Big Changes to British Airways Membership Program: What You Need to Know
- Carly Hennah
- Apr 4
- 2 min read
If you or your executive fly frequently, this update from British Airways is a game-changer!
As of April 1, 2025, British Airways is rebranding its Executive Club as The British Airways Club. Along with the name change comes a major overhaul to how Tier Points are earned—a shift that may significantly impact how you maintain elite status.
💸 A New Way to Earn Tier Points
The most notable change? Tier Points will no longer be calculated based on distance travelled. Instead, they’ll now be directly tied to how much you spend: £1 spent = 1 Tier Point. This change means that earning Bronze, Silver, or Gold status might become more challenging, especially for those who often book lower-cost fares.
While you can now earn Tier Points on seat selection and excess baggage, keep in mind that only the base fare and Carrier Imposed Charges (YQ and YR) count. Additional fees, like non-airline taxes (such as Air Passenger Duty), will not contribute to your Tier Point total.
📈 Higher Thresholds for Elite Status
With this update, the thresholds for each status level have increased significantly:
Bronze: From 300 to 3,500 Tier Points
Silver: From 600 to 7,500 Tier Points
Gold: From 1,500 to 20,000 Tier Points
That’s quite a leap, and it could mean that those aiming for elite perks will need to adjust their travel and spending strategies.
✨ Maximising Your Membership
It’s important to remember that Tier Points and Avios serve different purposes. While Avios can be earned and redeemed for flights, upgrades, and more, Tier Points exist purely for maintaining status. If your executive values elite perks like lounge access and priority boarding, it’s time to plan strategically and maximize spending where it counts.
💡 Time-Saving Tips for Personal Assistants: Boosting Your Boss’s Avios Points
As a Personal Assistant, you can make a significant impact by growing your boss’s Avios earnings. Here are some practical ways to make every purchase count:
Link Ride-Sharing Accounts: Sync your boss’s Uber account to British Airways to automatically earn Avios points on eligible rides.
Leverage Retail Partnerships: Whenever making purchases on behalf of your boss, go through the British Airways Avios eStore to earn extra points.
Reward Card Connections: Link their Nectar card and BP Rewards to their BA Executive Club account, earning Avios when shopping at Sainsbury’s, filling up the car, or dining out.
Book Travel Wisely: Use the BA Executive Club login when booking hotels or car rentals to earn additional Avios.
Loyalty Program Integration: Encourage your executive to consolidate loyalty points from various hotel and airline partnerships, converting them into Avios where possible.
Use the Right Card: Make sure any work-related purchases are made using a credit card that earns Avios or offers transfer options to the Executive Club.
By making small adjustments to everyday purchases, you can significantly boost your boss’s Avios balance, making those travel perks even more attainable.
💭 Airline and hotel loyalty programs can be powerful tools for securing perks, upgrades, and savings. By staying up to date with changes and expanding every opportunity to earn Avios, you can add extra value to your client’s travel experience.
So...What are your thoughts on these changes?
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