In December, British Airways caused quite a stir with frequent customers by overhauling its loyalty programme.
From 1 April 2025, Executive Club will be renamed The British Airways Club, with access to elite status now acquired by high spending for “tier points” with the airline.
Previously, tier points had been earned according to the number of miles flown rather than the amount of money a passenger had spent.
BA isn’t the only airline with a loyalty scheme for flyers, with programmes from Virgin Atlantic, Emirates and American Airlines also rewarding passengers for regularly taking off.
In fact, Scottish airline Loganair recently announced that it will adopt Avios as its loyalty ‘currency’ in 2025, with “one million seats” available for redemption each year.
As carriers move to win over regular customers with elite status, which airlines provide frequent flyers with the best perks, and how do their loyalty schemes work?
Read more: Should budget airlines have loyalty schemes?
How do frequent flyer programmes work?
Frequent flyer programmes allow members to convert air travel into currency, usually in points or miles, and earn rewards. These points can normally be redeemed for different value discounts on future travel including airport lounge access, baggage and seat upgrades.
Enrolling for membership is free on most airlines with programmes so passengers can start collecting air miles when they spend on flights.
In some cases, airline alliances – partnerships between carriers to share loyalty schemes – make it possible to claim travel perks across multiple airlines.
The more miles travelled, the higher the determined membership “status” and rewards up for grabs per passenger.
What are Avios points?
Avios points are the frequent-flyer currency used by British Airways and other members of the IAG conglomerate, as well as Finnair and Qatar Airways.
Some airlines use credit cards, such as American Express, to allow you to earn Avios, and other airlines reward points for every pound you spend – combined with the points you earn from flying.
Which airlines have loyalty schemes?
British Airways, IAG – The British Airways Club
British Airways Executive Club – soon The British Airways Club – uses Avios points and tier points (one for every £1 spent) to determine a customer’s level of membership status, now depending solely on the amount spent.
Currently, there are five membership tiers:
Travellers can earn additional tier points with a British Airways Premium Plus American Express credit card, and by buying sustainable aviation fuel credits.
Members can spend points on reward flights, upgrades, experiences and onboard shopping.
Virgin Atlantic – Flying Club
With Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club members earn points and tier points based on flight class, distance and membership tier.
Points can be spent on reward flights and upgrades including on partner airlines.
Lufthansa – Miles & More
As a member of Miles & More, you can earn status miles on each of your Lufthansa flights.
Miles & More points can redeem an upgrade on your next flight, rental car hire and purchases from the Lufthansa Worldshop.
Emirates – Emirates Skywards
You can earn both Skywards Miles and Tier Miles on Emirates and flydubai flights.
Points can be spent on reward flights and upgrades on Emirates, partner airlines, luxury hotel stays and fun‑filled family days out.
United Airlines – MileagePlus
MileagePlus is United Airlines’ loyalty programme that allows customers to use miles to pay for parts of their trip.
There are four membership categories once you qualify for MileagePlus Premier status by taking at least four United or United Express flights and earning enough Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) – you earn one PQP for every dollar spent on a United Airlines flight.
You can earn one Premier Qualifying Flight (PQF) point for every flight that is not a Basic Economy ticket.
Miles can be used for checked bag fees, wifi, inflight snacks and award flights.
American Airlines – AAdvantage
Earn miles and Loyalty Points with American Airlines to reach AAdvantage status.
Travellers have the best chance of increasing their loyalty point tally when they fly or use an AAdvantage credit card for a purchase.
Qatar Airways – Privilege Club
In Qatar Airways Privilege Club, members earn Avios and Qpoints for flights and other activities.
You can earn Qpoints with Qatar Airways by flying, shopping, dining, and using a credit card – for example, one Qpoint is earned for every $100 spent at Qatar Duty-Free.
Air Canada – Aeroplan
Air Canada has flight rewards under Aeroplan to earn and redeem points on over 45 partner airlines.
You can earn Aeroplan points by flying with Air Canada, using co-branded Air Canada Aeroplan credit cards and spending with the program's partner merchants.
Etihad Airways – Etihad Guest
With Etihad Airways’ frequent flyer scheme Etihad Guest, members can enjoy GuestSeats at reduced rates.
Etihad Guest members can upgrade tickets to Business or First, or cut the cost of their next trip by paying for a flight with miles.
Air France, KLM – Flying Blue
Flying Blue is the Air France, KLM loyalty programme and experience points are awarded by flying with Air France, KLM, and SkyTeam partner airlines or purchasing Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
Miles are valid for life, so long as you take an eligible flight at least once every two years.
Turkish Airlines – Miles&Smiles
Fly with Turkish Airlines to earn Miles&Smiles towards award tickets.
The number of Status Miles you earn is based on the distance of the flight and the booking class of your ticket, or by making purchases with a Miles&Smiles credit card.
The miles you earn will gain award tickets, in-flight service, cabin upgrades and extra baggage allowance.
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