A New Horizon for Loyalty Programs
The Lufthansa Group—which operates airlines like Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, and Swiss International Air Lines—has always been ahead of the curve. This time, they are looking towards the future by integrating Web3 technologies. Uptrip isn’t just an upgrade of their existing loyalty scheme; it’s a complete overhaul.
How Does It Work?
At the core of Uptrip are digital trading cards that you can earn every time you fly with any of the airlines in the Lufthansa Group. These aren’t just ordinary cards; they’re themed based on your destinations, the planes you fly in, and even the holidays you celebrate. Simply scan your boarding pass using the Uptrip app, and voila! The NFT trading card is yours.
🛫Lufthansa's @Uptrip_app loyalty program is building #onPolygon to turn flights into rewards
👉🏽Collect NFT trading cards for every flight and claim rewardsLearn more about the new Miles & More and @LHInnovationHub experience: https://t.co/MjQihK8xUx pic.twitter.com/JfUEoUJxNR
— Polygon | Aggregated (@0xPolygon) August 31, 2023
Bridge the Gap with Trading
What if you miss out on a card? Don’t worry, the Uptrip app is planning to roll out a trading feature. This will allow users to trade their cards to complete specific themed collections. Completing a set unlocks special perks such as free in-flight Wi-Fi, entry to luxurious airport lounges, and redeemable airline miles.
Powered by Polygon
The Uptrip app is not just a superficial layer of glitz; it’s built on a robust foundation—the Polygon network. Known for its speed and cost-efficiency, Polygon ensures that your transactions are not only quick but also wallet-friendly. This isn’t Polygon’s first rodeo; other big names like Starbucks, Nike, and McDonald’s are also utilizing this network for their NFT initiatives.
Early Success and Future Plans
Uptrip isn’t a mere experiment. It has already undergone a soft launch, accumulating over 20,000 users who collected more than 200,000 digital trading cards. According to Kristian Weymar of the Lufthansa Innovation Hub, the aim is to make Web3 accessible to a broader audience.
What’s the Buzz?
It’s not just Lufthansa that’s veering into the world of NFTs and blockchain. Other big players in the aviation industry, including Emirates, have announced plans to integrate Web3 technologies into their business models. With Lufthansa taking the first leap, others are bound to follow.
Key Points
What is Uptrip?
Uptrip is a mobile app by the Lufthansa Group that uses NFTs to offer a new kind of airline loyalty program.
How do I earn rewards?
You earn digital trading cards by flying with any airline in the Lufthansa Group. Complete themed sets to unlock special perks.
What kind of perks can I get?
Perks include free in-flight Wi-Fi, airport lounge access, and redeemable airline miles.
What is Polygon and why is it important?
Polygon is an Ethereum scaling network that provides faster and more cost-effective transactions. It’s the foundation on which the Uptrip app is built.
Is this just a trend or is it here to stay?
Given the early success and growing interest in Web3 technologies, NFT-based loyalty programs like Uptrip are likely here for the long haul.
