The Executive Club is British Airways' Frequent Flyer Program. It follows a largely similar pattern to most European carriers' programs, and forms part of the network of Frequent Flyer Programs in the oneworld alliance, of which BA was a founding member. It has three levels, or tiers of membership: Blue, Silver and Gold. Membership of the Blue tier is open to anyone over the age of 18 who has flown a 'qualifying flight' in specific airline ticket classes in the past three months. Members collect points (sometimes incorrectly referred to as Air Miles) that allow them to both move into higher membership tiers and 'purchase' free tickets / upgrades with points. Unless the member is a business traveller who flies with BA on a regular basis in Business Class (known on BA as Club World (for intercontinental flights) or Club Europe (for European flights)) or First Class (known on BA simply as FIRST) it is extremely difficult to earn sufficent points to move up into higher tiers and thus reap the benefits such as lounge access and preferential check in facilities.