British Airways updates loyalty program; short-haul flyers face challenges

Home
»
Stories
»
2025
»
January

GLOBAL INDUSTRY NEWS

Global Industry News

British Airways updates loyalty program; short-haul flyers face challenges

Policy

Simple Flying | Simple Flying

By Sky Industry News

Jan 3, 2025

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.

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.

For example, if one needs to travel from Frankfurt to the United Kingdom in late February with a total fare of €165 ($170), only €53 ($55) counts towards status due to fare and carrier-imposed charges. This means that reaching bronze status would require 79.5 return trips annually.

British Airways' membership in the oneworld Alliance offers an alternative through other member loyalty schemes such as American Airlines AAdvantage or Qatar Airways Privilege Club. Royal Jordanian's Royal Club is highlighted as a potential option for maintaining status without high spending goals.

With Royal Jordanian's program, travelers can still earn status based on flight segments rather than spending alone. For example:

- Silver Jay (equivalent to BA Bronze): Earned with 14 segments over 12 months.

- Gold Sparrow (equivalent to BA Silver): Earned with 30 segments over 12 months.

- Platinum Hawk (equivalent to BA Gold): Earned with 46 segments over 12 months.

Achieving Gold Sparrow requires roughly the same number of flights as attaining British Airways Bronze but provides equivalent benefits across the oneworld alliance.

oneworld Ruby status offers business class check-in and pre-reserved seating but does not include lounge access. At British Airways, Ruby members board in Group 3 ahead of other economy passengers without status and can select seats for free seven days before departure.