Iberia has announced a sweeping transformation of its loyalty program, bringing a new name, revamped elite status earning structure, a fresh elite tier, and more. The updates, slated to take effect on April 1, 2025, signal a major shift in how members engage with the program.
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Iberia (IAG)Iberia has announced a sweeping transformation of its loyalty program, bringing a new name, revamped elite status earning structure, a fresh elite tier, and more. The updates, slated to take effect on April 1, 2025, signal a major shift in how members engage with the program.
A Slightly Enhanced Name
One of the most noticeable updates is the program’s rebranding. Iberia Plus will soon be called Club Iberia Plus. While the addition of “Club” isn’t exactly groundbreaking, the new name reflects a subtle shift in the program’s identity. This contrasts with British Airways’ recent move to simplify its loyalty program’s name, changing it from “British Airways Executive Club” to just “British Airways Club.” The rebranded Club Iberia Plus will fully replace Iberia Plus starting April 1, 2025.
Elite Status Now Tied to Spending
Under the new system, elite status qualification will primarily be based on spending rather than mileage or segments flown. Members will earn one Elite Point for every €1 spent on airfare (excluding taxes and fees). This revenue-based model mirrors British Airways’ recent changes, where tier points are similarly tied to spending. However, Iberia has retained the option to qualify for elite status through flight segments—a concession likely aimed at avoiding backlash similar to what British Airways faced when it eliminated mileage-based qualifications.
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Image: Iberia
Class-Based Bonuses
In addition to earning Elite Points for every euro spent, members flying with Iberia will receive bonus points based on the class of service, distance flown, and fare bucket. These multipliers are designed to reward premium cabin flyers with faster progress toward elite status.
Earning Points Beyond Flights
Another notable feature is the ability to earn Elite Points through non-flight activities. Members can now accumulate 1 Elite Point for every 10 Avios earned with Iberia’s partners. This strategy borrows from U.S. airlines like American and Alaska, which allow elite status credits for spending on partner activities such as dining, shopping, and car rentals.
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Image: Iberia
New Elite Tier and Updated Requirements
To complement the program overhaul, Iberia is introducing a new Platino Prime tier and updating its qualification criteria. The thresholds to achieve elite status will change significantly:
- Plata: 3,500 Elite Points or 20 flights
- Oro: 7,500 Elite Points or 40 flights
- Platino: 20,000 Elite Points or 90 flights
- Platino Prime: 30,000 Elite Points
- Infinita: 400,000 Elite Points
- Infinita Prime: 640,000 Elite Points
These changes represent a substantial increase in the spending required to achieve higher tiers. For example, reaching Platino (which grants Oneworld Emerald status) will now require €20,000 in spending—a significant leap compared to the current system.
Is There a Silver Lining?
Despite the stricter revenue-based requirements, Iberia has made status easier to achieve for frequent flyers on shorter routes. For example:
- Plata now requires just 20 flights (down from 25).
- Oro can be earned with 40 flights (down from 50).
- Platino, which was previously unattainable through flights alone, can now be earned by completing 90 segments.
These adjustments provide some flexibility for travelers who frequently fly short-haul routes, particularly those based in hubs like Madrid. However, for most leisure and occasional business travelers, the new requirements will likely feel like a downgrade.
These changes appear to be part of a broader strategy by Iberia’s parent company, the International Airlines Group (IAG), to align loyalty programs across its airlines. Following British Airways’ recent move to revenue-based elite status, this overhaul seems designed to prevent Iberia from becoming a backdoor for earning status under the older, more flexible criteria. While the new system may benefit big spenders and premium travelers, it marks a clear shift away from rewarding budget-conscious frequent flyers. As Iberia joins the growing list of airlines prioritizing revenue over mileage, loyal customers face a more challenging path to elite status.
Source: Iberia
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