Earlier this week, British Airways announced significant changes to its loyalty program. The new system will link frequent flyer status to customer spending, including credit card and holiday expenses.
The changes have led many to view the British Airways Executive Club status as more challenging to achieve than before. Short-haul economy travelers might find it difficult to even reach bronze status, as they would need to spend £3,500 ($4,336) on flights, excluding taxes and fees.
Previously, there were multiple ways for short-haul travelers to earn tier points. For instance, routes like London-Helsinki offered double points. Additionally, completing 25 segments in a year could grant bronze status. However, under the new scheme, flying a certain number of segments is no longer sufficient for achieving status without considering the amount spent.