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bmi Rescinds Silver Elite Status Sign-Ups

March 23, 2011
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3 min read
bmi Rescinds Silver Elite Status Sign-Ups
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Last week there was a rumor going around Flyertalk and the frequent flyer blogosphere that London based Star Alliance carrier bmi would automatically grant silver elite status to anyone who signed up for their frequent flyer program.

Whether it was the right decision or not, I chose not to post about it because I didn't think the offer would ultimately work, because it clearly stated that it was targeted and non-transferable. Even if it did temporarily work (we all know airline IT is not the savviest), I figured they would rescind the status anyway. Which they are apparently doing. TPG reader Michael sent me this email , which in no uncertain terms voids the Silver status promo:

Dear Michael

We're pleased to see that you recently joined our Diamond Club frequent flyer programme. However, I'm writing to you because unfortunately the link you used to join was an exclusive by invitation only offer and as noted in our terms and conditions was non transferable.

Regrettably, we will not be honouring the Silver status, and over the next few days your account will be downgraded to Blue status. Our decision is final, and we won't be entering into any further correspondence on this. On a positive note though, our frequent flyer programme is one of the most generous programmes around, and you only need to earn 16,000 membership status miles to earn a Silver membership. When you fly with us, or any of the Star Alliance airlines, you'll reach Silver status in no time at all. You'll also have access to all our offers and promotions, as well as being the first to hear about our great sale fares. We hope you'll still enjoy the benefits of your Diamond Club membership.

Regards

Keeley Downing

Diamond Club Manager

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While this sucks and the tone is rude and unprofessional, I'd recommend moving on and calling it a loss. In the miles and points game, you win some and lose some and trying to argue this decision will most likely be a waste of time. As much as you might be upset with bmi for this decision, their frequent flyer program does have some really valuable awards, so writing off this program out of anger would be a classic example of cutting off your nose to spite your face. Instead, get even and try to build up your account balance to redeem for a really expensive award. Revenge is best enjoyed when seated in a comfortable first class seat somewhere over the Pacific :-)

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
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  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.