Summary
- British Airways Executive Club is experiencing Avios redemption issues on partner airlines, especially Japan Airlines.
- These issues only affect BA, with other
one
world carriers reportedly with the ability to book using miles.
British Airways’ loyalty program, called the Executive Club, allows frequent flyers to collect Avios on all airline flights and oneworld partner flights. These miles keep accumulating on the passenger’s account and may be redeemed in various ways, resembling upgrades or seat selection. The preferred use, nevertheless, is award redemption, when an itinerary is booked using the airline’s mile currency as a substitute of money.
Photo: KITTIKUN YOKSAP | Shutterstock
Based on Airline Loyalty specialist Loyalty Lobby, the British flag carrier has been experiencing issues with avios bookings on partner airlines. Initially, difficulties were reported when booking award flights on partner airline Cathay Pacific (CX) based in Hong Kong. Nonetheless, more moderen research suggests that the supply of flights operated by Japanese flag carrier Japan Airlines (JL) has been limited.
That is surprising, as airlines can typically make award bookings available for partner airlines, especially those in the identical alliance. That is the case for each JL and CX. While frequent flyers of the respective airlines are typically given priority over other alliance flyers, it’s unusual to see them restricted entirely.
The article cites examples of JL bookings from Hong Kong to Tokyo and on the favored domestic route of Tokyo Osaka. Redemption is offered for AAdvantage members and Alaska Airlines, but not with the Executive Club. This only affects British Airways customers.
![A British Airways Airbus A350-1000 just after taking off.](https://static1.simpleflyingimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/a350-1000-british-airways-msn326-ferry-flight-take-off.jpg)
How Does The British Airways Executive Club Work?
What is the difference between the Club’s offering of Avios and Tier Points?
BA has a robust community of frequent flyers, whom it seeks to make more loyal through punctuated exclusive flights bookable only through Avios; subsequently, it seems surprising that redemption is proscribed, especially on popular premium-heavy partners in Asia. Easy Flying has reached out to BA for comments.
Changes are coming to Avios
Some avid readers will remember our recent article on IAG, during which British Airways, with Iberia and Vueling, rebranded the frequent flyer program, Avios. To maintain up with the competition, like Flying Blue, the group updated the web site to permit customers to create an account with the member airline of their selection.
Photo: Mikel Dabbah | Shutterstock
They will then gather the currency and book reward flights on member airlines that share it, like Qatar Airways or the more comprehensive oneworld network. While the method doesn’t yet include a unified account like some competitors, it allows prospective users to seek out information on a unified website, making a more streamlined experience.
Bottom line
Overall, frequent flyer programs allow their members flexibility when trying out latest airlines. Nonetheless, there may be limitations and technical difficulties once in a while. So travelers must bear that in mind when trying to find coveted redemption flights on the airline or alliance of their selection.
Have you ever experienced issues with booking redemption flights together with your airline recently? How was it resolved? Also, what has been your most memorable flight booked with miles thus far? Tell us within the comments below!