British Airways has sparked frustration among loyal customers by changing how it rewards frequent flyers. The airline has revamped its loyalty scheme, aiming to reward high spenders more than those who travel often. These changes come with stricter spending rules that many travelers consider unreasonable.
The new rules make earning top-tier status harder than ever before. To earn the full 2,500 tier points via its American Express Premium Plus card, members must now spend £25,000. This spending requirement has stunned many, especially since it only helps partially toward gold status. British Airways also charges £300 annually for the card, which adds more cost to the process.
Previously, travelers earned rewards based on miles flown. But now, British Airways ties loyalty points to how much money a customer spends. This shift means average flyers need to spend even more to enjoy benefits they used to access more easily.
Although silver and bronze levels are now easier to reach, gold status feels out of reach for most. Even if members use the Amex card fully, they still need to spend thousands more on flights. This reality makes the programme feel tailored only for high-income customers.
Adding to the frustration, British Airways delayed the announcement of these changes. Because of this delay, members now have a shortened time to earn their points before January 2026. The airline offered some compensation, but most flyers feel it doesn’t go far enough.
While British Airways claims the changes are fair, many long-time members feel sidelined. They believe the programme no longer values loyalty unless it comes with heavy spending. Now, travelers watch closely to see if British Airways will adjust its course.
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