While most are familiar with airline loyalty programs, far fewer would likely say they regularly interact with airport loyalty
programs. This is a reality for passengers at Orlando International Airport (MCO). Customers who are passing through the Florida facility will be able to access endless perks when they make purchases of almost any kind at the airport.

This new loyalty program, which has been launched for over a month now, is called “MCO Rewards”, and allows both passengers and even airport employees the opportunity to enjoy extensive rewards, such as airline miles, cashback, and even gift cards. For those who sign up for the free program online, making just a couple of purchases on a single linked credit card can be enough to begin reaping the benefits of this program.

Orlando International Airport

Photo: Orlando International Airport

The program, which was launched by The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) in conjunction with travel experience firm GlidePathCX, allows passengers to earn rewards on everything from parking to food purchases, at more than 100 other airports which are part of the firm’s network of airport loyalty programs. Just last April, the company launched a similar loyalty program for Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), which has a similar setup and is called DTW Rewards, according to the facility.

An exciting announcement was made last month

According to Kevin J. Thibault, the Chief Executive Officer of GOAA, MCO sees over 55 million annual passengers pass through its doors each year, demonstrating a large customer base that would have an interest in the program. In a statement, the executive had the following words to share:

“It’s gratifying to offer ‘MCO Rewards’ as a way to further engage with customers and to say ‘thanks’ for choosing MCO as their airport of choice.”

Marc Ellis, the CEO of partner GlidePathCX, was quick to note how strongly the new loyalty program will improve the travel experience through MCO. In a statement, Ellis had the following words to share:

“We are pleased to offer a robust and turnkey customer management platform that will improve the airport experience and provide GOAA with invaluable customer trends.”

Both executives were also quick to underscore the simplicity of joining the loyalty program. In order to create and subsequently activate an account, one must go to the program’s website, and follow three simple steps:

  • Begin by signing up and creating an account
  • Link credit or debit cards that you plan on using to make airport purchases to your loyalty program wallet
  • Make a qualifying purchase to begin earning points

So what’s the bottom line?

Both GOAA and GlidePathCX were quick to note that the MCO Rewards program is yet another example of how industry leaders are collaborating to help improve the passenger experience. With this program, passengers will also be able to convert somewhat annoying expenses (like airport parking fees) into valuable rewards.

Orlando International JetBlue shutterstock_128110349

Photo: Eliyahu Yosef Parypa I Shutterstock

Whether these kinds of loyalty programs will ever take off is an interesting question and likely depends on which airline loyalty programs they can establish partnerships with. As of now, MCO Rewards only partners with one airline program (Alaska’s Mileage Plan) and offers the opportunity to redeem points for a Delta gift card. Expanding these kinds of redemption partnerships will likely be essential for this and other GlidePathCX programs to succeed long term.

There have been no indications about how long Orlando Airport is planning on testing out this program, or what its future could hold. Nonetheless, passengers should be sure to capitalize on this unique opportunity to earn rewards.

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