Redefining Loyalty with Rex Flyer
Regional Express launch new programme designed to shake up traditionTwo and a half years after Regional Express entered the fiercely competitive intercity jet market dominated by Qantas and Virgin Australia, the airline is all set to disrupt the loyalty landscape with the launch of its revolutionary Rex Flyer program.
Launched on October 2, 2023, the Rex Flyer program offers passengers a chance to earn “Rex Points” that can be redeemed for free flights, business class upgrades, and more. Currently, passengers can sign up for the program and start earning Rex Points and Status Points on their next Regional Express flight. Then in mid-November, passengers will be able to use their Rex Points to book flights. By February 2024, Rex will introduce points-based business class upgrades and activate its three elite tiers: Sapphire, Emerald, and Diamond.
In this blog post, we will explore the key features and benefits of the Rex Flyer program and how it is set to redefine the frequent flyer experience.
How Does the Rex Flyer Loyalty Program Work?
Rex Flyer is a revenue-based earning model, making the point earning process both simple and transparent. There’s no hidden snags – every dollar counts and the more you pay, the more you earn. Each time a Rex Flyer member makes a purchase, they receive two different types of point:
1
Rex Points
Passengers can earn between three and seven Rex Points for every dollar spent on airfare or additional services like seat selection and business class upgrades. Any Rex Flyer members who join before January 3 2024 will receive 5,000 Rex Points.
2
Status Points
Passengers will also accumulate Status Points at a rate of one Status Point per one dollar spent, allowing them to progress through four membership tiers: Opal, Sapphire, Emerald, and Diamond, each with its own set of perks.
Key Features From Rex Flyer
Rex Flyer was designed to meet the diverse needs of passengers while offering a new, alternative perspective on frequent flyer rewards. This includes introducing numerous features to simplify the point redemption process, encourage family-friendly travel, and effectively fill empty seats.
Family Pooling
Rex Flyer goes the extra mile in its quest for family-friendly rewards. The program allows for a family to pool their points together into a single flyer’s account – a unique feature that allows passengers to consolidate points earned by up to six family members living at the same address.
Furthermore, in the unfortunate event of a family member’s passing, Rex Points and Status Points can be transferred to their next of kin, ensuring that their hard-earned points are not lost.
Simplified Point Redemption
Amassing points is one thing, redeeming points for flights is quite another. Rex Flyer aims to fix the frustration of frequent flyers with a simplified hierarchy of three rewards that can be utilised in both economy and business class:
- Anytime Reward: Requires the most Rex Points. Guarantees a ‘last seat available’ booking with a flexibility to change or cancel bookings without any fee.
- Getaway Reward. Cheaper than Anytime Rewards but includes a $33 fee to change or cancel your booking within 14 days of departure in economy, and seven in business.
- Ultimate Reward. The cheapest of the reward options. The $33 cancellation/change fee must be paid regardless of when you decide to amend your booking.
To illustrate the process, consider Rex’s Melbourne-Brisbane route in economy: The Anytime Reward costs 33,400 Rex Points, the Getaway Reward costs 11,600 Rex Points, and the Ultimate Reward costs 8,900 Rex Points.
Last Minute Flight Rewards
The Rex Flyer program also aims to fill empty seats on flights in a rather innovative way. Within two days of every intercity and regional Rex flight taking off, empty seats will be made available at that cheapest Ultimate Rewards rate via the Last Minute Flight Rewards initiative. The timescale for Last Minute Flight Rewards are as follows:
- 48 hours before flight departure, all but five unsold economy seats are up for grabs at Ultimate Reward point prices.
- 24 hours before the flight departs, all but two unsold business class seats are converted to Ultimate Reward seats.
- At 12.01am on the day of the flight, every seat that’s still not been sold will be up for grabs at the Ultimate Reward rate.
Rex Flyer Status Tiers Explained
Passengers can ascend through the Rex Flyer status tiers by earning Status Points on Rex flights, which are accrued at a rate of one Status Point per dollar spent on Regional Express airfares. Each tier offers perks, with higher levels unlocking more exclusive benefits. Regardless of whether you qualify for a tier through Status Points or by taking a set number of flights, your status remains valid for 12 months from the date of upgrade. The tiers are as follows:
Opal
The basic, entry-level tier of the Rex Flyer program. There are no real benefits at this stage; it’s simply a gateway to higher tiers.
Sapphire
The first elite tier available upon earning 1,500 Status Points. This tier offers a 25% bonus on Rex Points, complimentary standard seating, and access to priority seating zones.
Emerald
The second tier, available upon earning 3,000 Status Points. Includes everything from prior tiers plus 50% bonus Rex Points, higher baggage allowances, priority check-in, and priority boarding.
Diamond
The highest tier, available upon accruing 6,000 Status Points. Includes everything from previous tiers plus access to Rex lounges, 3 complimentary business class upgrades per year, and 75% bonus Rex Points.
In Conclusion
Rex Flyer is a loyalty program designed to meet the diverse needs of passengers while offering a new, refreshing perspective on frequent flyer rewards. With its unique earning and redemption system, family-friendly approach, and a clear path to elite status, Rex Flyer promises to shake up the loyalty landscape in the airline industry.
The airline is also actively expanding its offerings, and passengers can expect more exciting benefits in the future. If you’re a frequent flyer or planning to travel soon, Rex Flyer is certainly a program to consider.
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