Asia

The best travel loyalty programs in Asia

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ALONGSIDE being creatures of habit, humans also love getting free stuff.

Loyalty programs tap into the “science of free” that humans are inclined towards and seek to reward customers for continually using the same brand.

Some loyalty programs really are a cut above the rest. So much so, there is an Oscars-esque award ceremony recognizing the world’s best loyalty programs in the travel industry.

The Freddie Awards have been running since 1988 and is recognized as the world’s most prestigious member-generated awards within the travel-loyalty sector.

The ceremony was created for frequent travelers to have their opinions heard and this year, 4.4 million people cast votes for their favorite airline, hotel, and credit card loyalty schemes across the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia/Oceania.

Airlines:

Virgin Australia’s Velocity program dominated the airline category in the Middle East and Asia/Oceania category.

Taking home the award in categories including “Program of the Year,” “Best Elite Program,” “Best Customer Service” and “Best Redemption Ability.”

What’s your favourite window seat view? pic.twitter.com/x3UcnV0aLn
— Virgin Australia (@VirginAustralia) April 29, 2018

Virgin Australia only missed out on “Best Promotion” to Emirates Skywards and Saudia Alfursan which won the prestigious “210 AWARD” given to programs trending among travelers.

Hotels:

The Freddie Awards named IHG Rewards Club “Program of the Year” and “Best Promotion” in the hotel category for the Middle East and Asia/Oceania region.

Accor Hotel’s Le Club Accorhotels program grabbed the awards for “Best Customer Service” and “Best Redemption Ability” while Starwood Preferred Guest took the gong for “Best Elite Program” and Taj Innercircle won the “210 AWARD”.

What can these programs offer frequent travelers?

Virgin Australia’s Velocity program, for example, has grown its members to seven million users in just 12 years.

Customers can earn points flying with any of its partner airlines including Delta, Etihad, Air New Zealand and Hainan Airline.

Buying gas from BP, staying in selected hotels, subscribing to wine deliveries from Liathwaite’s and Virgin Wines, and many other ways can earn frequent flyers points.

When it comes to redeeming these points, members of the program needn’t worry about having 100 percent of the points as Virgin Australia’s Velocity program offer “Points and Pay” for more flexibility.

As for the Starwood Preferred Guest program, winner of the “Best Elite Program”, loyal patrons of the hotel can make their way up the points tier with every luxury stay.

Morning views. #spglife

A post shared by Starwood Preferred Guest (@spg) on Mar 11, 2018 at 12:19pm PDT

Offering Gold, Platinum, 50-night Platinum, 75-night Platinum, and 100-night Platinum reward levels, guests can claim anything from late checkouts to gifts on arrival and room upgrades to ambassador access who will take care of organizing every aspect of your stay.

Rewards programs are a revelation to many travelers. They can be the difference between staying in bargain lodgings or ultimate luxury for the same price, or getting that much-needed upgrade on your long-haul flight.

Here are all the winners across every region.