British Airways unlocks status extension for Executive Club members

Elite-tiered members of British Airways’ Executive Club frequent flyer program are set to benefit from either an extra year at their current level or a shortcut to retain their status.

Executive Club cardholders with a Tier Points ‘collection date’ that ends between January and March 2022 receive the biggest benefit, being another year at their current status regardless of their recent travel history.

However, they're the only cardholders getting that full extension – which BA calls status 'protection' – this time around.

Those with 'collection dates' before and after this range miss out on the free kick, and must instead earn their next year of status.

To do so, they won't need quite as many Tier Points or eligible flights as in a normal year, although the figures are reduced only by 25%, as below.

• Bronze (Oneworld Ruby): 225 Tier Points or 18 eligible flights
• Silver (Oneworld Sapphire): 450 Tier Points or 37 eligible flights
• Gold (Oneworld Emerald): 1,125 Tier Points only

By comparison, Bronze normally requires 300 Tier Points to retain, Silver normally sits at 600 Tier Points, and Gold would require 1,500 Tier Points in a normal year.

It's possible that BA may broaden its status protection program at a later date, but for now, the extension covers only those dates in January through March.

Bonus benefits for British Airways' flyers

“We want to thank our customers for their continued loyalty,” said BA Loyalty Manager Niall Rooney.

“Many of our Executive Club Members haven’t had the chance to use their benefits as normal. By further extending their Tier Status, none of them will miss out on the amazing benefits they have earned.”

Aside status protection for eligible elite cardholders, British Airways’ business class dining rooms at selected US lounges will open their doors to Executive Club Silver and Gold members.

This includes lounges in New York (JFK), Boston, Chicago and Washington, where these dining rooms – a separate section within the business class lounge – would normally be restricted to travellers departing in Club World (business class), but will now welcome eligible travellers in economy and premium economy.

Additionally, BA has dropped its highly sought-after Concorde Room Card and thrown open the doors of its elite Concorde Room lounges to all Gold Guest List members of its Executive Club frequent flyer program.

Read more: BA axes Concorde Room Card, opens elite lounge to more frequent flyers

Chris C.

Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.