American Airlines and Gulf Air have announced a reciprocal frequent flyer agreement wherein members of both airlines’ programs can earn and redeem mileage in each other’s program. AAdvantage members will benefit from Gulf Air’s network for more than 50 destinations in 30 countries, and Gulf Air’s Frequent flyer members will benefit from more than 250 American destinations in more than 40 countries.
Members of Gulf Air’s Frequent Flyer Programme can now collect 500 miles for every night booked at a Sofitel hotel, while 250 miles will be awarded for each night’s stay at a Novotel or Mercure hotel.
HSBC Bank has launched its first co-branded credit card for Delta SkyMiles members who reside in Brazil. The Delta SkyMiles Visa credit card offers 5,000 miles with first purchase, an additional 5,000 miles when spending over U.S.$15,000 the first year, no annual fee first year (normally 140 reais) and one mile for every U.S. $1 equivalent spent.
Langham Hotels is a new partner in Asiana Club. Asiana Club members who stay at Langham hotels in several gateway cities will earn 500 bonus miles per stay. The hotels include Langham Hotels in London, Boston, Hong Kong, Melbourne and Auckland.
Members of TAP Portugal Victoria can now earn miles when staying at Arteh Hotels and the Choupana Hills Resort & Spa. Victoria members will earn 500 miles with a minimum two-night stay at Arteh Hotels & Resorts properties and 200 more miles for each extra night. Members may also earn up to 1,000 miles with a minimum two-night stay at the Choupana Hills Resort & Spain Madeira. Deluxe sea or garden view rooms will earn 500 miles per stay while a suite earns 1,000 miles. More miles can be earned when dining at the Xopana Restaurant at the rate of 100 miles per 35 euros spent. Another new partnership offers one mile per euro spent at Il Gallo d’Oro restaurant at The Cliff Bay hotel in Funchal. A minimum of 30 euros must be spent to get the miles.
Velocity, the loyalty program of Virgin blue in Australia, recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. New partners were added to the roster including Toga Hospitality, The Wine Room, Octopus Travel and Blue Tix.
