Executive Club - British Airways

Program Review

British Airways was originally founded in 1974 and it is currently the largest airline in the United Kingdom with regards to its fleet size. When measured by passengers carried, this airline is the second-largest in the United Kingdom behind easyJet. It is based in Waterside near its main hub at London Heathrow Airport. With a fleet size of 268 aircraft flying to 183 different destinations, this airline was privatized back in February of 1987 as part of a wide privatization plan by the Conservative government. You will find that this airline offers a rewards program for those who fly with British Airways often, called the Executive Club program. There are a number of benefits associated with this program that you will definitely want to take the time to look into.

Executive Club Program

The Executive Club is a frequent flyer program offered by British Airways. Those who belong to this club will be able to earn two different types of points through it—Avios and Tier points. These two different types of points are earned in different ways, but the program itself offers members a number of benefits. Some of the benefits that members of this program stand to gain include rewards flights, hotel bookings, cabin upgrades, and a variety of exclusive member-only deals. There are a number of different rules and terms that must be met with this program though, which is why it’s so important that you learn all you can about it.

Earning Executive Club Points

British Airways changed the way the Executive Program worked back in November of 2011 with the introduction of Avios currency. Members of this program still earn at least one Avios point per mile they fly on all British Airway flights. The number of Avios you earn on oneworld and partner airlines varies though. Members also earn a class of service along with tier bonuses in addition to base earn rates. A minimum of 500 Avios is guaranteed with all British Airway flights, even when the route falls short of 500 miles. Tier points are different from Avios in that they cannot be purchased, shared, or spent. The purpose of these points is to help members move through the elite status tiers of this program. While there is no official chart for determining the number of Tier Points you will earn on a single flight, the total amount varies depending on the airline, fare class, cabin of travel, and the route. Those who go on longer flights in a premium cabin typically earn more Tier Points than others.

Redeeming Executive Club Points

Most Executive Club members choose to use their points to redeem free British Airways flights, though there are a number of other things you can use them for. This airline uses a distance-based model for redeeming points. You will find that each leg of your reward itinerary is calculated separately with no layovers, open jaws or stopovers. This means that if you travel from London to New York with a layover somewhere in between, the total cost of your trip will ultimately be the total of the two individual legs. While this might not be quite as lucrative for those who are on a long flight with connections, people who take shorter nonstop flights will benefit. All passengers must pay any necessary taxes, fees, or carrier charges on the reward flights they redeem. These extra costs will depend on the airline, but British Airways does not cover fuel surcharges. You also have the option of using your Avios for flight upgrades. If you want a little bit more room to stretch your legs on your flight, you can use the “Book and Upgrade” form to search availability and make your booking.

Routing Rules

British Airways does allow unlimited stopovers on award tickets, but only within reason. There are very few rules concerning stopovers for Executive Club members. This airline states in their rules that there are no charges for stopovers included in an Award itinerary. Where stopovers are at connecting points on the most direct route between origin and destination.

Redeem on Upgrades

Executive Club members will be able to upgrade a cash booking to the next cabin wherever there is availability. You will be able to upgrade on British Airways, lberia, and American Airlines flights. Upgrades are allowed at the time of booking, or you can upgrade an existing flight. You have the option of upgrading one-way or return. If you want to upgrade an award flight, you will be able to do so on British Airways official website.

Booking Fees & Charges

British Airways doesn’t charge any fee for booking too late. There is a $55 charge for changing flights and a $55 fee for reinstating award tickets. There is $25 Additional Service Centre fee for date/time changes, cancellation, and Avios redeposit.

Elite Levels

There are four different tiers that you can be a part of with British Airways’ Executive Club, including the Blue, Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Everyone starts out at the blue tier, but it takes 300 points to move up to Bronze, 600 to move up to Silver, and 1500 to get to the Gold tier. You will, of course, want to keep in mind that all Tier Points earned reset to zero at the end of your membership year. All of the Tier Points you earn as a member count towards your Lifetime Tier Points, which can earn you all kinds of rewards. From being able to book award flights to cabin upgrades and hotel rooms, you will find that there are lots of reasons to consider becoming a member of the Executive Club. There are already thousands of people who have joined because of all the benefits associated with doing so. In the end, you will be glad you looked into this program.

Benefits of Executive Club Program

Some of the benefits you can get from higher tier levels include an additional baggage allowance, reservation assurance, no booking or service fees for Priority Reward bookings, additional reward flight availability in economy, lounge access when flying with British Airways and partner airlines, and much more. There are a lot of different benefits associated with British Airways’ Executive Club program, including the fact that earning points/miles is very easy. There are a variety of ways to earn points as an Executive Club member, so you will never have to worry about being limited at all. The fact that there are minimal booking fees and very lax routing rules also make this program worth looking into.