Call it another sign that travel habits shifted over the past couple years. Southwest Airlines has run, in quick succession, a pair of promotions seeking to boost its Rapid Rewards loyalty program with elite status for 2023 now easier to come by. The moves come despite a general return of travel and strong revenue numbers in recent months.
Loyalty
Air Canada, Emirates link up with codeshare, loyalty reciprocity
It is not, perhaps, quite the level of strange bedfellows pondered by Shakespeare in The Tempest, but a new strategic partnership agreement between Air Canada and Emirates is certainly an interesting development.
Etihad selling silver elite status via NFTs
Looking for Silver Elite status in the Etihad Guest loyalty program? It can be yours for just $349, as part of the carrier’s initial foray into the Web3 world and NFTs.
A blockchain loyalty revolution, spearheaded by airBaltic
A new generation of airline loyalty programs is coming, developed, tracked, and sold on the blockchain. And airBaltic is leading the charge. CEO Martin Gauss explains how the company sees its Planies NFT program as a launch pad to a fully tokenized loyalty scheme.
Deutsche Bahn confirms Star Alliance intermodal partner membership
Deutsche Bahn will make its intercity train network available to airlines in the Star Alliance network from 1 August 2022.
Oman Air to join oneworld alliance
Oneworld will grow once again, with Oman Air now slated to join the alliance from 2024. The carrier’s ascension into the group was formally approved and announced at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Doha this week.
JSX adds MileagePlus for points earning
Passengers on JSX can now earn points in the United Airlines MileagePlus program. The partnership is “a critical advancement of the continued relationship between JSX and United Airlines, with more cooperation to be announced later this year.”
Star Alliance credit card coming this fall
Why would an airline alliance launch a loyalty credit card? The obvious answer is money. Co-brand credit cards are massive drivers of revenue for airlines. But historically that has applied at the airline level, not at the alliance level. Star Alliance will change that later this year when the group launches its own card.
airBaltic boosts NFT loyalty play
Perhaps no airline sees itself as an innovator more than airBaltic.
The company’s latest move – to issue 10,000 more NFTs tied to its loyalty program – raises questions about whether the airline is innovative or simply chasing a shiny buzzword.
JetBlue boosts TrueBlue partnerships with American Airlines, Qatar Airways
JetBlue‘s partnerships with American Airlines and Qatar Airways continue to expand. The carrier announced new loyalty program benefits this week, giving TrueBlue members access to options with the partner programs. More legroom for Mosaic TureBlue Mosaic members flying on American Airlines can now select Main Cabin Extra seating on the day of travel without paying […]