Readers using train firm LNER may be disappointed to learn of its withdrawing from Nectar’s loyalty scheme at the end of this month.
LNER inherited the Nectar scheme from previous ECML (East Coast Mainline) operator Virgin Trains East Coast (VTEC).
Nectar was less generous compared to the previous East Coast Rewards scheme which had been offered before VTEC assumed the franchise.
It’s something which lobbyist never fails to stress.
So today @LNER announces the end of their Nectar earning partnership. There’s a temporary 2% offer (which is double the 1% you usually get in Nectar points) but a new scheme is promised! Let’s hope it’s good!
— Save EC Rewards (@SaveECRewards) July 7, 2020
In truth Nectar points themselves have been devalued over the years as have hotel and airline schemes.
But they still provided a one per cent discount to LNER customers who booked direct with Lner.co.uk
LNER says from August 1 “for a temporary period [ you will earn 2 per cent credit back on any LNER transaction you make. This will automatically be added as an eVoucher to your LNER account each month.”
If LNER does introduce another loyalty scheme let us hope it will be as ‘generous’ as Nectar.
Readers may wonder why I am promoting rail seeing as government advice is only to use trains for “essential” or “necessary.”
It’s because, unlike some other train firms, LNER recently relaxed all such rules. As with our domestic airlines anyone can travel with LNER.
Visit its website and you will see that the main requirements are to make a seat reservation and to wear a face mask.
