British Airways offers flights to business travellers

A quarter of business travellers in Belgium feel guilty about leaving loved ones behind, according to a British Airways survey of 6,000 Europeans (commissioned by You Gov₁); and with almost one in 10 reporting that they work on average between 40 and 60 hours a week, finding time to spend at home is a challenge.

TOP LINE RESEARCH FINDINGS
• The Swiss and Germans are the worst affected by long working days with 53 per cent and 40 per cent respectively working eight or more hours a day
• Italians enjoyed the shortest working day with a fifth dedicating less than seven hours a day to business
• French and Spanish were the most content with their work/life balance
• Sweden is perceived as having the best work/life balance, with Belgium, Israel and Russia being widely regarded as having the worst

Recognising that spending time away from home is trying, in addition to the British Airways Club World facilities, that allow the business traveller to make the most of their time away, the airline is also introducing one of the biggest European Executive Club BA Miles promotions ever seen, rewarding frequent travellers with free flights* to enjoy with friends and family.

Until 31st December 2009, all new and existing Executive Club members will be rewarded with enough bonus Miles to exchange for free flights* when they book Club World or First return flights. For example, one return flight in either cabin will earn BA Miles to the value of one Club Europe or two Euro Traveller flights to London or the UK; while three return flights in Club World or First will qualify the customer for a Club World flight to the US or a World Traveller flight to the Far East or Australia. Perfect for over two thirds (39 per cent) of Europeans who would like to spend their spare time on holiday.

In a first for the airline, the offer also includes an automatic access to Silver Executive Club membership for new and existing Blue Executive Club members for a year**. The coveted Silver status offers a host of extra benefits, including use of over 250 departure lounges around the world, plus access for a companion; priority check in and boarding; bonus BA Miles and a guarantee of an economy seat on a chosen British Airways flight, even if it is fully booked₃.

Jean-Pierre Martin, Sales Manager British Airways and Luxemburg said: “We’re all under pressure nowadays to work harder but still enjoy a full social life and spend plenty of time with our family - striking a balance is not easy. In business, travel budgets are being cut, and yet we know that face-to-face meetings are essential to help businesses grow₂. Flying British Airways allows the business traveller the opportunity to work smarter, making the most of precious budget spent on air travel. Plus this fantastic offer gives them opportunity to claim back some free flights, allowing our customers to take a well earned holiday with a loved one.”

Flying with British Airways brings a host of benefits to the business traveller, thanks to London Heathrow’s T5. Business travellers can enjoy seamless, ‘one-roof’ transfer, dedicated Club World check-in area and security, plus a fast track though immigration.

Exclusive worldwide lounges allow customers to continue working effectively outside of the office. On board, customers have the opportunity to make their time their own; British Airway’s new ‘Club Kitchen’ allows travellers to enjoy snacks between meals, while the Club World seat creates a unique cocooned environment, in which to sleep, work or relax. And a truly flat bed means a proper night’s sleep.

The premium that business travellers place on work/life balance has motivated the decisions behind the creation of the British Airways Club World experience, putting customer flexibility, free time and comfort at the heart of the proposition. The extra BA Miles offer is a further step towards redressing the imbalance of time spend with family and friends, and offers anyone purchasing Club World or First seats the opportunity to enjoy another trip for free.

For more information, to join the Executive Club, book flights with British Airways and claim free flights, please visit http://www.ba.com/rewardflig

*Subject to taxes, fees and charges
** As soon as members have taken their first eligible return flight in Club World or First with British Airways.

₁ All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 6000 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 9th - 13th October 2009. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all French, German, Italian, Swiss, Belgium & Spanish adults (aged 18+)

₂ Harvard Business Review - reader poll. To download the full report visit http://ba-opportunity-iframe.s3.amazona ... review.pdf.

₃Lounge access: Customers and one guest can enjoy access and the facilities of over 250 departure lounges worldwide whenever they fly with British Airways and oneworld partner airlines - whatever cabin they are flying in.

Earn more BA miles with each flight: As an Executive Club Silver member, customers will earn a bonus of 25% BA Miles whenever they fly with British Airways or Qantas.

Reservation Assurance provides an economy seat on any chosen British Airways flight, even when the flight is full.