Loyalty programs are constantly evolving, and with shifting travel habits, rising airfare costs, and new airline alliances, many travelers are wondering: Is the British Airways frequent flyer program still worth it in 2025? With British Airways’ Executive Club continuing to offer Avios rewards, elite tier perks, and a broad partner network, the answer depends on how, where, and how often you travel.

Whether you're a seasoned traveler or someone planning a few big trips a year, this article explores whether the British Airways frequent flyer program is still a smart choice in 2025—and how to make the most of it.

What Is the British Airways Frequent Flyer Program?

The British Airways frequent flyer program, officially called the Executive Club, is BA’s loyalty scheme. Members earn Avios (BA’s rewards currency) and Tier Points for eligible flights, purchases, and partner activities.

Avios can be redeemed for:

1. Flights (on BA and Oneworld partners)

2. Cabin upgrades

3. Hotel stays

4. Car rentals

5. Experiences and shopping

Tier Points, on the other hand, determine your status level—Blue, Bronze, Silver, or Gold—which comes with increasing travel benefits like lounge access, priority boarding, and bonus Avios.

What’s New in 2025?

British Airways has introduced a few changes in 2025 to keep the Executive Club competitive:

1. Digital enhancements: A more user-friendly app experience for tracking Tier Points, reward availability, and Avios balance.

2. Reward availability: More guaranteed reward seats in Club Europe and Club World cabins.

3. Improved partner booking: Smoother integration with Oneworld partners for Avios redemptions.

These updates suggest that British Airways is focused on improving the member experience, particularly for loyal, high-spending travelers.

Pros of the British Airways Frequent Flyer Program in 2025

1. Generous Partner Network

As part of the Oneworld Alliance, British Airways offers Avios earning and redemption opportunities across over a dozen major airlines including American Airlines, Qatar Airways, Iberia, Japan Airlines, and Cathay Pacific. This makes it easy to use your Avios for flights around the world, not just with BA.

2. Valuable Reward Flight Options

Even with rising fuel surcharges, the ability to book flights with Avios remains a major perk. Reward Flight Saver fares cap taxes and fees for short-haul flights within Europe, while long-haul routes in premium cabins still offer strong value when booked early.

3. Companion Vouchers and Household Accounts

With a British Airways American Express card, frequent flyers can earn a Companion Voucher, letting a second traveler fly with you for no additional Avios. Plus, the Household Account feature allows up to 7 people living at the same address to pool Avios together.

4. Status Benefits for Regular Travelers

Bronze, Silver, and Gold status levels offer meaningful perks, including:

1. Priority check-in and boarding

2. Extra baggage allowance

3. Lounge access (from Silver tier)

4. Bonus Avios on all eligible flights

For frequent business travelers or anyone flying long-haul multiple times a year, these benefits can significantly enhance comfort and convenience.

Cons to Consider in 2025

1. High Taxes and Surcharges

One common complaint among British Airways frequent flyers is the hefty surcharges attached to reward bookings—especially in premium cabins. While Avios can cover the fare, taxes and fees can sometimes exceed £500 on long-haul routes.

2. Limited Value on Some Routes

Not all routes provide great Avios value. For short-haul or low-cost destinations, it might be cheaper to pay cash than to use points, especially when surcharges are factored in.

3. Tier Points vs. Avios Confusion

While Avios are earned and spent, Tier Points are only used to gain status. Some new members may find the two-system setup a bit confusing, particularly if they’re used to more straightforward programs.

Who Benefits Most from the Program in 2025?

The British Airways frequent flyer program is especially valuable if you fall into one of these categories:

1. Frequent long-haul traveler: You’ll earn more Avios and Tier Points on long-distance flights and benefit from premium cabin redemptions.

2. Business traveler: Frequent business trips can help you achieve Silver or Gold status quickly, unlocking lounge access and bonus Avios.

3. UK-based traveler loyal to BA: If you fly BA regularly out of Heathrow or Gatwick, the program is a natural fit.

4. Family travelers: The Household Account feature makes it easier to pool points and redeem flights for multiple people.

On the other hand, if you mostly travel short-haul on budget carriers or don’t fly more than once a year, you may not benefit enough from the program to justify prioritizing it.

Conclusion:

So, is the British Airways frequent flyer program worth joining in 2025? Yes—if you fly regularly and are willing to be strategic.

Avios still offer strong redemption value on specific routes and classes, especially when combined with perks like Companion Vouchers, Reward Flight Saver fares, and elite status. While taxes and surcharges remain a downside, the ability to earn and spend across a global airline network makes the Executive Club a powerful tool for frequent flyers.