JetBlue will make its TrueBlue Mosaic elite status more rewarding in 2022. Upgrades are coming for members, including an option for highly coveted Mint upgrades as part of a newly established Mosaic+ tier of the program.
Loyalty
United snags Virgin Australia as a partner, displacing Delta
Virgin Australia and United Airlines secured a new partnership for connections between the United States and Australia. The deal, effective from April 2022, sees Delta Air Lines drop from the role it held over the past decade.
ITA Airways joins SkyTeam, replacing Alitalia
SkyTeam officially welcomes ITA Airways as a member airline today. The Alitalia replacement joins the alliance two weeks after launching flights and a new loyalty program for customers.
Qantas boosts rebound, points opportunities with Australia border reopening
Australia is reopening its borders, and Qantas is ready to take advantage of the pent up demand for travel. The airline will accelerate the return of many international routes, as well as larger aircraft, to support consumer demand. It is also adding a frequent flyer twist, with several “points planes” loaded for travelers.
American buys into GOL, plans loyalty, codeshare boost
American Airlines will invest $200 million for a 5.2% stake in Brazil’s GOL as part of an expanded commercial partnership. The deal will see the two tie more closely in each other’s primary market, and significantly boost their loyalty program integration as well.
Southwest Rapid Rewards doubles tier points through November
Southwest Airlines joins the list of airlines admitting that its frequent flyer ranks thinned faster than hoped. As the year draws to a close and the company scales back its flight schedule (citing operational challenges, but demand is also dropping), it will also offer double elite credit in the Rapid Rewards loyalty program in hopes of attracting a few extra trips from its customers.
Alitalia Due (a/k/a Italia Trasporto Aereo) applies for US service
Come October 15th Alitalia will cease operations; Italia Trasporto Aereo (ITA) will take its place as Italy’s flag carrier. Except that Alitalia will still probably be in business. ITA confirms that it intends to bid on the Alitalia brand at auction as part of its application to serve the United States.
Qantas making big moves, looks to restart international travel
The financials are, expectedly, not great for Qantas. But with the carrier’s latest earnings report it also expressed optimism in the reopening of international markets later this year. And, potentially, a return of the A380 to service sooner than expected.
Allegiant’s Allways Rewards launches targeting Gen Z and Millennial travelers
Frequent redemptions and earnings on literally everything available for sale on the website are two key components of the new Allways Rewards program from Allegiant, officially launching this week.
Ravn Alaska joins Mileage Plan as an earn & burn partner
Ravn Alaska is joining Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan loyalty program. The new partnership will allow travelers to earn Mileage Plan points on Ravn’s network of flights to small Alaskan communities from Anchorage.