New Parents Can Extend Their Elite Status With British Airways

Last year, we told you how both Air Canada and Qantas are now offering elite status holds for new parents. With the added benefit, elite members and new parents from the respective frequent flyer programs can put their status on hold while they take time off from traveling to spend it with their kids. Now, British Airways is the latest carrier to offer such a program.

BA announced the new benefit on its website. In the message, BA is letting Executive Club members know that if you're in the middle of a maternity, paternity or adoption leave, you can put your account on hold for one year to protect your status. When in the hectic stages of becoming a parent, it can be hard to find the time to travel with a goal of retaining elite status.

In order to be eligible for the status hold, you need to be a Bronze, Silver or Gold status member. You'll also need to provide a letter from your doctor, a birth certificate or documentation related to the adoption or paternity leave. Once you have the proper documentation, email it to baby@ba.com. In the email, be sure to also include your name and Executive Club number. If you're accepted, BA will also give your baby 1,000 Avios when you enroll them in your Household Account.

There's a maximum of two approved applications per Executive Club member every five years. If you're approved and you still fly, you'll continue to collect Tier Points and Avios as well as enjoying elite benefits. If, during the period, you reach a higher level of elite status, you'll get that new status and the "held" status will expire.

Especially in recent months, BA has been on a kick of reducing perks that travelers have come to expect, such as scaling back meal service on some transatlantic flights, so it's nice to see the carrier (finally) make a positive change for its flyers.

H/T: One Mile at a Time