Quantcast

British Airways faces backlash over revamped loyalty program

Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Brazilian airline Azul to go 'back to basics' after challenging 2024
Airlines cancel flights as air travel to ‘grind to complete halt’ this week ahead of major strike action in Europe
Dramatic moment American Airlines plane diverted to Rome is escorted by fighter jets after mid-air bomb threat
Jetstar Faces Major Backlash as Nationwide System Outage Causes Travel Chaos, Stranding Passengers and Disrupting Flights Across the Australian Airline Industry
Sudden oil supply outages creating turbulence for airline industry
Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Southwest bends further to activist shareholder Elliott's demands
Downgraded on a flight? Take these simple but important steps to get your money back
Delta Offers Over $2 Million to CRJ Crash Passengers
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

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) has announced the launch of a global campaign titled "Safety Starts with Two" to oppose reduced-crew operations and advocate for maintaining two pilots on the flight deck at all times.

Apr 25, 2025

Emirates has announced its status as the world's first Autism Certified Airline and is expanding its 'Travel Rehearsal' program to 17 global cities to support neurodiverse travelers.

Apr 25, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced a new partnership with Uber, allowing SkyMiles members to earn miles on eligible Uber rides and UberEats orders.

Apr 25, 2025

Hainan Airlines has announced the introduction of exclusive discount vouchers for international transfer passengers at Haikou Meilan International Airport.

Apr 25, 2025

Alaska Airlines has announced the introduction of new nonstop services from San Diego to Phoenix, commencing on August 20.

Apr 25, 2025

Boeing has announced an agreement to sell portions of its Digital Aviation Solutions business to Thoma Bravo for $10.55 billion in an all-cash transaction.

Apr 25, 2025