Loyalty Landscape Expands: New Partnerships, Earning Opportunities, and Savings Galore
Today's news highlights a dynamic landscape for award travelers, marked by exciting new partnerships, enhanced earning opportunities, and practical ways to save on travel expenses. From Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards to Southwest's surprising international expansion and Best Western's generous bonus point promotions, the focus is clearly on providing more value and flexibility to loyalty program members.
Southwest Goes Global (Again!) with EVA Air Partnership
Southwest's addition of EVA Air as an international partner is arguably the biggest surprise. The rapid expansion of Southwest's international partner network from zero to three in a single year signals a strategic shift. It suggests Southwest is aiming to provide more diverse redemption options for its Rapid Rewards members, particularly those interested in traveling to Asia. It's also interesting to note that EVA Air marks the second Taiwanese airline to partner with Southwest. The key question now is how competitive the redemption rates will be and how readily available award seats will be. Don't expect to earn Rapid Reward points on EVA Air flights, though, as the partnership is limited to redemptions.
This is a notable evolution for Southwest, traditionally focused on domestic routes. This partnership could open up Asia for budget-conscious travelers with Rapid Rewards points.
Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards: A Deep Dive
AwardWallet Blog's comprehensive guide to the newly revamped Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards is a valuable resource for both newcomers and seasoned Alaska flyers. Alaska's program is known for its generous mileage earning rates and valuable partnerships. Understanding how to maximize these aspects is crucial for extracting maximum value from the program. The guide's focus on earning points through flying and everyday spending is key, as is the exploration of elite status tiers and associated perks.
Best Western's Bonus Bonanza
Best Western is showering its members with points through two ongoing promotions. First, you can earn up to 10,000 bonus points for every three nights you stay until September 1, 2025. That’s followed by double points on all stays worldwide from September 2nd through November 30th. For Best Western loyalists or anyone with upcoming hotel stays, these are no-brainers. Registering for the double points promotion is essential to take advantage of this limited-time offer.
Frontier's GoWild! Pass: Proceed with Caution
Frontier's GoWild! Pass continues to generate buzz, but it's crucial to approach it with a critical eye. The low price tag can be misleading, as it doesn't include baggage fees, seat selection, or other extras. The pass is only truly valuable if you have extreme flexibility and don't mind booking last-minute flights. Savvy travelers should compare the total cost of the GoWild! Pass (including all the extra fees) with the cost of individual fares before making a decision. It's not necessarily the cheapest way to fly. Consider this a "buyer beware" situation.
Other Notable Developments
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Enhancements: The introduction of