British Airways Executive Club is making changes to its elite program, including adding a new elite tier. The Executive Club elite program is now three-tiered with the introduction of a new entry level called Bronze, which is offered to members earning 300 tier points or 25 segments. Previously, the lowest elite status was Silver, offered to members earning 600 tier points or 50 segments. The highest level Gold status requires 1,500 tier points. Blue is the non-elite general membership level offered to all members. Benefits of the new Bronze level include business class check-in regardless of class of travel, the ability to select seats for free seven days prior to departure, 25 percent bonus miles when flying British Airways, Iberia and American Airlines, dedicated phone line, oneworld Ruby status and Bronze luggage tags.

Another change is in the way tier points are earned. Once members reach a new elite tier, they will keep that tier status for the remainder of the membership year and the following year. They will also keep all of their tier points until the end of the 12-month membership year. Previously, tier points were reset to zero after the member reached a new tier.

Also, the elite qualification requirements will be identical for all members worldwide, starting March 2012. Previously, members of Europe outside of the U.K. and Ireland could gain elite at reduced tier points. Visit http://insideflyerus.wpengine.com/link/?5475 for more information about the changes and be sure to give your feedback about the changes via the link provided.