The program will undergo a significant shift, transitioning from a distance-based to a spending-based model for earning elite status (Tier Points).
Under the new structure, members will accumulate Tier Points based on their total spending on flights, ancillary services (such as baggage fees and seat selection), and air-hotel packages. Additionally, points will be awarded for purchases made with co-branded British Airways credit cards, implemented shortly after the April 1st launch.
The earning rate will be standardized at one Tier Point for every British pound spent on flights with British Airways, American Airlines, and Iberia. However, travel on other partner airlines will yield a reduced rate based on the distance flown. For instance, Alaska Airlines flights will earn between 2% and 25% of the flown distance in Tier Points, varying by fare class.
This change aligns with the airline's 2023 decision to transition frequent-flyer point accrual to a spending-based system.
The revamped program will maintain the same elite status tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and the top-tier Gold Guest List. Qualification thresholds remain unchanged: 3,500 Tier Points for Bronze, 7,500 for Silver, 20,000 for Gold, and 65,000 for Gold Guest List (with a minimum of 52,000 points earned through British Airways products).
To further enhance the program, British Airways plans to introduce bonus frequent-flyer points for members progressing through the Tier Point milestones between Bronze and Silver status, commencing sometime in 2025.
This simplified and more customer-centric approach to the loyalty program aims to better reward members for their overall engagement with the British Airways brand and its partners.
