Frequent Flyer
Breaking: Earn Airline Points for Airbnb Stays

- 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!
Reader Reality Check
Have you stayed at Airbnb homes on recent trips?
More From Smartertravel: - The Definitive Guide for Airbnb Newbies
- Airbnb Wants to Plan Your Whole Trip
- How Airbnb and Uber Are Changing Travel
This article originally appeared on FrequentFlier.com.
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:

