British Airways has insisted the changes to its loyalty scheme are the "right thing to do" after facing criticism. The airline recently moved from a reward system based on distance flown to one based on the amount spent - with customers earning one point for every pound. Frequent flyer website headforpoints.
com accused the airline of "effectively washing its hands of the leisure market", claiming it will be "impossible to earn gold for small business travellers , economy travellers or self-funded leisure travellers". However, British Airways has said the changes will create a fairer system and are not designed to reduce the number of people rewarded. The airline’s chief commercial officer, Colm Lacy, said awarding points for spending is "the best way of recognising our customers' loyalty and we're confident it's the right thing to do".
Under the current system, travellers could get silver status with a couple of smart business class trips to Asia, spending about £2,500. With the new system, you would be required to spend triple that amount, according to Smart with Points on X. Mr Lacy said the changes will also make it harder for people to earn points by using "gamification and loopholes.
" In response to concerns, the airline has announced an extension of its bonus offer - allowing customers to earn up to 550 additional points per flight depending on their cabin class for the rest of the year. In a move to appease regular commuters, it has also introduced a guaranteed bron.