DOUBLE DIP
A round-up of frequent flyer schemes allowing both businesses and employees to benefit
Taking the time to register your company for a corporate scheme allows you to collect rewards both individually and for the organisation. Many airlines have programmes dedicated to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), allowing miles or points to contribute to a variety of benefits for the firm and for its travellers.
Below are ten programmes available now, six of which are strictly SME programmes and four that are available for companies of any size.
AIR FRANCE-KLM Blue Biz Open to businesses of all sizes, Blue Biz earns “Blue Credits” for a company when employees fly with Air France or KLM but also when they travel with Alitalia, Delta Air Lines and partner carriers. Blue Credits can be converted into tickets or upgrades. airfrance.co.uk
AMERICAN AIRLINES Business Extra AA’s travel rewards programme for SMEs ensures that employees continue to earn their AAdvantage miles, while the businesses buying the tickets accumulate points towards traveller awards. Different benefits and upgrades are available by region and points can also be
used on British Airways and Iberia flights. businessextra.com
BRITISH AIRWAYS On Business BA’s frequent flyer plan is available to companies of all sizes. Travellers can also earn On Business points when flying with American Airlines and Iberia. As with the other schemes listed here, individual travellers can also receive their own Avios. ba.com
CATHAY PACIFIC AND DRAGONAIR Corporate Travel Solutions Employees are given a Cathay Pacific/Dragonair Business Card for check-in at business class counters. They also have use of lounges at Hong Kong International airport, and can accumulate and redeem one-class Upgrade Awards, valid on Cathay Pacific or Dragonair flights from Hong Kong. Members receive HK$1,000 (£89) discount vouchers valid on all flights operated by Cathay Pacific or Dragonair across the network, based on quarterly spending. The scheme is open to companies of all sizes but they must be registered in Hong Kong or Macau. cathaypacific.com
DELTA AIR LINES Skybonus Delta’s programme is open to SMEs only. For every US$1 spent, points earned can be redeemed on flight reward certificates, upgrades and Delta Sky Club Single Visit Passes. You can also earn points with joint-venture partners Air France, KLM and Alitalia. skybonus.delta.com
ETIHAD AIRWAYS Etihad Business Connect Currently offering a signup bonus of 5,000 miles, Etihad Business Connect allows travellers to earn Etihad Guest miles for themselves (they must join as an individual; up to a maximum of 50 employees per company), while the business receives Etihad Guest miles, which are managed online by the company. These can be redeemed for flights, upgrades and rewards or converted into cash via PointsPay. etihad.com
LUFTHANSA Partner Plus Benefit This SME programme allows companies to earn Benefit Points for all tickets bought. Points are valid for three years and can be redeemed on cashback, award flights, upgrades, airport parking, limousine transfers, carbon offsetting, hotels and partner awards. partnerplusbenefit.com
SINGAPORE AIRLINES Corporate Travel Programme As with many schemes, benefits depend on your firm’s location but include discounted fares for all cabin classes, no fees for booking, cancellation or changes, a dedicated helpdesk for corporate accounts and online reporting tools or, via dedicated account management, help in analysing and managing your organisation’s travel. singaporeair.com
UNITED Perks Plus Perks Plus gives SMEs points when their registered employees fly with United, United Express and partners. Individuals get benefits from United’s Mileage Plus loyalty programme. united.com
VIRGIN ATLANTIC Flying Co Virgin Atlantic’s corporate scheme is available to firms of all sizes, and miles are earned by both the business and the individual. In the past, many SME programmes would only deliver points and rewards when booked directly through the airline’s website. However, Virgin Atlantic will still award points when booking through a travel agent. A minimum of four people must be enrolled. virgin-atlantic.com