Virtual EQM's
May 22, 2009 | 1:01 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Big Sky Country
Programs: CO PLT, DL GM, Hertz President Circle, SPG Platinum
Posts: 450
Virtual EQM's
Just curious if a carrier could develop a program of virtual flights. Not sure if I will explain this correct; but, a means of earning EQM's by booking a particular flight; but, in a "vitual" class of service. You earn; but, actually do not fly.
I know you can earn / buy miles and through other non-flying means; but, with a little creativity and spin, this could be a fun way to attract revenue beyond seats on board while providing a means to earn EQM's.
Could evolve into a fun program where virtual flyers would receive treats like destination videos, postcards, etc. novelties making it truly a virtual vacation.
Just from the Mileage Runner's of the world, this would be an attrractive revenue stream for whichever carrier would embrace such a program.
I know you can earn / buy miles and through other non-flying means; but, with a little creativity and spin, this could be a fun way to attract revenue beyond seats on board while providing a means to earn EQM's.
Could evolve into a fun program where virtual flyers would receive treats like destination videos, postcards, etc. novelties making it truly a virtual vacation.
Just from the Mileage Runner's of the world, this would be an attrractive revenue stream for whichever carrier would embrace such a program.
May 22, 2009 | 1:14 pm
#2
Flyertalk Evangelist and Moderator: Coupon Connection and Travel Products
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Milton, GA USA
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum Elite, Hyatt Discoverist, Radisson Elite
Posts: 19,218
Been many threads on this.... airlines will not do it.... they are not in business for us mileage runners... we are cheap.
May 22, 2009 | 1:50 pm
#3
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: DFW
Programs: AA 2.2MM LT Plat, Hilton Diamond, Marriott/SPG Platinum
Posts: 1,572
Most airlines already have ways that you can get EQMs and/or status without flying. US Airways lets you buy all the way up to their top tier (although it's cheaper to do MRs) and they also give 10k EQM when you spend $25k on their credit card. Delta has several credit cards that earn EQM based on spend. AA gives lifetime status when you earn 1 or 2 million miles (from any source, not just flying).
May 23, 2009 | 2:59 pm
#5
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: IAD, DCA
Programs: UA-Plat, Marriott-Plat, AAI, AAII
Posts: 3,758
Every 6 months or so someone reinvents this wheel.
Try search.
Try search.
May 23, 2009 | 3:12 pm
#6
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Munich, Germany
Programs: LH HON, DL FO/MM, Marriott Lifetime Platinum, Accor Lifetime Platinum, Sixt Diamond
Posts: 6,174