Airline and hotel loyalty schemes are enabling points and miles to be donated to the relief effort, and carriers are providing transport for supplies and workers to the stricken country.
Flag carriers JAL and ANA are both providing free transport for relief aid personnel and emergency supplies until at least April 15, and members of their respective loyalty schemes can donate miles to relief organisations at a rate of one yen per mile.
US carrier Delta has pledged a total of $1 million to the Japanese Red Cross, consisting of a $250,000 cash donation, and the matching of up to five million miles against customers’ donations to World Vision Japan through its SkyWish Asia programme.
Korean Air is providing some 5,000 boxes of mineral water and 2,000 blankets, while members of Finnair and IHG's loyalty schemes can also donate their miles and points to the Japanese Red Cross.
Starwood Hotels and Resorts are also enabling points to be exchanged for donations to the American Red Cross, at a rate of $25 per 2,000 Starpoints, while Marriott is providing a similar scheme, at a rate of 10,000 Marriott Rewards points for a $25 donation, as is Best Western, at a rate of 4,000 points for a $15 donation.
Meanwhile United and American Airlines are offering members of their loyalty schemes 250 bonus points in return for donations to the American Red Cross of at least $50, or 500 pints for donations of $100 or more.
For more information please visit the relevant airline or hotel group. UK readers wishing to donate to the British Red Cross Japan Tsunami Appeal should visit redcross.org.uk/japantsunami.
