SAN FRANCISCO—Virgin America has announced a partnership with Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), the loyalty program of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. Beginning immediately, SPG members will be able to transfer Starpoints into Elevate points at a 1-to-1 ratio, and Elevate members will earn two points for every one dollar spent on Starwood Hotel stays. The additional rewards provided to Elevate members given the breadth of brands in the Starwood portfolio, will make it even easier to earn points wherever their travels take them.
Additionally, Virgin America is announcing its “Work Hard, Hawai’i Hard” promotion, aimed at incentivizing Angelenos to make the ultimate #Hawaiiscape with Virgin America’s new seasonal daily nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Honolulu, Oahu (starting May 5, 2016) and Kahului, Maui (starting June 14, 2016). The promotion gives travelers the chance to win the ultimate escape package that includes tickets to paradise on Virgin America’s upscale flights, luxury accommodations at either the Westin Moana Surfrider Hotel or the Sheraton Maui, and 50,000 Elevate points.
“We’re thrilled to announce our new loyalty partnership with Starwood Preferred Guest,” said Stuart Dinnis, director of loyalty at Virgin America. “We’re looking forward to welcoming SPG members who may not have yet experienced Virgin America’s award-winning service.”
Virgin America and Starwood have also partnered to create two tropical SPG Moments to commemorate the partnership launch. SPG members can start bidding today on packages for two to Maui and Honolulu that include seats on Virgin America’s inaugural flights to both locations and a four-night stay at either the Westin Maui or the Sheraton Waikiki. Both packages offer foodie extras including a tour of Maui farms followed by a private lunch using collected ingredients, or an one-hour chartered Mai Tai Catamaran ride around the coastline of Oahu and a private 5-course wine pairing dinner on the pool lawn at the Sheraton Waikiki. These Moments also include Gold status on Virgin America for one year.
“This new partnership will enable SPG and Virgin America to extend loyalty outside of our hotels and beyond the window seat by giving our members transfer benefits and earning power,” said Dana Rosenberg, vice president, global partnerships at Starwood. “This will enhance the travel experience for our most valuable members and gives both Virgin American and Starwood an opportunity to reach frequent travellers who aren’t part of our programs and capture greater share of the global, high-end traveller.”
