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BA in U-turn over Exec Club status
British Airways has stripped loyal Executive Club members of their discretionary Silver card status.
In December 2001, BA offered some original members of its loyalty scheme, Silver card status for life, but has now reneged on the decision, blaming the current business climate.
One BA frequent flyer, who wishes to remain anonymous, told TravelMole: “It is unthinkable that a company with BA’s status should reverse on a decision made so recently when business travellers like me regard these cards so highly”.
Originally Christine Nicholson, then BA Executive Club manager wrote to the early members of its Executive Club, who were known as “Pay to Renew” members to inform them that they could no longer pay for their status each year. These members, who were some of the first to join BA’s loyalty scheme could previously top up their miles at the end of each year with cash, to enable them benefits such as access to lounges, and check-in at Club and First class desks.
When the “Pay to Renew” scheme was dropped, the “Pay to Renew” members were informed that for their loyalty to BA, they would receive discretionary Silver card status, which would be automatically renewed on an annual basis.
In August, less than a year later, BA has written to the customers informing them that their Silver card status will be withdrawn, saying the downturn in the economy has forced them to go back on their promise. If these members have not earned enough miles to be a Silver card member, they will be demoted to standard status.
1,200 ex-“Pay to Renew” members have had their discretionary silver card status withdrawn. BA has also made the descision to remove discretionary silver card status from retired travellers who were gold members when frequent travellers – these amount to about 2,000 people.
However, MPs travelling with BA still get discretionary silver card status.
A spokesperson for the carrier would not give any more details beyond saying the move is another part of the airline’s ‘Future Size and Shape’ initiative to stream-line the company.
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