Gone from exclusive to preferred on the Nashville route. Nonstop works fine until you get back to Nashville. Immigration is back to front (bags first, then immigration). Takes an hour with a US Passport. Alternate returns on BA website all via DUB narrowbody (8+ hours) 🤨Better options on AC/UA.
Wise decision for me. Gold status and the lounges are bloated and the programme is seriously out of step with other major airline schemes. The cost per gold member for each lounge visit alone must be significant versus their primary spend.
Look no further than the size of BA’s business class cabins. I mean, the 77W or A351 has about the same number of seats as EK’s A380 J. Loyalty, what loyalty? BA knows that it can still fill seats at LHR without loyal customers.
Their next 'survey' will ask why people took less flights than before or will have those multiple answers where you can highlight other airlines taken instead of OW.
Very unlikely. The goal is to monetize more the FFP which is more valuable than the airline. BA is probably not even involved in this, this is from IAG.
I challenge the common to lounge hop. It is a minor behavior, limited to a few enthousiasts like us. I would say most people do not even know you can enter the lounge of another airline you are flying with. Most will follow whatever the check-in agent say.
Lounge spending is a drop compared to the other operating costs of an airline. Specially now with so many airspace closed. The goal is to increase ROI from the FFP. Avios has more revenue and is more profitable than BA.
It's one of the few things they can actually control though so (like catering) tends to be endlessly fiddled with. So many other expenses (fuel, landing fees, staff, aircraft leasing) are basically fixed.
IAG continues to hope people don't realise how mediocre BA are and just keep flying with them. It's amazing to witness the herd keep booking with them.
Previously they increased redemptions with partner airlines, because they wanted more people spending the points with an IAG airline. A BA redemption in all likelihood costs IAG less than than a Qantas or Cathay Pacific does.
Given the membership base, the cost cost savings add up pretty quickly.
Only got to read the whole story last night and I’m honestly shocked. Such a radical change. It’ll be impossible for most leisure travelers to reach Gold.
And with more people willing to spend more in premium classes and BA increasing the size of premium cabins it is indeed a FU to all except for the few corporate figures who spend 50k+ on air travel.
Congratulations @stansaidairport.bsky.social on this takeover of IAG's loyalty programme. Looking forward to further global expansion of Stansaid Concepts™ in 2025 and beyond. I hope you and Julie can remain friends
Please don’t look to Gilbert and I for support if you need it. I’m off to drown my sorrows (in bubbles) because Air Canada bubbles will have to do. Bye bye BA🥺
Hate to say but I’ve been so underwhelmed by BA recently I didn’t bother aiming for a status renewal this year. Went to Star instead and now have FQTV with them. They went away from TP/mile to fixed points per route - just what BA has abandoned. A quick connection in ZRH/MUC works well for me.
As sad as this is, I think BA are late to the party. Other airlines have had a similar system in place for a few years now. Loyalty means nothing to the bean counters that run airlines. Another harsh reminder that nothing is forever, so enjoy today! 🥂🥳🥂🥳
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I think we’ll use avios to get to London and pick the best option from there ✈️🥂
If I remember correctly, Cathay charge Executive Club £80 for every gold card member they admit into their LHR First Class lounge based on status.
Common for status passengers to lounge hop especially at T3 and SIN, so costs very quickly adds up if each one is visiting 2, 3 or more lounges.
These changes go a long way to cut how much they spend on lounges and importantly makes sure members who want status spend more money with BA.
Given the membership base, the cost cost savings add up pretty quickly.
*never