The world’s biggest business travel reward programme is getting a ‘new year’ makeover with a new name, new look and enhanced benefits. As the Star Alliance Company Plus Programme in the UK and Ireland celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2014 it will become PartnerPlusBenefit, adopting the programme’s global brand name, and for the first time will offer members the opportunity to earn points on all revenue booking classes, including the lowest ones.
Businesses in the UK and Ireland who are members of the programme can earn reward points through 10 global airline brands, including Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, United Airlines and Air Canada, who together offer flights to 500 destinations in over 100 countries worldwide.
Announcing the ‘new look’ programme, Christian Schindler, Lufthansa General Manager UK and Ireland said: “We are streamlining the global image of the programme to develop a broader range of synergies that will improve and increase the benefits to members. As part of the largest company bonus programme worldwide, which has proven itself globally for many years, our clients will continue to enjoy increased benefits and, for the first time, the opportunity to earn points on all revenue booking classes.
“PartnerPlusBenefit members can earn and burn points on all 10 airlines in the programme in one easy to manage account. No other similar programme in this country includes so many carriers working together in that way.”
The benefits of the programme to businesses in Ireland are simple to understand, said David O’Grady, Financial Director, Core Technology Ireland: “We have been a member of Star Company Plus for several years now and have mainly benefited from the Star Alliance network and the loyalty programme with rewards on Lufthansa and United, that our consultants use for non-revenue company flights, upgrades, lounge access. We found the service team very help in dealing with our enquiries.”
Bepi Gaidoni, General Manager, BCD Travel, Ireland, said: “We recommend SACP to all clients because it is an easy way to earn benefits from 10 carriers and to make cuts to their travel budget.”
PartnerPlusBenefit members will be able to choose from a wide ranging 13 options when redeeming loyalty points under the new PartnerPlusBenefit programme. These include award flights, upgrades, cash-back, hotel eGiftcards valid in over 70,000 hotels worldwide, and airport parking.
