expanded to become Spain's third-largest airline, operating an extensive short and long-haul network from its base at Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD).

Mar 6, 2025

Copa Airlines is set to expand its U.S. network with a new flight to San Diego, California.

Mar 6, 2025

On February 20, Delta Air Lines issued an update regarding Flight 4819, defending the qualifications of the flight crew piloting the Endeavor Air CRJ900 that crashed on February 17, 2025, while attempting to land at Toronto Pearson International...

Mar 6, 2025

Wizz Air, easyJet, and Norse Atlantic have added multiple UK routes in the past week.

Mar 6, 2025

Southwest Airlines has added another ticket distribution channel by reaching an agreement with Expedia.

Mar 6, 2025

On February 25, 2025, an American Airlines Airbus A321 operating Flight AA1216 from Charlotte to West Palm Beach was forced to return to Charlotte shortly after takeoff due to maintenance issues.

Mar 6, 2025