Tier Points are metrics accumulated through paid flights that specifically qualify a traveler for elite frequent flyer status tiers.
It is essential to understand the difference between redeemable miles and elite qualifying metrics like Tier Points (used by British Airways), Medallion Qualification Dollars (Delta), or Loyalty Points (American). Redeemable miles are a currency you spend to book free award flights. Tier points, however, are a non-spendable score that simply tracks your loyalty to the airline over a calendar year. Once you cross a specific tier point threshold, you are awarded elite status (Silver, Gold, Platinum). You earn tier points strictly by flying on cash revenue tickets. The beauty of flying business class is that premium cabins earn tier points at an exponentially higher rate than economy. A single discounted round-trip business class ticket to Asia can sometimes earn enough tier points to instantly secure mid-tier elite status for an entire year, granting you lounge access on all your future domestic economy flights.
No, unlike redeemable miles which can be purchased with a credit card, tier points must be earned through actual flying or heavy co-branded credit card spend.
Yes, your tier point balance resets to zero at the end of your designated elite qualifying year.
A Status Match is a promotional program where an airline grants equivalent elite tier status based on status held with a competing carrier.
An Award Booking is redeeming frequent flyer miles or credit card points for premium cabin seats instead of paying with cash.
A Revenue Ticket is a cash-purchased flight that accrues elite qualifying miles and tier points toward airline loyalty status.
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