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Airlines

JetBlue launches iPhone app, redesigns web and mobile sites

Dianna Dilworth February 06, 2012

JetBlue Airways redesigned its website and mobile site, and has also launched an iPhone application, all with the intent of personalizing and simplifying the customer experience, the airline said on Feb. 6.

On the wings of love:  An ode to my airline

Scott Donaton, CEO of Ensemble June 01, 2011

Forgive me readers, for I have sinned: it's been a long time since my last confession. Actually, this one is rather difficult to get out. A bit embarrassing and — to be honest — I can't really believe I'm saying it out loud. Don't judge me.  I think I like my airline. Stop looking at me like that. It's true, and I don't care who knows it.

Marriott and JetBlue launch joint loyalty program initiative

Juan Martinez May 02, 2011

Marriott International and JetBlue Airways launched a joint loyalty program initiative on May 2 that will allow JetBlue TrueBlue members to earn points for staying at any Marriott hotel.

Virgin America's videos elicit laughs

May 01, 2011

Virgin America created a series of videos that consumers can vote for and comment on via online social video forum Squabbler as part of its integrated "Breath of Fresh Airline" campaign. Each viewer who interacts with a video has a chance to win a plane ticket.

Expedia's relaunched rewards program falls short of impressing travel marketers

Esther D'Amico May 01, 2011

Online travel agency Expedia said in late March that its  relaunched rewards program was a game changer for travel consumers because it allowed them to earn points on hotels, flights, packages and activities regardless of which hotel or airline they used.

Airlines still don't get it

Rose Gordon April 15, 2011

This is the chart I encountered when trying to figure out how to use existing miles to upgrade to business class on United for a flight to Hawaii this summer. It's a long flight from the East Coast, and we have a lot of miles saved up.

American Airlines, British Airways promote loyalty contest through social media

Juan Martinez April 13, 2011

American Airlines and British Airways began promoting the "Miles Millionaire" loyalty contest on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube on April 12 to acquire new program members. The contest, developed by OgilvyOne, is targeting existing American Airlines AAdvantage and British Airways Executive Club members, as well as prospective members.

Virgin America launches loyalty program for SMBs

Juan Martinez March 16, 2011

Virgin America airline launched a corporate rewards program for small- and medium-sized businesses on March 15. The program, Elevate Inc., is designed to reward companies that spend a minimum of $20,000 per year on travel with the airline.

Spanair taps demographics to deliver holiday surprise

Kevin McKeefery March 02, 2011

Spanish airline Spanair surprised nearly 200 passengers on one of its flights from Barcelona to the Canary Islands as part of its "Unexpected Luggage" campaign, developed by Shackleton.

Marketers rethink search engine budgets

Ben Comer March 01, 2011

Reid Ichiki, senior manager of Internet marketing at Hawaiian Airlines, says his company uses both Google and the Alliance for search marketing, but spends more with Google.

Southwest revamps Rapid Rewards program

Juan Martinez January 06, 2011

Southwest Airlines revealed updates to its loyalty program, Rapid Rewards, on January 6, including removing blackout dates and seat restrictions for reward redemptions.

Low-cost carriers earn marketing stripes despite industry challenges

Rose Gordon December 01, 2010

Rising oil prices followed by a brutal recession that saw a plunge in both business and leisure travel threatened the airline industry as a whole over the last few years.

Lufthansa's 'Flavors of India' shows flights to India

Kevin McKeefery December 01, 2010

Important Indian holidays fall in October and November, so Lufthansa introduced a campaign to celebrate Indian food.

American Airlines redesigns AA.com

Alex Palmer November 16, 2010

American Airlines launched a redesigned version of its AA.com website on November 15, drawing on input from users and internal research.

Chris Rossi, SVP, North America, Virgin America

October 08, 2010

Chris Rossi talks about Virgin America's latest national campaign

Missed opportunity due to in-flight drama

Rose Gordon August 20, 2010

I took a cross-country flight this week that had me in and out of San Francisco in 24 hours. The kind of trip that can make any consumer cranky.

JetBlue names Mullen AOR for creative, media

Dianna Dilworth May 04, 2010

JetBlue has named Mullen its creative and media agency of record. The relationship begins five months after the airline parted ways with WPP sister agencies JWT and MediaCom, which handled creative and media duties, respectively.

United, Continental loyalty programs to remain active through merger process

Nathan Golia May 03, 2010

United Airlines and Continental Airlines promised customers "the industry's leading frequent flyer program, offering vast opportunities for customers to earn and redeem miles" when announcing their May 3 merger.

Retail partnerships lift travel rut

Dianna Dilworth March 01, 2010

Some travel brands are expanding their retail and e-commerce partnerships to sell consumers perks and products, and creating additional revenue in the process.

Expedia addresses ambivalence with direct campaign

Kevin McKeefery December 30, 2009

Travel booking site Expedia has launched a direct marketing campaign to differentiate the brand from other travel search engines. The campaign highlights both Expedia's convenience of use and the value of booking hotel and flight plans together on the site.

Hilton, Virgin America partner on loyalty effort

Nathan Golia, Kevin McKeefery December 15, 2009

Hilton HHonors, Hilton Hotels' loyalty program, has partnered with airline Virgin America on a program that allows members to earn Virgin rewards points for stays at Hilton-owned hotels. Customers can earn one point in Virgin's Elevate loyalty program for every $2 spent at a Hilton property, or a fixed number of points per night spent at a hotel with the point value varying according to the franchise.

Loyalty takes flight at JetBlue

Dianna Dilworth October 26, 2009

JetBlue's director of loyalty marketing and partnerships, Dave Canty, discusses how the TrueBlue program has evolved to meet customers' needs.

JetBlue working with e-Dialog on e-mail marketing, loyalty program

Dianna Dilworth October 06, 2009

JetBlue Airways is working with e-mail service provider e-Dialog to power its e-mail marketing messages and revamp its TrueBlue loyalty program. JetBlue is using e-Dialog's software to create e-mail campaigns in-house. The airline is also collaborating with the agency's team on e-mail strategy, as well as technical and data services.

British Airways "Face-to-face" with Agency.com

September 01, 2009

With the help of Agency.com for digital promotion, British Airways recently launched its "Face-to-face" campaign, a contest that gives small business owners the chance to earn a flight anywhere in the world to take their business to the next level with in-person meetings.

JetBlue latest airline to seek improved loyalty

Lauren Bell August 06, 2009

JetBlue jumped into the new loyalty fray this week, with plans to upgrade its TrueBlue membership program following closely on last week's loyalty program upgrade announcements by Delta and United.

AirTran finds e-mail helps increase loyalty

Dianna Dilworth July 13, 2009

AirTran Airways has found that e-mail is a helpful tool to help keep up communications with its frequent flier members. In fact, since the airline teamed up with e-mail services provider e-Dialog to revamp its e-mail program, the brand has seen a 70% increase in click-through rates in its e-mails.

Ryanair looks to Webloyalty for repeat business

Lauren Bell July 01, 2009

Ryanair, a discount airline based in Ireland, has partnered with Webloyalty in a move to encourage repeat customers. Through the new agreement, customers who book tickets online with Ryanair will receive a prompt at the end of the checkout process inviting them to join Webloyalty's Shopper Discounts and Rewards program.

PrivatAir taps Ink to redesign custom magazine

Lauren Bell June 25, 2009

PrivatAir, a company that offers private flights to VIPs and executives, has signed Ink Publishing to helm a relaunch of its custom magazine in July. The 6,500-circulation quarterly, PrivatAir — the magazine, is offered on board PrivatAir flights and on all business-class services operated by partners Lufthansa, Swiss International Airlines and KLM, and at some luxury hotels in Europe and the Middle East. It's also direct mailed to PrivatAir clients and subscribers worldwide.

JetBlue debuts campaign to promote new LAX service

Dianna Dilworth June 18, 2009

JetBlue debuted its first flight to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) yesterday and, to build buzz around the event, invited travel bloggers and YouTubers on a flight from JFK to LAX to share their thoughts.