Hong Kong Airlines is offering passengers the chance to win free miles, lounge access and flights to San Francisco, along with launching a new loyalty initiative, as part of a promotion that it’s running until December 29 this year.

The competition is taking place through the airline’s Facebook page – travellers are required to upload their “most interesting Christmas gift” that they’ve ever received and tag one of their friends in order to qualify for the free prizes.

The tickets to San Francisco are for a round-trip itinerary in economy class. Hong Kong Airlines is launching its non-stop flights to the city on March 25, 2018, using its new Airbus A350 aircraft.

Also on offer is a total of 26,000 points with the carrier’s Fortune Wings Club frequent-flyer programme, along with lounge passes to its Club Bauhinia or newly launched Club Autus at Hong Kong International Airport.

Business Traveller reviewed Hong Kong Airlines’ Club Bauhinia lounge earlier this year, and will be publishing a review of the new Club Autus in the coming weeks.

Lounge review: Hong Kong Airlines Club Bauhinia

Hong Kong Airlines also appears to have its eyes on members of rival airlines’ frequent-flyer programmes. The bonus miles may not be particularly attractive for non-Fortune Wings Club members, but the airline’s other new launch as part of the Christmas promotion – a new Accelerate programme – might be more appealing.

The scheme isn’t quite a status match, but it enables travellers who hold one of the top two tiers of other programmes to get a number of immediate benefits along with speedier access to Fortune Wings Club’s higher tiers. Applicants who complete six eligible Hong Kong Airlines flight sectors within 100 days of signing up will attain Silver status, while those who complete 12 will get Gold.

As for the more immediate perks – received once enrolled in the programme and after purchasing eligible Hong Kong Airlines flights – these include:

  • Priority check-in at business class counters
  • Priority baggage handling
  • Free extra legroom seats
  • Access to Club Autus and Club Bauhinia at Hong Kong Airport

Hong Kong Airlines has also launched a number of economy class promotional fares for five of its long-haul services until December 22, for travel between March and June next year. These include to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Gold Coast/Cairns and Auckland, with starting fares ranging in price from HK$2,824 (US$361) to Gold Coast/Cairns and HK$3,215 (US$412) to Vancouver.

hongkongairlines.com