While most travelers plan their trips after the carefulreview of cheap traveloptions, such as cheapairplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, discounttravel deals, and cheap vacation packages, increasinglyfrequent flier miles are being redeemed for things other than free airlinetickets.
The IdeaWorks consultancy has uncovered wild, weird andwonderful awards that savvy airlines are using to intrigue customers withmileage awards that go far beyond flying. IdeaWorks examined over 160 airline programs offered around the world todetermine the most interesting examples of alternative rewards.
Some of the more unusual rewards include:
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EVAAirs frequent flier program offers a 90 minute training session in one of theairlines flight simulators for 100,000 miles.
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JapanAirlines offers an almost two hour tour of its Sky Museum for 2,000 miles.
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AmericanAirlines put up for bid a package for two to see Justin Timberlake perform. Included were event tickets, hotelaccommodations, and a $600 prepaid MasterCard. The winning bid was for 421,000 miles.
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Israeliairline El Al offers members the ability to purchase an in-flight marriageproposal kit for 120 points plus $60.
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35,000points buys a private sidecar tour of Beijing from Qantas. Included is a gourmet lunch and sparklingwine served along the wall of the Forbidden City.
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EtihadAirways offers raffles costing 100 miles per ticket. A recent prize was an Abu Dhabi Grand Prixpackage for two with four nights at the St. Regis resort, as well as VIPtickets to the race, and round trip business class airline tickets.
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ChinasHainan Airways offers low income college students in China a chance to receivetickets home for the holidays as a result of members who donate miles to theairlines Send love home program.
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ANA AllNippon is offering members the ability for two to dine among Lexus cars inTokyo for 15,000 miles. Diners enjoy afour course meal in a stylish fine dining restaurant, which includes a bottleof Champagne. Fans of the brand canbrowse the latest Lexus models, view Lexus inspired exhibits, and dine in theCaf or Bistro. Soon diners will also beable to take advantage of this deal in Dubai and New York City.
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FrontierAirlines is awarding Denver Zoo Family Memberships for 11,000 miles. EarlyReturns members can redeem miles forvarious zoo membership packages and admission tickets.
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MammaMia tickets to New York City performances are being awarded by United Airlinesfor 16,900 miles. MileagePlus Headlinersenable program members to redeem miles for sporting events, concerts, andtheater event tickets.
Airlines are increasingly using their frequent flier programsto promote unique offerings vs. the traditional old reward deals, in part tobetter appeal to business travelers and to positively differentiate themselvesfrom their competitors.
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