Miles & More (Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, and other partners) - Lufthansa Launches "Blue Legends" app for "foursquare" users

Lufthansa went live with a new social media based app that rewards Lufthansa flyers with coupons, badges, and promotional opportunities when they use foursquare to check in with the Lufthansa based opportunities. I posted more details and the relevant links (http://boardingarea.com/blogs/lufthansaflyer/?p=7983) on my website tonight.

I had the opportunity to see a preview of this a few weeks ago while in Frankfurt, and I think its a great way to get passengers to increase their interactions.\ with the airline. A lot of great things are in store for this new product.

Its not only foursquare, you can link your facebook too, or either. When LH showed it to us sbm12 & rcs85551 went 'meh'. I use 4sq (don't ask me why) but stopped showing the world what I'm doing when (except topguest), so time will tell.

The press release: http://presse.lufthansa.com/en/news-releases/singleview/archive/2012/june/28/article/2180.html

What I find irritation is that the link takes you to fb directly... :td:

I'm sorry but I never got that check in thing. Can someone explain it to me? What is the benefit?

I'm very glad to see LH taking such a comprehensive approach with 4sq, unlike some other half-arsed attempts. They do seem pretty unclear on the benefits, though, although I presume most badges will translate to miles.

So, I'm one of the 3 people on the Internet who still don't have a facebook profile. However, I do use 4sq, as it's a great way to give a glimpse of my life to the people I care about as I buzz around :)

Is there a way to connect it *only* to 4sq, without having to connect with FB first?

Not atm, as the website uses fb only to create yout profile... It's a valid point, though, one should be able to choose between e-mail and facebook login. Like here on FT :)

Not atm, as the website uses fb only to create yout profile... It's a valid point, though, one should be able to choose between e-mail and facebook login. Like here on FT :)

or - shudder - www.miles-and-more.com username and password ;)

or - shudder - www.miles-and-more.com username and password ;)

...or cardnumber and PIN ;)

I'm sorry but I never got that check in thing. Can someone explain it to me? What is the benefit?

Topguest.com gives you points with various loyalty programs (I use Hilton, B Western, P. Club and United MP, there are more) if they detect that you checked in at certain locations.

They do seem pretty unclear on the benefits, though, although I presume most badges will translate to miles.

No free miles planned (I showed them the UA MP scheme though...) but you will get small gifts for things like having flown on a middle seat 5 times in a row etc.

No free miles planned (I showed them the UA MP scheme though...) but you will get small gifts for things like having flown on a middle seat 5 times in a row etc.

I've updated my blog post to reflect images of sample badges, and what the mayor's seat would look like on a flight that a pax has become the mayor of:

http://boardingarea.com/blogs/lufthansaflyer/?p=7983

Its not only foursquare, you can link your facebook too, or either. When LH showed it to us sbm12 & rcs85551 went 'meh'. I use 4sq (don't ask me why) but stopped showing the world what I'm doing when (except topguest), so time will tell.

I found out this morning that it is also an app capable of running on a desktop/laptop, so no mobile device is required.

Seems more like something for children.....

Seems more like something for children.....

you'll be surprised how many adults are competitive when it comes to earning points and "winning".

I'm sorry but I never got that check in thing. Can someone explain it to me? What is the benefit?

The point (no pun intended) of these programs is to create a sense of friendly competition among your circle of friends. The way they do it is to award points for frequenting restaurants, attractions, etc.

LH has taken it to flights, lounges and airports. Points and gifts will be earned by the traveler based on their activity. The airline receives potentially important marketing information regarding the behaviors of their clientele.

Similar programs usually result in users getting coupons or tangible rewards for using the application.

I never used to be a fan of social media apps like this, but that is no longer the case since I downloaded foursquare. it can become a bit addicting! :)

Excerpt from LH's presser that talks about certain badge opportunities:

For example, customer’s flying across the Atlantic Ocean can
unlock the “Atlantic Badge” and users can become “Expert Pilots” on the routes they fly most frequently. Early risers who check in before 6 a.m. are awarded the “Early Bird” badge. And, anyone who racks up more than 241,092 miles with Lufthansa will receive the “To the Moon” badge. Badge by badge, regular travelers who check in most frequently to Lufthansa venues can become true “legends of the skies” with Blue Legends.

I'm sorry but I never got that check in thing. Can someone explain it to me? What is the benefit?

The point (no pun intended) of these programs is to create a sense of friendly competition among your circle of friends. The way they do it is to award points for frequenting restaurants, attractions, etc.

LH has taken it to flights, lounges and airports. Points and gifts will be earned by the traveler based on their activity. The airline receives potentially important marketing information regarding the behaviors of their clientele.

Similar programs usually result in users getting coupons or tangible rewards for using the application.

I never used to be a fan of social media apps like this, but that is no longer the case since I downloaded foursquare. it can become a bit addicting! :)
That makes sense for restaurants but doesn't LH already have that information? It's all on the flight stats page in your M&M profile.

LH has taken it to flights, lounges and airports. Points and gifts will be earned by the traveler based on their activity. The airline receives potentially important marketing information regarding the behaviors of their clientele

That makes sense for restaurants but doesn't LH already have that information? It's all on the flight stats page in your M&M profile.
LH can collect more useful information if they can find what other airlines their clientele is flying. :p

More from LH on Blue legends:

Codeshare flights are included as long as the flight has an LH flight number. I'm waiting for a couple of clarifying answers as exactly what that entails and how far reaching it. It would be great if my GRR-ORD flight would be in the "running" for something.

A points system is being evaluated but for the purposes of the beta points will not be included. (need to make sure a system can be in place to avoid "fraudulent check-ins")

badges, vouchers, mayorships will all be based on a random algorithm to maintain an element of surprise so that no one can detect a pattern.

From my conversations and emails with the team behind Blue Legends, they want this to be a fun app and not have it turn into something that people exploit.

That makes sense for restaurants but doesn't LH already have that information? It's all on the flight stats page in your M&M profile.

LH's social media team is looking to create a "fun" app that people can enjoy and be surprised by --that seems to be a central theme to their efforts. I think part of the product is to appeal to a younger and social-media aware demographic and to have "Lufthansa" become part of their social media vocabulary. Passive marketing does have its benefits! (Like clicking the signature of some weird blogger at the bottom of his post :p ).

Passive marketing does have its benefits! (Like clicking the signature of some weird blogger at the bottom of his post :p ).

Well, it's not passive marketing anymore then, is it? ;) ... and btw it worked for me, I clicked ;)

Good thing they launched the beta first - some guy named Stepman K. is abusing the hell out of the app. He's the mayor of most flights out of Germany by now...

As some know, I also somehow like 4sq.
But I am still curious, how LH track my activity.

like having flown on a middle seat 5 times in a row etc.

That's just an example, I know. But where do I deliver this information?

For example, customer’s flying across the Atlantic Ocean can
unlock the “Atlantic Badge” and users can become “Expert Pilots” on the routes they fly most frequently. Early risers who check in before 6 a.m. are awarded the “Early Bird” badge. And, anyone who racks up more than 241,092 miles with Lufthansa will receive the “To the Moon” badge. Badge by badge, regular travelers who check in most frequently to Lufthansa venues can become true “legends of the skies” with Blue Legends.

Codeshare flights are included as long as the flight has an LH flight number.

How does LH/Blue Legends get that info?
I frequently check in at the Airports/Lounges I am. But actually never on a "flight" or anything which provides detailed data (yes, I tweet about a/c reg, route etc, but that's a different story).

As some know, I also somehow like 4sq.
But I am still curious, how LH track my activity.



That's just an example, I know. But where do I deliver this information?





How does LH/Blue Legends get that info?
I frequently check in at the Airports/Lounges I am. But actually never on a "flight" or anything which provides detailed data (yes, I tweet about a/c reg, route etc, but that's a different story).

There are 'flights' loaded in the 4sq system for example search LH 2400 and you find the MUC-BSL flight. A list is also here: https://foursquare.com/lufthansa

So if you checkin for that flight, they will mesh your FFP data (provided by you at sign up) with the flight number and determine the seat number. The new Samba plattform will supposedly deliver the goods. Time will tell. I'm certainly making sure I become the major of my next LH longhaul to challenge them to place the headrest cover! :D:p:rolleyes:

from what I was told, LH codeshare flight numbers will factor in, so supposedly even non LH metal will count. I'll see if that happens next week.....However I dont think it will work now that I think of it since I'm crediting the UA flights to my MP account. Oh well.

from what I was told, LH codeshare flight numbers will factor in, so supposedly even non LH metal will count. I'll see if that happens next week.....However I dont think it will work now that I think of it since I'm crediting the UA flights to my MP account. Oh well.

The LH 4sq page lists the 695 flights they have loaded, I've seen a number of TG and UA flight numbers in there... what FFP number you have in the legends app doesn't matter.

There are 'flights' loaded in the 4sq system for example search LH 2400 and you find the MUC-BSL flight. A list is also here: https://foursquare.com/lufthansa

So if you checkin for that flight, they will mesh your FFP data (provided by you at sign up) with the flight number and determine the seat number. The new Samba plattform will supposedly deliver the goods. Time will tell. I'm certainly making sure I become the major of my next LH longhaul to challenge them to place the headrest cover! :D:p:rolleyes:

Awesome! Thank you! :kiss:

What's the point of a top 5 when all in the top 5 (impossibly) already seem to have all the badges?

Well it seems that they still don't have any sort of anti-cheating system in place. Which is strange if the system is as interconnected as this thread suggests.

I still don't get it. The first flight I found when I went to https://foursquare.com/lufthansa was JK6709. :cool:

I still don't get it.

I'll give it a try this weekend. I am booked on 3 LH flights. Am curious.

Well it seems that they still don't have any sort of anti-cheating system in place. Which is strange if the system is as interconnected as this thread suggests.

Foursquare will let you checkin anywhere if you know the right channel to use. That is whats killing Topguest.com right now. We (sbm12, Lufthansaflyer, rcs85551 and me) clearly mentioned that when they gave us a preview. :rolleyes:

I'll give it a try this weekend. I am booked on 3 LH flights. Am curious.
The first flight that popped up this morning is BD091 BHD-LHR. :confused: The developers of the app must be using some outdated list of LH codeshares. :D

Foursquare will let you checkin anywhere if you know the right channel to use. That is whats killing Topguest.com right now. We (sbm12, Lufthansaflyer, rcs85551 and me) clearly mentioned that when they gave us a preview. :rolleyes:

I'm entirely aware of that, and I know they can't influence check-ins, but they can definitely filter them out in Blue Legends itself. Every Foursquare user has to provide a name and surname - how hard is it to then run the check-in through the reservation system for a match?

I'm entirely aware of that, and I know they can't influence check-ins, but they can definitely filter them out in Blue Legends itself. Every Foursquare user has to provide a name and surname - how hard is it to then run the check-in through the reservation system for a match?

Could be a data privacy issue?

I'm entirely aware of that, and I know they can't influence check-ins, but they can definitely filter them out in Blue Legends itself. Every Foursquare user has to provide a name and surname - how hard is it to then run the check-in through the reservation system for a match?

They can look if your M&M number was on the flight, but such a mass search would tax the system and is probably not allowed.

Could be a data privacy issue?

Perhaps, but does this app make any sense?
(Btw I'll try it in any case next week...)

I'll give it a try this weekend. I am booked on 3 LH flights. Am curious.

Ok, back from my weekend trip MUC-FRA-HEL-MUC with 2x FCL MUC and 1x FCT FRA.
All I got was the 'Lounge Newbie' Badge and both stays at the FCL are visible in my Blue Legends account.
Did not get anything for the FCT and was unable to find any of my flights in 4sq.

Will give it a next try on Thursday on MUC-FRA-DTW.

4sq search can be a bit wonky, try to be creative. For instance, I couldn't get a match when searching for "LH 2417", but I managed to get one when searching for only "2417".

Ok, back from my weekend trip MUC-FRA-HEL-MUC with 2x FCL MUC and 1x FCT FRA.
All I got was the 'Lounge Newbie' Badge and both stays at the FCL are visible in my Blue Legends account.
Did not get anything for the FCT and was unable to find any of my flights in 4sq.

Will give it a next try on Thursday on MUC-FRA-DTW.

I'll drop a note to the developers and let them know. what fl #'s?? i know that fct populates on 4sq

4sq search can be a bit wonky, try to be creative. For instance, I couldn't get a match when searching for "LH 2417", but I managed to get one when searching for only "2417".

Tried several combinations....

I'll drop a note to the developers and let them know. what fl #'s?? i know that fct populates on 4sq

99, 848, 2465

Tried several combinations....



99, 848, 2465

thanks.....will let you know what they come back with.

thanks.....will let you know what they come back with.

Found them all 3 via foursquare.com on my Desktop.
So I'm obviously too dumb to live.

Jipieh! Just got my 'Blue Legends First takeoff Badge' :)

LH's social media team has asked me to forward any comments or feedback that Blue Legends users may have. I've had several people provide feedback along the way through my blog, but wanted to get feedback from FT'ers who may not be familiar with it.

They're meeting in the near future to discuss BL's progress and looking at new ideas to expand the project.

If you have any constructive feedback or ideas on BL, please PM them to me or email them to me on lufthansaflyerblog.com. I'll forward them on so they can have first hand feedback from users.

I posted this request on my blog this morning, offering a Lufthansa Fan Pack to one "lucky winner" as a thanks for providing feedback. Any replies I get through FT will be included, just include you FT handle if you are emailing me your comments.

Thanks!
Dennis

My feedback would be that they focus their efforts on making basic features work better before wasting resources on these kind of stupid apps.
I really fail to see how this would be of interest for FF's above the age of 12. I don't need another social app, got plenty already.

The LH app and the M&M app are enough interaction with LH for me. I would prefer they focus on better support when I need them.

My feedback would be that they focus their efforts on making basic features work better before wasting resources on these kind of stupid apps.
I really fail to see how this would be of interest for FF's above the age of 12. I don't need another social app, got plenty already.

The LH app and the M&M app are enough interaction with LH for me. I would prefer they focus on better support when I need them.

Well said.
But as Lufthansa currently tries to exchange their customer base (getting rid of long term customers and attract new customers) it could make sense to do something in the social media space what others don't do.

All the social media stuff makes little sense to the regular business flyer, but certainly addresses a need that is out there. The fb page has 1.2 million 'likers' and all the nonsensical stuff like mile scout, blue legends, scene spotter, the bloggers etc has quite a good response and must hit a nerve with the 10+ million customers they transport each year.

All the social media stuff makes little sense to the regular business flyer, but certainly addresses a need that is out there. The fb page has 1.2 million 'likers' and all the nonsensical stuff like mile scout, blue legends, scene spotter, the bloggers etc has quite a good response and must hit a nerve with the 10+ million customers they transport each year.

I agree, the social apps are not geared towards the "professional traveler" nearly as much as it is focused on the "retail" traveler or tourist. Reading the FB pages, it's obvious who their target market is via FB, etc.

But sometimes the competition for badges and points even gets the best of us type "A" personalities!

Good thing they launched the beta first - some guy named Stepman K. is abusing the hell out of the app. He's the mayor of most flights out of Germany by now...

And he still is doing so...

Same with Putu N. and a bunch of others....well....

And he still is doing so...

Same with Putu N. and a bunch of others....well....

LH is purging the abuser accounts any day now, and think they have a way to prevent abuse going forward.

LH is purging the abuser accounts any day now, and think they have a way to prevent abuse going forward.

^

Thanks for the update(s), LH Flyer, do keep us posted!

According to LH's Social Media Team, they are purging the accounts of suspected abusers of the system tonight. They had given a few days for suspected abusers to reply via email. Those that did not reply with a valid explanation will have their accounts purged.

Please keep posting any anomalies with Blue Legends so that we can help them perfect the system.

Saw this infographic today which somewhat explains why LH and others are so desperate to capture the attention of travellers that use social media:

http://www.businessinsider.com/infographic-how-social-media-affects-the-way-we-travel-2012-8

Didn't convince me, but hey it is what it is.... :p

Well, as one of the younger FT members (please don't take this the wrong way :D), I have to admit that it adds to the experience quite a bit. I'm an avid 4sq user and always interested in what LH's social media team puts out. A few days ago, I was planning a trip to Stockholm with my girlfriend and suggested we go via ZRH. She said she preferred routing through MUC because that way she'd get to catch up with me a bit on Blue Legends and unlock a few badges. Simply enough, on these short intra-EU hops, these "fun" bits of a journey mean more to us than who has better seats, for instance.

I have absolutely no clue what on earth the 4sq benefit is, but I still do it, especially during travel. Inspite of not having a smart phone :eek:

I have absolutely no clue what on earth the 4sq benefit is, but I still do it, especially during travel.

+1

One "benefit": I checked in into a venue in Hamburg via 4sq the other day and a friend of mine called me and we'd dinner.

OK, one benefit is earning miles and points via topguest (only at some programs, thanks to massive misuse many have stopped it), another is that I know when Hippo72, FlyGVA, and many other FT/VFT/LH buddies I have on 4sq are commuting, having dinner, taking baths at the FCL, collecting ducks, and feeling the love when they <3 my checkins. :D

It seems that the most heinous offenders have been purged. The top 5 of this moment doesn't look all that legit either, but baby steps, I guess :D

Anyone know an easy way to find codeshare info (like the LH number for a United flight?) I know sometimes that airport monitors show it, and I checked the lufthansa PDF timetable but there were not a whole lot of flights listed. I mostly fly UA but I want to play too!

Anyone know an easy way to find codeshare info (like the LH number for a United flight?) I know sometimes that airport monitors show it, and I checked the lufthansa PDF timetable but there were not a whole lot of flights listed. I mostly fly UA but I want to play too!
You can use lufthansa.com's Flight Status page (http://www.lufthansa.com/de/en/Arrival-and-Departure) aka Arrival & Departure information. Enter your flight route to find the LH number for your flight.

It seems that the most heinous offenders have been purged. The top 5 of this moment doesn't look all that legit either, but baby steps, I guess :D

I don't see much difference. The no. 1 still seems to have 15x around the world since the start of Blue Legends. I'm impressed :o

She has advanced since my original post :D

Just out of interest, can one use LH Blue Legends (and, indeed, 4sq) entirely under a pseudonym?