BA Updates Executive Club Credit Card Benefits

Ever since I returned from living in the U.K., I have been in possession of a Visa card sponsored British Airways and issued by Chase.  I got the card to keep my Executive Club miles fresh.  As far as benefits, the program BA offers with its Executive Club is not as attractive as other airline loyalty programs.  But I kept it around.  If anything, the plaid card occasionally got me an inquisitive look followed by, “Do you work for British Airways?”

A few weeks ago, I got a letter in the mail from British Airways.  I assumed that the letter was going to detail cut-backs to the program, along the lines of BA’s “enhanced” seating policy.  Instead, I was pleasantly surprised. Among the benefit enhancements:

• 1.5 Executive Club miles for every 1 USD spent
• 2.5 Executive Club miles for every 1 USD spent through BA
• Spend 30,000 USD in one year, get a redemption coupon for a companion ticket when you use your exec club miles to purchase a ticket.
• A teaser offer of 50,000 miles upon qualifying for a card (which is enough miles for a flight).  Spend 2,000 USD in the first three months, and you get another 50,000 miles.
• 50 USD off purchase of any ticket on ba.com

There are more benefits to the program, especially if you fly enough to qualify for the higher tiers of membership.  If you fly  between US and UK a lot, check it out.