How frequent flyers and regular hotel guests can double dip on points

Qantas and Accor have announced a new partnership that will see members of both their loyalty programs be rewarded at every stage of their journey.  

Scheduled to launch mid-2021, it will be the first partnership of its kind between an airline and hospitality group in the Asia Pacific region.

The new partnership will give eligible members of both programs the opportunity to boost their rewards by simultaneously earning both Qantas Points and ALL – Accor Live Limitless reward points on Accor hotel bookings, and Qantas points and ALL points on Qantas flight bookings.

Members will also enjoy more opportunities to redeem points as well as a suite of exclusive benefits for top-tier members, the press release says.

The partnership will apply for hotel stays across the Asia Pacific region and across Qantas’ domestic and international flights.

Qantas Loyalty CEO Olivia Wirth said Qantas Frequent Flyer is always looking for new and innovative ways to reward and recognise its members.

“From next year, eligible members of Qantas’ and Accor’s loyalty programs will earn twice when they fly or stay with the two brands," she said. "This is an entirely new way to recognise the loyalty of our frequent flyers which we know will be very popular. 

"Although our members haven’t been flying much lately due to border closures, we know there is huge pent-up demand, and we’ve been looking at how we provide even more value when their travel resumes whether that’s for business or leisure."

Accor Pacific CEO Simon McGrath said the enhanced partnership between Accor and Qantas was a major milestone for the travel industry, enabling greater benefits for loyalty customers across Accor’s 1,240 hotels, apartments and resorts in the Asia Pacific region.

“We are joining forces to enable our customers to be part of something special; delivering exceptional travel benefits and unrivalled service for people who enjoy our two much-loved brands,” McGrath said.

“Customers are at the heart of this joint venture and the combined strength of Accor and Qantas will bring significant extended benefits.”

Members of each loyalty program will receive further information on the full details of the new partnership early next year. The deal puts increased pressure on Virgin Australia's rival Velocity lotalty program. 

Stay tuned.