British Airways (BA) have announced an extension to all Executive Club member’s Tier status. This arrives in light of this year’s COVID-19 travel restrictions. Members of BA’s frequent flyers club will retain their status even if they choose not to travel with BA this year.

The announcement arrives after BA extended Executive Club membership last June, ensuring membership protection has continued throughout the previous two years.

The airline is keen to encourage previous customers to fly this summer after suffering a deficit caused by lockdown implications on the travel industry. Neil Rooney, Head of BA Executive Club, said the airline wants to “thank our Executive Club members for their loyalty during the most difficult time in the airline’s history”.

Bronze, Silver and Gold members with a Tier Point end date from July 1st to December 31st, 2021, are now entitled to an additional 12 months on their Tier status expiry date. Member accounts are due to be updated this week.

In addition, BA also announced changes to Tier Point collection and Executive Club voucher rules. For frequent fliers whose Tier Point collection runs down before July 2022, there will be a 25% reduction in the number of points required to reach the next Tier.

Meanwhile, Executive Club vouchers with an expiry date before December 31st 2021, are now subject to a 6-month extension, whilst Companion Voucher or Travel Together tickets earned from June 2020 – December 2021 will remain valid for an additional 6 months.

Neil Rooney addressed Executive Club members further by adding,

“We know many of our members haven’t been able to travel, but today’s news means they can keep their benefits for longer and use them when they’re able to fly again. We hope this complements a number of measures we’ve already introduced, including our book with confidence commitment, which provides flexibility and reassurance for our customers.”

Will this benefit Executive Club members?

Many fliers have reconsidered their travel habits in light of disruption caused by COVID. BA will be keen to ensure that previous customers return to the cabin this summer when restrictions on international travel ease. They’ll also be eager to ensure that if customers fly this year, they choose BA – and not a rival competitor. These extensions are a savvy move to retain current fliers and show them that their membership is valued.

With flight bookings rising exponentially and increasingly positive travel news for British citizens, this summer will demonstrate whether BA’s Executive Club members will remain loyal to the company in a new era of travel.

Words by Jonathan Ritchie