British Airways Introduces Controversial Change to Avios Rewards Earning System

British Airways is set to implement a significant change to its Avios rewards currency for frequent flyers, a move that has sparked controversy among travelers.

The airline is departing from its traditional practice of calculating Avios based on the number of miles flown. Instead, starting from October 18, 2023, Avios earnings will be determined by the ticket cost and additional expenses like upgrades, pre-paid seat selection, and excess baggage. Passengers will earn between six and nine Avios per £1 spent, depending on their Tier status in the Executive Club.

This shift mirrors the trend adopted by several airlines, transitioning from miles-based earning to a revenue-based system. While premium cabin travelers, such as those in business or first class, may benefit from the change, passengers in economy class, particularly those who rely on discounted tickets, stand to lose out.

British Airways’ Executive Club members will be categorized into four tiers: Blue, Bronze, Silver, and Gold, each eligible for different Avios earning rates per £1 spent.

• Blue members will earn 6 Avios per qualifying £1 spent
• Bronze members will earn 7 Avios per qualifying £1 spent
• Silver members will earn 8 Avios per qualifying £1 spent
• Gold members will earn 9 Avios per qualifying £1 spent

Despite the new earning system, BA reassures members that their ability to spend Avios or collect Tier Points will remain unchanged.

To illustrate the impact of this change, consider a practical example: a British Airways Executive Club Gold member flying the Kangaroo Route from London to Sydney via Singapore, covering 10,672 miles. With a flexible business class ticket currently costing around £7700, the member would presently earn 37,051 Avios. However, from October 18, the same flight would yield almost twice as many Avios, amounting to 69,300, based on the 9x Avios multiplier associated with Gold status.

Conversely, shorter trips within Europe, typically taken in economy class by frequent flyers already enjoying status perks, like lounge access and priority boarding, will experience a decline in Avios earnings. For instance, a Gold-grade frequent flyer traveling between London and Frankfurt on the lowest-priced economy ticket currently priced at approximately £50 would earn 625 Avios. Under the new revenue-based model, this fare would only yield 450 Avios.

Though a shortfall of 175 Avios on a single trip may not appear substantial, frequent travelers making these UK-EU hops regularly would eventually feel the impact in the long run.

British Airways claims the Avios-per-pound model offers a more consistent and transparent approach, providing greater opportunities for collecting Avios and rewarding customer loyalty based on cash spending. According to Ian Romanis, the Director of Retail and Customer Relationship Management at British Airways, this system simplifies the process of earning points, which can be used for upgrades or free flights.

Notably, this change aligns with the approach adopted by British Airways’ sister airline, Iberia, in 2022.

It’s essential to note that Avios collection on flights marketed by other airline partners, including Oneworld members like Qatar Airways, will continue to be based on distance flown, cabin class, and Executive Club Tier level.

For more detailed information, British Airways has provided an explanatory resource!

Click here – www.britishairways.com/en-gb/executive-club/faqs/collecting-avios-changes

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