FREQUENT flyer programmes offered by almost every airline are in danger of becoming less of a benefit and more of an entitlement to air travellers.
Because of this, every airline tries to offer something special to distinguish itself among rivals.
TAP Air Portugal's frequent flyer programme extends beyond normal points accumulation for flying to chalking up mileage points while on the road.
Jackie Kwong, manager of the Hong Kong office, said: ''The programme is all about airline loyalty which aims to attract repeat customers to TAP Air Portugal.'' The airline has teamed up with Avis, the international American car rental firm, to allow its customers to win mileage points when they rent a car. Passengers get between 150 and 600 points in Portugal or between 150 and 300 points in other countries each time they rent a car using the frequent flyer card.
When travellers have earned 4,000 points in Portugal or 7,500 points in other countries, they can redeem their flyer points with the local Frequent Flyer secretary who will issue an award certificate.
This certificate entitles them to a free car with unlimited mileage and taxes at any Avis counter in cities with TAP Air Portugal destinations.
All passengers flying with TAP Air Portugal are rewarded with mileage points, unlike most other frequent flyer programmes that award them only for full economy fares.
