After the second time I went back to England, on British Airways, I decided to sign up for their frequent flyer miles. I figured I would be visiting family at least once a year, so I might as well reap the benefits.
Both Len and I have the Blue Executive card. That is the bottom of the range, and I feel after 15 trips with them, that it is all that we will achieve. I assume business flyers obtain the Silver and Gold status. Basically it is the fare class that gives you points. I always go Ecomony, apart from my last trip, free Club Class, but I will explain more later in this review. Although I pay almost $1,000 (£650)round trip in July/August, this is still a discounted fare, and doesn't count toward the next band.
So how do I get more miles.
The only credit card Len and I use is the British Airways Visa card. This way, when we fly to England, we get the 4,416 miles each way, plus milage for paying with our card. This really helps them pile up. Not only do we use this card for trips, but anything we use a credit card for. They also have promotion around Christmas, giving extra miles for spending more. Now, who could resist that.
Want even more miles, then check out the Executive Club® British Airways guide to easier busines travel, membership handbook. When joining you will receive this 54 page guide. It is broken down into segments. Pages 12-13 are the Executive Club service partners. Here are some:
AT&T Visa Card Diners Club. Hilton Hotels and Resorts Marriott Hotels, Resorts, and Suites Radisson Hotels Worldwide Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company The Savoy Group Alamo Rent A car Hertz
and the list goes on.
Several other airlines are partners, but that list is always changing. I know my book is out of date, so I would have to check the web-site for accurasy.
Is it easy to use frequent flyer miles.
I have previously built up enough miles to fly economy for free. This amounts to 40,000 miles. Pretty easy to do. The only problem for me was, British Airways only flies out of Tampa on a very limited basis, and therefore free seats are very hard to come by. I had to be really flexable to get the freebie.
This year I figured I would up-grade with my flyer miles, paying for economy and flying Club class. There is no first class on the 727 from Tampa. I telephoned the 800 number with my dates and explained to the young lady what I wanted. This was in January and I was planning a visit before the end of May. This was to fit in with family in England. None of my dates were available. I was so frustrated. However, I was asked to hold on.
So what happened.
Len and I have a household account. This means that our miles are combined and either one of us can use them. She suggested I go Club class with my miles. Together the total was 85,000 and I only needed 80,000 for the ticket. Hang on, what about my dates. Well, I could go out the day I had planned, but would have to come home 2 days later. I booked it there and then. I received my 'paper tickets', yes the real thing, within 30 days of making the reservation. Wonderful service.
Communicating with British Airways.
I used to get statements from British Airways on a regular basis. This ended on December 2001. Now these can be viewed online. Can you believe both Len and I have difficulty getting into the various areas of B.A. He has his password on his computer and I have mine. We are still unable to get relevant information. We have telephoned them numerous times and never had the problem rectified.
The member services number is 1-800-955-2748 in the states, and if you are lucky enough to get into the site, it can be found at www.britishairways.com. I am sure it is different in England.
Unless I telephone I have absolutely no idea how many frequent flyer miles are in our account. As most of you know I am on my computer for several hours a day, and to think we can't get this glitch beaten.
So is this for you.
If you live in the U.K. or Europe, most certainly. In America, it would only be realistic if you are making several International flights. Otherwise stick to carriers that fly domestic runs.
Final thoughts.
On the whole, I am pleased with the program. I accept that I will always have the Blue card. Yes, it was very nice to have all the extras on my last flight, but to pay the extra fare just isn't worth it.
Thank you for taking the time to read, and have a wonderful holiday. Wish I could have some of that English grub.
Susie.
More details
Class flown most frequently
How often do you travel with this airline
Where did you book
Safety
How well does it cater for disabled people
Evaluate this review
How helpful would this review be to someone making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
very helpful
helpful
helpful
helpful
helpful
This product has not yet been reviewed. 
