Business of Loyalty: Etihad Bails Out Air Berlin's Loyalty Members
Skift Take
The jig was almost up for members of Air Berlin's frequent flyer program, but at the last moment, Etihad extended an olive branch.
Nearly all of the cards in Air Berlin's hand had been played as the airline prepared to cease operations later this month, but in a surprise move last week, Etihad stepped in to give new life to the flagging carrier's loyalty program.
Through November 17, Etihad is offering members of Air Berlin's loyalty program, Topbonus, the ability to redeem frequent flyer miles on Etihad through a special booking window. Air Berlin will stop flying before Oct. 28, so Etihad's extension gives Topbonus members several more weeks to plan free flights.
Etihad and Air Berlin also set up a special hotline and landing page for Topbonus members to make the bookings, as many of Air Berlin's operations will fold in the coming wee
