QANTAS AND AIRBNB TEAM UP TO MAKE FREQUENT FLYERS FEEL RIGHT AT HOME

Friday 07 October 2016 11:23
Qantas and Airbnb have come together in a world-first partnership to give Qantas Frequent Flyer members the opportunity to earn Qantas Points when they book their Airbnb accommodation throughqantas.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 CEO 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," Mr Joyce said.

"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."

Airbnb CEO and 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," Mr Chesky said.

"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."

To celebrate the new partnership, Qantas and Airbnb are offering Qantas Frequent Flyer members the chance to win the ultimate Qantas Airbnb experience for members who book an Airbnb via qantas.comby the end of October 2016.

The prize includes four return Business class tickets on Qantas to San Francisco for the winner and three guests from the winner's closest Qantas port in Australia; Qantas First Lounge access in Sydney prior to departure; five nights' Airbnb accommodation in San Francisco using an Airbnb voucher to the value of $5000; $4000 spending money loaded onto a Qantas Cash card; and return transfers from/to San Francisco airport.

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 toairbnb.com.au to complete their booking.