What bonus programs do airlines have?
Many have heard of the concept of a "bonus program," but not everyone uses them. Perhaps you simply don't want to delve into it and figure it out, we understand. But you're missing out on a lot.
Airlines have introduced bonus programs for frequent customers — those who often use their services. The most profitable and interesting "currency" of such a program is miles. With them, you can buy a ticket on Kupi.com, access lounge areas, or "upgrade" your service class from economy to business. Pretty cool, right?
In this article, we will tell you about the bonus programs offered by popular airlines.
Aeroflot Bonus
Aeroflot's loyalty program offers many opportunities to customers who use miles. Since Aeroflot is part of the SkyTeam alliance, you earn miles not only from the Russian airline but also from 20 partner airlines within the alliance.
By becoming a member of the Aeroflot Bonus program, you receive a minimum of 500 miles for an Aeroflot flight, and miles will also be credited for business class and premium flights.
How to earn miles?
You earn miles not only for flights. You get even more miles for car rentals and hotel bookings with partners. For example, up to 4500 miles for car rental through Avis until August 31, or for booking a room at Marriott Bonvoy, IHG® hotels, and Radisson Hotel Group. There are many options, and all are detailed on the carrier's website. You can also get a special bank card and earn miles for any purchases. Currently, Aeroflot has this working with Sberbank: for every 60 rubles, you get 1 mile.
There's also this: miles in Aeroflot's bonus program can be qualifying and non-qualifying. The former can be earned for flights with Aeroflot and partners. By accumulating these miles, you can achieve silver, gold, or platinum status. And holding one of these statuses grants access to business lounges, priority check-in and boarding, an additional baggage allowance, and so on. In short, there are many perks!
What to spend miles on? The most popular use is for an airline ticket. You can pay for the full or partial cost of a ticket with miles. Upgrading service on board is also popular. That is, you bought an economy class ticket and used miles to upgrade to business class. Miles can also be used to pay for purchases from Skyshop, car rentals, and so on. See a detailed description of the program on the website >>>
Utair Status
Another popular airline, Utair, also has a special bonus program. It has 4 categories: Basic, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and each has its own conditions.
Earn miles for flights on Optimum, Premium, and Business fares. If your whole family flies, create a shared mileage account — this way, miles accumulate faster. You can also get a card from one of the partner banks and earn miles for purchases. Citibank and SNGB Bank are among the choices.
What to spend miles on? Of course, on airline tickets! As with Aeroflot, you can pay for a Utair network ticket fully or partially with miles. You can also spend miles on any service offered by the carrier. This includes access to business lounges, extra baggage allowance, onboard meal payments, and so on. Full program rules >>>
S7 Priority
S7 Airlines is indispensable! The airline also keeps up and delights its loyal passengers with the S7 Priority program. The scheme is similar: you earn miles from flights or purchases with partners, and you spend them on S7 airline tickets and tickets from Oneworld alliance partner airlines, upgrades to business class, or other airline services. Unlike Aeroflot, "Siberia" airline is part of a different alliance — Oneworld. Accordingly, you can earn miles from carriers within this alliance.
The airline's main partner is Tinkoff bank. When paying for purchases with this card, you earn more miles than with other banks. Read about other partners and what services you can spend miles on on the airline's website.
Also read about mileage fraud >>>
Miles & More
This is a loyalty program not for a single airline, but for the entire Star Alliance. Primarily, European airlines are part of it, so if you frequently fly within Europe, such a bonus program will be very useful. The operating scheme is exactly the same as others. You can find out more and become a program member here.
Related articles:
How to check in for an S7 Airlines flight >>>
How to check in for a Utair flight >>>
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