British Airways makes major change to loyalty scheme — and customers aren’t happy
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British Airways is making big changes to its loyalty programme, starting next year. Previously, travellers earned ‘tier points’ according to the number of miles flown. The more you collected, the higher your status, with blue being the basic status, then bronze, silver and gold.
![[A business traveler looking at the flight board]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1372373917.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
But as of April 1, 2025, The British Airways Executive Club (which is separate to Avios, another frequent flyer virtual currency used by BA) becomes simply The British Airways Club, and travellers earn tier points on money spent rather than miles. Under the new rules, customers will be awarded one point for every £1 they spend, with eligible purchases including plane tickets, seat selection and extra baggage.
![[Empty airport lounge with plane outside.]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-522826691.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
While travellers could previously acquire status by clocking up miles without breaking the bank, the new approach shifts focus to a spending-based points structure. Under the new system, to achieve BA Gold status (which offers benefits like first class lounges and enhanced luggage allowance) you’ll need to rack up 20,000 tier points in a year. This is a significant change from the 1,500 points currently needed.
For Silver – which offers Club lounge access, free choice of seats at the time of booking and additional baggage allowance – you’ll need 7,500 tier points. Currently, members only need 600. Meanwhile, reaching Bronze level – which includes preferential check-in, priority boarding and seat selection a week ahead of travel – will require 3,500 tier points – a significant jump from the 300 points currently needed.
