Lufthansa owes the US government $25,000. The penalty is being assessed after the carrier accidentally collected nearly $125,000 from US-based passengers in “taxes” that were not applicable on “non-revenue international tickets” (i.e. frequent flier rewards).
frequent flyer
Thai Smile to join Star Alliance as connecting partner
Chalk up another partner for the Star Alliance program as Thai Smile signs on. Can this move help push other Star LCC affiliates into the fold?
Delta aims to extend loyalty with "Reclaim my Status" program
Keeping a customer engaged with a loyalty program after a major life event can be challenging. Delta SkyMiles joins the ranks of airlines with a formal program for such, launching the “Reclaim My Status” challenge offer.
Jet Airways halts operations, continues to seek funding
Maybe it is temporary, as the airline claims. More likely it is a permanent situation. Without money or a coherent plan for recovery one thing is clear: Jet Airways is no longer an operating carrier.
Emirates Skywards, Loyyal bring blockchain loyalty to life
A new era is here for loyalty programs as blockchain-based partner integration comes to life. The fact that the implementation between Emirates Skywards and Careem doesn’t really need to be a blockchain solution is a big part of what makes this so special.
Evolving co-brand: AAdvantage adjusts soft benefits for cardholders
Should you buy miles at 2 cents each on a recurring basis? Probably not, but the Flight Cents program from AAdvantage and Barclays will almost certainly do brisk business.
United Airlines begins its Premium Plus era
Passengers on United Airlines will be able to purchase tickets for the carrier’s new Premium Plus cabin starting on Monday. Flights across 21 routes and 13 destinations will be the first to offer the additional class of service. Premium Plus flights begin on 30 March 2019, with some routes extending into May 2019 for the new service. Initial premium economy operations will center at the carrier’s hubs in Newark, Washington-Dulles and San Francisco.
Sun Country cuts premium seats, loyalty in quest for higher revenue
Sun Country’s pivot to a ULCC continues unabated. More than a year after the carrier announced plans for a new approach to the market the changes continue. Up next: further cabin reconfiguration and a revamp of the loyalty and co-brand credit card strategy that seem unlikely to make many customers happy.
Loyalty Live: A peek inside the Blockchain-Loyalty world
“Tokenized cryptorewards” and other buzzwords flew around the room at Loyalty Live in Chicago last week. Fortunately the hype was (eventually) countered by a bit of loyalty program reality. Blockchain will not save or even truly transform loyalty programs. But it has a role and we were fortunate to discuss that for 20 minutes on stage.
Finnair ends free trial, rolls out wifi charges
Finnair’s new short-haul wifi solution, powered by Viasat, is no longer free. The carrier ended the introductory trial period for the service this week, bringing a split-tier performance and pricing model into play.