Breaking: Earn Airline Points for Airbnb Stays

After 20 years working in the travel industry, and 15 years writing about it, Tim Winship knows a thing or two about travel. Follow him on Twitter @twinship.

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In the first such tie up between an airline and Airbnb, members of Virgin America’s Elevate program can now earn frequent-flyer points for booking stays at Airbnb properties or for becoming an Airbnb host.

Here’s how the bonusing works:

First-time Airbnb bookers will earn a 1,500-point bonus and a $20 credit
Current Airbnb customers earn 1 Elevate point per $1 spent
New Airbnb hosts earn a 20,000-point bonus

All the above points-earning offers will remain in effect through November 1, 2017, suggesting that the relationship is in a trial phase. Assuming it turns out to be a win-win for Virgin America and Airbnb, as is likely, that end date would presumably be extended or dropped completely.

Airbnb also has a marketing relationship with American Express, which allows Membership Rewards members to redeem their points for Airbnb gift cards, and to earn a $50 rebate for Airbnb stays of $100 or more charged to an eligible card through December 31.

So, for an especially good deal, charge your first Airbnb stay to an American Express card to earn a $50 rebate from American Express, plus Membership Rewards points, plus Virgin America points and a $20 credit. It adds up!

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This article originally appeared on FrequentFlier.com.

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