British Airways adds Bronze frequent flyer tier: Qantas Silvers benefit

British Airways is introducing a new Bronze tier to its Executive Club frequent flyer programme, and Qantas' Silver frequent flyers (and other oneworld Ruby members) stand to benefit.

It's at the other end of the scale from Qantas' new Platinum One ultra-elite level, but for the not-so-frequent Australian flyer and other oneworld partner cardholders there are some useful perks.

"The bronze tier will be equivalent to oneworld Ruby status," a BA spokesperson confirmed to Australian Business Traveller today, adding that Qantas Silvers "will continue to benefit from all privileges they are entitled to."

BA, Qantas' main longhaul partner to Europe, had previously avoided an equivalent tier to the Red Roo's entry-level elite, which meant that Qantas Silvers didn't get their usual Qantas benefits when flying on British Airways.

(Need to remind yourself about which oneworld gem level equates to which Qantas and BA precious metal? Head on over to our guide to oneworld tiers and benefits.)

Bronze Executive Club cardholders -- and their Qantas Silver and oneworld Ruby equivalents -- will get:

• business class check in
• seat selection seven days ahead (up from 24 hours)
• a 25 percent mileage bonus when accumulating miles
• priority standby and waitlisting
• a dedicated phone number

It's the first two that are most useful for Qantas Silvers, who have to scramble for decent seats 24 hours before departure and wait in check-in queues if an airport doesn't have BA's automated kiosks.

To get the new Bronze tier in British Airways' program, you'll need 300 tier points (similar to Qantas' status credit system), plus two qualifying flights or 25 single sectors.

But you're probably best waiting another month before deciding which oneworld frequent flyer program you'll pick for your mileage eggs -- BA is planning the next stage of its massive revamp of the entire Executive Club program on 16 November.

John Walton

Aviation journalist and travel columnist John took his first long-haul flight when he was eight weeks old and hasn't looked back since. Well, except when facing rearwards in business class.