How much is a year of free inflight WiFi worth? Top tier elites in the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program can make that decision, thanks to the carrier’s new 100K Choice Benefit option.
elite status
Aeroplan, Avis partner for status match, with a co-brand twist
Air Canada’s Aeroplan elite status holders can now request a complimentary status upgrade in the Avis Preferred® program, extending the value of the status earned to rental cars as well. The status match program is effective immediately and members can register here.
Virgin Atlantic to join SkyTeam
Virgin Atlantic will join the SKyTeam alliance in early 2023, boosting the group’s presence in the UK. Virgin Atlantic will become SkyTeam’s first and only UK member airline, offering long-haul flights from Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh.
Rapid Rewards targets elites with A-List bonus activity
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.
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.
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.
JetBlue secures permanent Heathrow slots, expands London operations
JetBlue will operate up to five daily flights to London from this Winter. And, perhaps more significantly, the carrier secured its first permanent slots at Heathrow, ensuring that flights can continue there.
United opens newest, largest ever lounge at Newark
United Airlines’ newest lounge opened at Newark, offering a massive expansion of premium space for its passengers. Located in Terminal C3 near gate C123, this club is the largest club in United’s network, at nearly 30,000 square feet and 480 seats.
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.