The initiative is a customer retention strategy employed within the aviation sector. It rewards frequent flyers with points or miles based on distance flown, ticket class, or spending. These accrued rewards can then be redeemed for future travel, upgrades, or other partner benefits. Airlines design these programs to incentivize customers to choose their brand repeatedly, building long-term relationships and fostering brand affinity.
Its value lies in generating predictable revenue streams and gathering valuable customer data that inform marketing and operational decisions. Airlines can leverage the information collected to personalize offers, anticipate customer needs, and improve service delivery. The programs often have a tiered structure, rewarding those who fly most frequently with increased benefits, further incentivizing loyalty. Historically, these initiatives emerged as a competitive tool in the deregulated airline industry, offering a unique selling point beyond price and schedules.