British Airways Executive Club extended status by 12 months back in 2020, around the start of the pandemic. Since then we’ve seen the program progressively offer additional status extensions to select members, and we’re seeing the latest example of that today. With this latest extension, all Executive Club members will benefit from a second status extension. Let’s go over the details.
In this post:
British Airways extends status by 12 months
British Airways Executive Club status isn’t based on the traditional calendar year, but rather individuals have different membership years. Executive Club members have to earn a certain number of Tier Club points during their qualification year to earn status.
Here’s how British Airways Executive Club is currently handling status extensions:
- This spring, members with Tier Club collection end dates that fall between July 1 and December 31, 2021, had their status extended by a further 12 months, regardless of how many Tier Points they earned
- This fall, members with Tier Club collection end dates that fall between January 1 and March 31, 2022, had their status extended by a further 12 months, regardless of how many Tier Points they earned
- Now members with Tier Club collection end dates between April 1 and June 30, 2022, are having their status extended by a further 12 months, regardless of how many Tier Points they earned
- This means that no British Airways Executive Club member will lose their status in all of 2021, or the first half of 2022 (presumably there’s the possibility for members with renewal dates later in 2022 to get further extensions, depending on how the pandemic evolves)
- With the three latest extensions, all elite members are getting their status extended by an additional year, on top of the first status extension in June 2020
British Airways has lowered status thresholds
Not only has British Airways extended status, but the program has also lowered Tier Points requirements by 25% for those with Tier Point collection year end dates through December 30, 2022. This represents a six month extension, because previously the lowered Tier Points requirements only applied through June 30, 2022.
The reduced Tier Point thresholds are as follows:
- Bronze status requires 225 Tier Points or 18 eligible flights
- Silver status requires 450 Tier Points or 37 eligible flights
- Gold status requires 1,125 Tier Points
Note that the requirement to complete a certain number of British Airways or Iberia flights (two for Bronze members, and four for Silver and Gold members) remains in place for those taking advantage of the reduced status requirements.
What about British Airways vouchers being extended?
This spring, British Airways announced that it would extend the expiration of Gold Upgrade Vouchers, Companion Vouchers, and Travel Together Tickets. For those that were due to expire before December 31, 2021, a further six months of validity were added. That had been the third such extension, following similar extensions in March 2020 and October 2020.
However, this time around we’re not seeing a further extension of these vouchers. Of course we could see further extensions in the future.
Bottom line
British Airways Executive Club is extending status for some members by a further 12 months. At this point those with renewal dates between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, are benefiting from a further extension — this should cover all members. British Airways has also extended lowered elite requirements through the end of 2022.
Will you benefit from British Airways Executive Club’s status extensions?
My companion voucher wasn't extended. They ran it out!
I gave up on AA a few years ago and rely on BA for clubs and MCE seats on AA. Upgrades were non existent as an AA Plat so I’m not missing anything.
Kind of annoyed that tier points earned during this year won't be forwarded in to next year (or that status actually earned this year isn't added on on top of of the extension). I've bought higher cabins than usual in the last few months as I have limited travel at the moment, all to make sure my status renews. So as great as this is, kind of sucks for those that were led to believe...
Kind of annoyed that tier points earned during this year won't be forwarded in to next year (or that status actually earned this year isn't added on on top of of the extension). I've bought higher cabins than usual in the last few months as I have limited travel at the moment, all to make sure my status renews. So as great as this is, kind of sucks for those that were led to believe there wouldn't be any further extensions and see no benefit from those earned points.
What are folks' opinion if we see something similar happen with American? Since my status is due to expire soon, I'm very close to pulling the trigger on alternatives (AY).
Very unlikely with their new program. Had I known about EY's deal I wouldn't have done the status promo I did with AS.
@ Matt -- I don't have any inside info here, but I don't see AA extending status beyond what has already been announced. AAdvantage is offering several promos to maintain status.