Aegean Airlines have reportedly changed their qualification requirements according to Dan’s Deals, making it harder to get the status

In the past, it was 20,000 miles needed on any Star Alliance airline, credited to the programme

Specificity you will need four segments on Aegean Airlines to gain or hold onto the status, or fly 24,000 miles.

So is the sky falling?

No it’s not.

(There was a ruder version of that line, but in the interests of taste, I’ve trimmed it)

It’s a change in the game, that for certain territories (off the top of my head – North America, and Asia), will remove an easy way to get Star Alliance Gold. For those within Europe, the game is slightly easier to rack up Aegean Airlines segments.

Those who are using discounted United Airlines fares to rack up the 20K, (which only earn 50% on Aegean) will feel the pain most (In which case, you might want to look at Turkish Airlines who have 100% qualification on discounted economy class).

Remember, airlines are run to make money for their owners, and if they can cut the lounge bill, the loose miles rattling in an Aegean account. And in this simple move, they can cut their exposure – whilst ensuring they want to keep the loyalty of customers who would either 1) fly with the, or 2) prepared to spend more to hang onto status with them.

But the end of the world?

No.

It’s the game that changes again. As customers, it’s best to be aware, so we can plan for the future as best as possible.

It’s important to note that these changes haven’t been officially confirmed, with officials being “coy” about changes, but major changes are coming.

When they’re confirmed, I’ll post an update to this story.

Let it not be said the game for status is never boring.

HT: Dans Deals  via http://www.dansdeals.com/archives/52315

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