UPDATE 6:20AM EST November 3rd: As of November 3rd, British Airways has clarified via informal channels that removing “R” class from earning was an error and credit will be given. I highly suggest using the Manage My Booking tool on BritishAirways.com to look up your Qatar Booking Reference and screen shot the earning table for tier points and avios, just in case…
When you think you’ve seen it all, British Airways has a knack for offering surprises that can shock even the greatest of cynics. Following the trend of airlines believing that loyalty means nothing, loyalty programs have no intrinsic value and that changes can be made without notice, British Airways will no longer award Avios (frequent flyer miles) or Tier Points (elite status points) from Qatar Airways discount business class fares…
Qatar “R” Business Class Fares Have Been Removed From Earning With British Airways, Without Notice…
Business Class fares can be really cheap or seriously expensive. The more expensive the more flexibility, and to make distinctions fares are given letters to separate them. “R” class is Qatar Airways cheapest business class offering, the fares we see in the very best sales. British Airways has without notice removed Qatar Airways “R” Class fares from earning any Avios frequent flyer miles or elite status Tier Points. Theoretically this will even apply to existing bookings, though clarification has not been made by the airline.
Can They Even Do That? Why Would They Do That?!
Qatar Airways can be seen as a “frenemy” to British Airways and other OneWorld airlines. They have very aggressively offered some of the best fares (for consumers) in all cabins and thus driven prices down from all airlines. British Airways and Qatar have entered into a joint venture, which will likely be an attempt to mellow Qatar’s low fares, since they will no longer be competing, but rather partners. Since these discount business fares earn so many miles and tier points on British Airways, it’s clear that the airline took it’s first opportunity to squash people earning status from great fares. Technically they can change their programs whenever they want, though it’s highly unethical…
What Recourse Do I Have? Can I Complain? Might They Still Award Previously Purchased Tickets?
With any (limited) hope, British Airways will make these changes to reflect ticket purchases in the future. There are rumors that November 30th would be an effective date for this change. Whether that means that flights taken after November 30th won’t earn credit, or flights booked after November 30th, clarification is yet to be made. We highly suggest using Twitter, calling te executive club, sending real mail to the Chairmans office and even calling Qatar Airways to voice your displeasure. For now hope is there, though history is not a positive indicator…
Finally, To Avoid Confusion, How Do I Know If I’m Booking “R” Class?
To keep things simple, in almost every case, if you’re seeing a business class fare that’s regarded as a “Promo” fare, and it’s highlighted in red, it’s going to be an “R” fare. Before you pay, your itinerary will also show all your flight times and info as well as a letter such as (R,I,D,J) signified as booking code or fare class. If you see an “R”, you’re going to be missing out, unless of course you want to credit to literally any other OneWorld Airline who will give you miles…
