British Airways Extends Elite Status and Tier Point Reduction

- UPDATED: December 21, 2021

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It’s no doubt that, even for those who have taken back to the skies, the amount of travel for most people is nowhere near what it would have been in 2019 or even early 2022.

In light of this, British Airways is making it easier for even more of its elite status holders to keep hold of their precious status or even move onto the next level.

A third extension of British Airways’ Executive Club status has been agreed upon for some elite status holders.

Additionally, the airline is increasing the deadline of the reduction of Tier Points required to reach the next level of status.

What the Status Extension Could Mean for You

If your Tier Point collection end date falls between April 1, 2022, and June 30, 2022, then you are one of the lucky ones who have had your status extended this time around.

This means that if your status was due to expire in this 3-month period, you will now automatically qualify to have your status extended, even if you don’t earn the number of Tier Points that would usually be required.

British Airways Galleries South Lounge food — Treat yourself to a preflight meal and glass of bubbles thanks to your BA Exec Silver status. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

The extension should benefit around one-quarter of all Executive Club members.

There’s 1 small caveat — your Tier Points will still reset to zero on your specified reset date and won’t be carried over for a year in tandem with your status.

Hot Tip: Learn more about the various elite status levels and how to qualify in our review of the British Airways Executive Club loyalty program.

Tier Points Threshold Reduction Has Also Been Extended

In June 2020, as we were still getting to grips with the pandemic, British Airways announced it would be reducing the number of Tier Points required to maintain or reach the next level of status by 25%.

This has now been extended through December 2022 — a 6-month extension from the previous deadline of July 2022.

Those Exec Club members whose Tier Point collection date ends before the end of December 2022 will now only need to earn the following about to maintain their current level or move up a status level:

Bronze — 225 Tier Points
Silver — 450 Tier Points
Gold — 1125 Tier Points
Gold Guest List — 3,750 Tier Points

There will be no further extensions to the Travel Together Ticket that comes with the British Airways Visa Signature® Card.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with airline elite status significantly improves the comfort and experience of your journey.

Now, thanks to British Airways’ update, passengers will be able to hold on to their status longer, or even level up to the next category even quicker.

Let’s hope these extensions continue until we have this virus under control and air travel is able to make a full recovery.