Qantas partners with Airbnb to boost loyalty scheme

Qantas and Airbnb have come together in partnership to give Qantas Frequent Flyer members the opportunity to earn Qantas Points when they book their Airbnb accommodation through qantas.com.

Australia’s national carrier and the accommodation leader have partnered to reward Qantas Frequent Flyer’s 11.4 million members with one Qantas Point for every dollar they spend on any of Airbnb’s 2.5 million accommodation listings across 191 countries.

The partnership marks the first time Airbnb has worked with an airline in this way to reward Frequent Flyer members when booking accommodation through Qantas’ website - and is the next step in Qantas’ partnerships with innovative digital and technology businesses.

Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce said it was a natural fit for two global brands with a track record of wanting customers to feel at home when they travel as well as using technology to create great experiences for their customers.

“The way that people around the world plan, book and experience travel is changing rapidly with the digital revolution,” Joyce explained.

“We know many of our customers are just as likely to arrange an Airbnb as they are to book a hotel, and we wanted to recognise and reward them for that.

“From creating Business class in the 1970s to introducing mobile technology to transform the check-in process in recent years, Qantas has always looked for ways to reinvent airline travel - just like Airbnb has done for accommodation. We’re really excited about the potential for this partnership.”

To earn Qantas Points, Frequent Flyer members should visit qantas.com/stay choose the Airbnb option then enter their Frequent Flyer details when prompted.

The member is then redirected to airbnb.com.au to complete their booking.

Airbnb co-founder Brian Chesky said the number one reason people travel on Airbnb is because they want to feel like they truly live in their destination, even if it’s just for a night.

“Our announcement today with Qantas highlights the rapidly growing movement towards the personalised and unique experiences available through the Airbnb community,” added Chesky.

“People around the world are experiencing a different way to travel through Airbnb. We’re focused on connecting people with the hospitality of locals, welcoming travellers into their communities so they can truly belong anywhere.

“There are just a handful of global brands who understand that travel is now changing for the better.

“Qantas is one of those brands.”