Global online travel agency Orbitz has launched a new loyalty programme which allows customers to earn rewards – immediately.

The New York Stock Exchange-listed travel publisher said Orbitz Rewards is a simple and ‘unique’ loyalty programme that rewards travellers instantly for a variety of bookings.

Customers who join can immediately earn ‘Orbucks’ – the currency of Orbitz Rewards – when booking Orbitz Rewards hotels, flights and vacation packages on the Orbitz.com mobile apps or website.

Quick Turnaround 

President of Orbitz, Chris Orton, said unlike other travel loyalty programmes, customers earn immediately and can redeem instantly. For example, an Orbitz Rewards member can book a flight and have Orbucks in their account within milliseconds to instantly use on the booking of a hotel for that same trip or a future stay.

Orton, who said the programme launched in test mode in March, stressed there are no blackout dates, no unrealistic earn and redeem obstacles and no restrictions on combining rewards with other offers.

“Our research before and during the test made it clear that consumers are frustrated by other loyalty programmes that are vague, hard to understand and set unrealistic earn and redeem hurdles, so we took that input and built a consumer-rich experience with perks and benefits that our customers will enjoy,” Orton said.

Extra Earning Opportunities 

Members can also earn up to $1,000 in Orbucks referral bonuses per year if they recommend enough friends who book and stay – giving consumers the opportunity ramp up their earning power.

The 2001-founded, Chicago-based company, allows consumers to search for and book a range of hotels, flights, car rentals, cruises, vacation packages and destination activities.