Online travel agent Expedia.com rolled out its new Expedia Rewards consumer loyalty program last week, which takes the place of the company’s previous participation in the ThankYou Points program.
The new program allows Expedia customers to more quickly earn points for hotels, flights, packages, and activities booked on Expedia.com, with travel rewards starting at 3,500 points. Points can be redeemed for flights on more than 140 airlines or for hotel coupons at more than 70,000 properties. Unlike some other reward programs, Expedia Rewards does not have any blackout dates.
Basic awards are one point for each dollar spent on flights, hotels, and activities, with up to four points per dollar spent if services are booked as a package. For instance, a member booking hotel, air, and car rental for a trip altogether as a package earns three points per dollar spent as opposed to a 1:1 ratio. Additional bonus points are awarded for bookings that include a VIP Access hotel.
Elite Plus Program Upgrades
Expedia also recently announced an upgrade to its Expedia Elite Plus Program, originally launched in 2008, namely the addition of “VIP Access” hotels, where Elite Plus members can now earn free room upgrades and VIP perks at these participating properties in select markets nationwide.
The program started with 118 hotels in 20 cities, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Palm Beach, Charleston, and Savannah. In January, properties in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, and Portland (OR) were added.
Limited Time Offer
In addition, through Aug. 31, 2011, Expedia Rewards members can earn double base points when booking an Expedia Special Rate hotel or hotel package that is paid with a MasterCard. Advance registration is required for this offer.
For more information, or to enroll in Expedia Rewards (membership is free), visit www.expedia.com/rewards.