[andrew]

John wrote:

Colm Lacy, the chief commercial, said “This isn’t an effort to reduce the number of members we have in each tier, but to reward our members more fairly, and we want to do more to reassure them that retaining their status is achievable”

It’s quite conspicuous they BA hasn’t retained the existing tier point model and added spend as a way to retain status…

I think many US airlines had/have dual status earning methods by segments/spend etc.

[andrew]

Fast…

[andrew]

Looking at the press release:

“It’s expected the airline will always offer members a Bonus Tier Point proposition in addition to the general 1 Tier Point for £1 earning mechanism.” (emphasis mine)

Assuming for a minute this is a long-running offer, when combined with cheapest fares on-sale data this makes for some effective minimum new Tier Points per cabin.

Some quick examples:

LHR-BCN return economy O class £75 (eligible: £23)

Was: 10 TPs [2x 5 TPs]
(equivalent of 133 nTPs)
Now: 173 nTPs [23 spend + 2x 75 bonus]
(equivalent of 13 TPs)
Result: 30% increase in the new Club

LHR-BCN return business class £365 (eligible: £299)

Was: 80 TPs [2x 40TPs]
(equivalent of 1067 nTPs)
Now: 649 nTPs [299 spend + 2x 175 bonus]
(equivalent of 49 TPs)
Result: 40% decrease

LHR-JFK return economy O class £394 (eligible: £192)

Was: 40 TPs [2x 20 TPs]
(equivalent of 533 nTPs)
Now: 492 nTPs [192 spend + 2x 150 bonus]
(equivalent of 37 TPs)
Result: 8% decrease in the new Club

It only seems to move the needle for the cheapest economy tickets, making them closer to the original earning – ironically the group of users least likely to be obtaining status based on Tier Points (and not sectors flown) and the group they presumably want to incentivise least in the new Club.

[andrew]

Avios Boost lasts until Monday evening, which you would think would finish before a big announcement.

[andrew]

What’s the data source out of interest, do you have a link?

[andrew]

I’ve heard Rob mention Spanish hotels have a real issue if P1 isn’t there at check-in, even if you’re named on the reservation.

[andrew]

BA Flyer IHG Stayer wrote:

How about they are following Isreali Law?

From the FT link I posted

We also take this opportunity to provide you with notice in accordance with the Israeli Consumer Protection Law, 5571-1981 to a change of British Airways Executive Club Tier Points available on the Tel Aviv route, which will take effect for all flights taken on or after 30 March 2025.

Supposing Israeli law does require 12 months notice for airline loyalty status points accrual changes (??) it’s nonetheless extraordinary – I can’t recall ever seeing over a years’ notice for a TP adjustment from longhaul to short haul.

[andrew]

This is an extraordinary special treatment by BA for a certain country/destination! I can’t recall ever seeing over a years’ notice for a TP adjustment from longhaul to short haul.

I wonder why?

I can’t see load levels requiring more than an A320 once the suspended bookings have been used up – outside military service and VFR I think tourism is over for the foreseeable unless something drastic changes.

Sensible choice and unexpectedly exceptionally generous by BA.

[andrew]

freckles wrote:

As a matter of interest, which other airlines flying from LCY offer business lounges, priority queues, middle seat free?

This what’s known as a ‘race to the bottom’.

The presumably hefty price premium for Business class should offer tangible benefits and a quality product, delivered with a modicum of competence no?

[andrew]

They should be able to replay the phone logs.

I believe the call centre can only book redemptions at the highest Avios option, however there’s nothing in the T&Cs to limit this.

But if that is what was discussed then that is legally binding and they will need to rectify – presumably via back office ticketing or customer relations.

If they admit the error but won’t fix you can probably reclaim the additional cost via MCOL.

[andrew]

Data point: Cancelled in Qatar MMB 7pm UK time, seemed like a manual process/no breakdown of refund amounts (including outright refusal for both web chat and call centre to calculate), Avios refunded by 8pm. Simple one-way unflown booking 1 passenger.

[andrew]

By pure dumb luck I miraculously ticketed 2x GUF2 bookings at 11pm the day before BA trashed GUF2s in the last enhancements when the maintenance notice popped up.

When you have a 24hr cooling off period, a warning of a known and impending change potentially landing can only be a good thing!

[andrew]

The Avios earning calculator remains the same, it looks like we survived this latest round of ‘enhancements’!

[andrew]

BA Flyer IHG Stayer wrote:

Given the access issues getting into the app and flights not showing in MMB it probably is just maintenance.

I hope so.

Then again we are due the introduction of revenue-based Avios earning (as announced when Iberia moved over), plus some other ominous words from a BA staff member in the comments at the time.

[andrew]

Rob Burgess wrote:

Barclays has confirmed to us that anyone who needs an ID check will still get the bonus if the ID check was requested pre 30th November.

I assume you need the ID check complete before you can turn on Avios Rewards?

Do you know if therefore customers that couldn’t turn on Avios Rewards will receive the bonus? Either because of an ID check or AV006 error.

[andrew]

Play them at their own chosen game.

Rack up some refundable hotels, get the bonus and annual spend upgrade voucher, refund the hotels, cancel the card and take your business to Amex or Virgin who won’t take 2.5 months to deliver you a card.

You’ve been exceptionally reasonable, just take what you’re “entitled” to!

[andrew]

meta wrote:

It only shows when you book, but it may also show in your e-ticket email.

T class is definitely not upgradable via BA. Iberia has some really good PE fares at the moment, but flexibility is the weak point.

I thought that but I was surprised to see in the BAEC Conditions of Use that all Iberia fare classes are eligible for UUA just like BA…

https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/executive-club/terms-and-conditions/conditions-of-use#upgradeusingaviosonbaaaandibflights

Upgrading using Avios points on AA and IB Flights are permitted on eligible published fares only. Eligible fare classes to upgrade on AA are J, C, D and Y. Eligible fare classes to upgrade on IB are W, E, T, Y, B and H.

[andrew]

If it’s customer service is anything to go by, American Express seems to be turning into Blockbuster Video over the last few years.

I’m struggling to see any area which has genuinely and meaningfully improved against a backdrop of deteriorating customer service, product features, reliability and quality.

Not good..

[andrew]

If you can figure out a way of letting me PM you there’s probably a way of doing it with significant complexity but worth it if you’re trying to transfer a significantly high number.

[andrew]

If the TPs haven’t posted after 60 days and you miss a status upgrade I think you’d be on strong grounds to bill BA for some posh meals in the terminal the standard of the marketing drivel on their website until it’s rectified.

BA will only improve when it’s more costly not to.

[andrew]

BA’s last investor presentation had X.5 routes planned for North America with the ‘half’ route assumed to be the resumption of Calgary in S22 but I think Omicron scuppered that. It might make an appearance for S23?