Hilton removes black-out restrictions
Members of the Hilton HHonors loyalty scheme will no longer have to navigate the dreaded “black-out dates” when redeeming points for hotel stays.
The hotel group is removing all black-out restrictions from its loyalty programme as of February 1, so if a standard room is available at any of its properties, members will be able to use their points, regardless of the date.
Adam Burke, senior vice-president of customer loyalty for Hilton Hotels Corporation, says: “Our goal is always to make travelling easier for our guests, and no black-out dates is a significant way to offer our loyal members more flexibility to use their points on their schedule.”
The Hilton Family of Hotels (as the collection of Hilton brands is now known) numbers over 2,900 properties worldwide.
For more information visit hilton.com.
Jet enhances online redemptions
Jet Airways customers can now redeem miles online through its Jet Privilege scheme. Enhancements to the carrier’s website mean JP members are now to able view award-seat availability, redeem miles, pay taxes and print their award e-tickets at jetairways.com.
Previously, members had to fax through award requests, visit a Jet Airways office or call the Jet Privilege service centre. The new facility means award tickets can be booked online up to two hours prior to departure for domestic sectors within India, and six hours for international sectors.
For more information visit jetairways.com.
Aer Arann launches Silver Club
Regional carrier Aer Arann has announced an “invitation-only” recognition programme for frequent flyers. The Silver Club will offer the most loyal Aer Arann customers additional benefits, including executive lounge access at Dublin and Cork airports, no fees for flight changes, increased checked baggage allowance of 25kg, and a dedicated customer service telephone line and section on the Aer Arann website.
Colin Lewis, head of sales and marketing for Aer Arann, says: “There are two types of loyalty scheme: reward and recognition. For a small airline, a reward-based scheme would mean a world of pain in terms of management and systems, so we’ve decided to go for a recognition-based scheme where we’ll choose our top customers and invite them to join.”
At this stage it is not clear just how loyal a customer you’ll need to be to become a Silver Club member, but if you have been invited to join, let us know via the “Add a comment” feature below.
For more information visit aerarann.com.
Report by Mark Caswell
