British Airways Adds Bronze Elite Level
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.
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.
[card card-name='Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express ' card-id='22035076' type='javascript' bullet-id='1']
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.