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British Airways Adds Bronze Elite Level

Oct. 18, 2011
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3 min read
British Airways Adds Bronze Elite Level
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Last month I wrote about some rumored changes to the BA elite program, including the introduction of a new elite tier - Bronze. BA just confirmed the details of this new elite status level:

"Bronze is our new tier between Blue and Silver. It will give you all the benefits of Blue with newly added benefits including:

  • Business class check-in
  • Free seat reservation from seven days before your flight departs
  • 25% tier bonus (1.25 Avios) for every mile you travel with us, Iberia and American Airlines
  • oneworld® Ruby status benefits when you travel with our oneworld partners

From 16 November, you can achieve Bronze status in two ways: by earning 300 Tier Points and taking two eligible flights, or by flying on 25 eligible flights in one membership year."

Another key thing is changing - they are making their elite qualification more comparable to the US programs. Currently they reset your Tier Points once you hit an elite level and then you need to re-achieve the next. In the new program, it will be a cumulative year-long tally which will also let you enjoy your status longer if you earn it early in your qualification period.

"Rather than resetting your Tier Points when you reach a new tier, from 16 November, you’ll keep them until the end of your 12 month membership period. As a result, your point balance can grow more quickly, allowing you to move through the tiers faster.

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As soon as you have earned enough Tier Points for the next tier, you’ll qualify for all its benefits straight away. What’s more, you will also keep accumulating Tier Points towards the next level until the end of your membership year. Then your Tier Point balance will be reset to zero, but you will retain whatever status you finished the year with for your next membership year."

Overall, I think this is a smart move to bring in more leisure flyers and encourage them to make elite status when they normally didn't think it was possible. While Business Class check-in may be a bit more crowded, I don't think it will be enough of an impact to really ruffle the feathers of Silver/Gold/Premium flyers.

The biggest question for me and most North American BA Executive Club members is, "What are the new redemption levels for Avios?" BA has still been mum on exact details, so I hope they end up releasing that information before the first day of the program, November 16, 2011.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • 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.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • 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.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $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.