Pissed At British Airways

But the same holds true for United and Delta. You can only upgrade certain class of economy tickets. The cheapest or lowest code for an economy ticket cannot be ungraded. I am sure the ticket and hotel package included the cheapest ticket. You were not duped. You just didn't understand the procedures. I am not sure you can blame BA since that is a fairly common policy among all airlines.

Were the rules of the Executive Club not explained to you when you joined, or when you researched your ticket before you booked it?

Pretty much. I knew about paying taxes on a free flight. Nothing was said about the cost of a ticket affecting if you could use your points to upgrade.

Unfortunately you just assumed you could automatically upgrade a regular purchased ticket with miles. You needed to first buy an upgradable ticket, using the "book and upgrade" section of the Executive Club area of the website.

Yes I seemed to have figured that out. I booked a flight and hotel package. As I stated though if you book a flight separately using Avios and then book a hotel your savings is very minimal.

Yes, times are tight for every airline. They are all less than generous with their benefit programs these days. You really have to know the rules and follow them to the letter. While BA is no better than others, they probably aren't worse either.

Well, I didn't say I was duped, but that I felt duped. In any event I'm going to London later this year so I'll get over it.

Who ISN'T pissed at BA for one reason or another. Your extra costs were likely due primarily to the fuel surcharge. BA is the only major carrier I know who adds this, and they add it big time. One of the main reaons I avoid flying with them. BA added this surcharge when oil was at its peak price. Funny how the surcharge hasn't been reduced relative to lower oil prices that have occurred since. I don't blame airlines for actually doing what they must to be or stay profitable, but this particular surcharge really irks me.

I think this is becoming more common. I tried 9 months ahead to book award tickets on United. We have been doing it for over a decade and never have had a problem that many months in advance. Well I spent two weeks calling and calling and they have "nothing available, just keep calling back". I just got myself so upset over the hours on the phone. Then I tried to email customer service and ask them about it. Twice now with absolutely no reply. So I think we are going to burn up the points on the higher awards domestically and then cut our ties with United.

Actually, since BA went to Avios recently, it has made it substantially harder to get upgrades and reward flights than before. Fewer eligible flights for upgrades, more points needed, and of course, those huge surcharges on "free" flights that make the total cost for your 'free' flight about the same as the most discounted regular fare. BA's frequent flyer program is by far the worst of all the major programs now that they have gone over to Avios points. I have another couple hundred thousand miles left on my BA account to burn, but then its Adios Avios for me. It's true that BA, like all airlines, tells you that they are free to change the terms of their frequent flyer program at any time. But the huge downgrades to the BA program have left a lot of customers feeling duped, not just Russ. I suspect that the reason for the big changes in the BA program is that BA's co-branded Chase credit card was offering 100,000 miles as a sign up bonus last year. With all those new miles on the books, they probably figured it was wise to re-jigger their program and devalue their miles. Incidentally, it is a little harsh on Russ for some of the commenters to say he should have read the terms of the program. The point is, BA changed the terms unilaterally pretty recently. The only term that you can rely on in any frequent flyer program is this: they can change the terms or completely discontinue the program at any time, without recourse.

Yup, these so-called "free" flights on frequent flyer points will cost you dearly in pretty much any program. We are with Star alliance and our free flights with Air Canada or Lufthansa usually run at around $400 per person roundtrip to Europe. Well, that was last year. Have to double check how it works this year as the fuel surcharges were higher with AC than LH last summer. Don't know if that has changed ...

I'm pretty happy with BA at the moment. A couple of weeks ago I booked two return business class seats to London this summer using Avios + fees and taxes for a lot less than the cash cost of flying in coach. Miles programs aren't as good a deal now on any airline compared to 20 years ago, but that's just the way it is with the tough operating environment for airlines.

Beatrix - I booked FF tix through Continental (a Lufthansa flight). They are business class tix and the taxes / fee was only $119. i booked last June - flights are in March/April.

Beatrix, a friend just booked some Delta flights for me with FF miles, and the total taxes were just over $41.00 (I have the receipt, so I know that is correct). Not all programs are alike, apparently.

Beatrix, two days ago I booked a trip using FF points. Calgary to Scotland, then returning from Salzburg to Calgary. Flights are with airlines Air Canada and Lufthansa. Total taxes and fuel surcharges were $605.16.

I travel ba when i can. Their infrastructure is great. I avoid others if there's a ba alternative. Avios may be a bit tricky to understand but it's the rest of the flight package i think is good (all staff, maintanence, etc) s

Well I agree with that. I've never had problems with being on the plane itself. I'd still rather fly BA overseas then any American airline.

It's the same storey at American Airlines. Either use your miles for the seat and sit in back, or buy the ticket and use the miles to upgrade. ( And you will pay steep charge.). But oh my, it is sweet to fly business class to Europe. Pam