COVID-19 Update:
Airline Reward Programmes
With so much change happening in the world and unknown timelines on when things will change, frequent travellers are posing questions about their loyalty programs. We've taken a look at some of the airlines that have released announcements about their loyalty programmes and how they have adapted them in light of current events.
*Any carriers not listed have not yet made announcements with regards to their programs. (Announcements as of April 13, 2020)
AEROFLOT
Platinum, Gold and Silver status for Aeroflot Bonus members extended by one year.
AIR CANADA
All Altitude status for 2020 will automatically be extended through to the end of 2021. If a member reaches a higher status before the end of 2020, it will be maintained through 2021 Since Altitude status is secure through 2021, if a member has already achieved status for next year, or does so by the end of 2020, they can gift it to a friend or family member.
AIR FRANCE / KLM
XP objective lowered by 25% for Silver, Gold, and Platinum members with qualification periods ending in March, April, or May 2020 to maintain current levels All miles prevented from expiring between now and the end of 2020 for all members.
AIR NEW ZEALAND
Airpoints tier status extended by 12 months Elite, Gold and Silver tier members.
ALASKA AIRLINES
Current Mileage Plan status levels extended through Dec. 31, 2021. All usual tier benefits will apply in 2021 with the exception of the 50,000 bonus miles awarded to 75K status.
Trial status for travelers who enrolled in a status match challenge between Dec. 1, 2019, and March 31, 2020, extended to run through the end of 2021.
Companion certificates set to expire this year extended until the end of 2020.
Travelers earn 50% more elite-qualifying Mileage Plan™ miles on Alaska Airlines flights between March 7 and May 31, 2020.
AMERICAN AIRLINES
Elite statuses extended until January 31, 2022. Expiration date for systemwide account upgrades extended until July 31, 2021. Elite statuses earned through AirPass contracts will maintain current expiration dates.
Elite Qualifying Dollar (EQD), Elite Qualifying Mile (EQM), and Elite Qualifying Segment (EQS) amounts reduced for easier status requalification.
BRITISH AIRWAYS
Tier Point thresholds lowered by 30% for all members due for Tier upgrade or renewal in April, May, or June 2020.
Six-month expiration extension applied to any current Gold Upgrade Vouchers, Companion Vouchers and Travel Together Tickets earned via a British Airways credit card.
DELTA AIRLINES
Medallion Members status extended through 2021
Other programs and card benefits will be extended between six months and one year.
EMIRATES
Emirates Skywards Silver, Gold and Platinum members with a tier review date prior to March 1, 2021 will have status extended 12 months with 20% reduced travel requirements.
Skywards Silver, Gold and Platinum members with a tier status review between March 2020 and September 2020 who are unable to retain their existing tier will have their existing status extended until December 31, 2020.
Skywards Miles validity extended until December 31, 2020.
LATAM AIRLINES
Status validity for all LATAM Pass elite members extended through March 2022.
QANTAS
Qantas Frequent Flyers with a membership year anniversary date between March 2020 and February 2021 will automatically retain their current status for the subsequent 12 months.
QATAR AIRWAYS
12-month extension for Privilege Club Silver, Gold and Platinum members. The extension will apply to all memberships due to expire before January 31, 2021.
WESTJET
Members who were on track to achieve status in March, April or May have already been proactively extended or upgraded and similar processes will be done for those whose tier status may be impacted in the months ahead.
SINGAPORE AIRLINES
PPS Club and Solitaire PPS Club membership renewed for one membership year.
PPS Rewards expiring between July and December 2020 will be valid until March 31, 2021.
UNITED AIRLINES
Current 2020 Premier status up to Premier 1K® will be extended to January 31, 2022.
2020 Premier qualifying points (PQP) and flight requirements for all tiers reduced by 50%. Minimum of four flight segments on United or United Express®.
Annual membership and subscription benefits extended by 6 months. Electronic travel certificates extended 24 months.
VIRGIN ATLANTIC
Members given an additional six months to achieve their tier points and use any voucher rewards.
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