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Complimentary airport lounge access is a sweet deal. What’s even sweeter is double dipping by earning points on complimentary lounge visits. You can now do just that with Smart Traveller. With this program, you can earn points for complimentary or paid visits to Plaza Premium Lounges worldwide, as well as a host of other activities. In this article, we'll discuss how points earned with the program can be redeemed for gift cards, lounge visits, lounge amenities, and more.
How To Earn Arrture Points
Earning Arrture points (the points of the Smart Traveller program) is relatively straightforward:
- Visit any participating lounge.
- When presenting your credentials for admission, present your Smart Traveller e-membership card.
- Allow up to six weeks for your Arrture points to post your account.
The number of points will depend on two factors: the type of lounge you visited (Plaza Premium Lounge or Plaza Premium First) and how you gained entry. Did you pay, get complimentary access, use airline status, etc.? Earning rates are as follows.
- Plaza Premium Lounge:
- 100 Arrture Points for a complimentary entry, such as airline invitations, travel passes, credit card membership, and more.
- 150 Arrture Points for a paid entry — either walk-in or by booking online.
- Plaza Premium First:
- 150 Arrture Points for a complimentary entry.
- 300 Arrture Points for a paid entry.
If you gain discounted entry or use vouchers, you will not be eligible for any points. The only exception is using the Smart Traveller member discount on paid visits. In this case, you will still accrue Arrture points.
Birthday bonus points
Smart Traveller offers a nice bonus if you are traveling during your birthday month: double points on all eligible transactions. What stands out here is that you are not restricted to your birthday itself or only one visit. If you visit 10 lounges during your birthday month, you'll still earn double points on every visit. Birthday bonus points will post to your account within 14 days of the transaction.
Participating locations
The list of participating locations is extensive, with many locations across the world, including London, Rome, and Melbourne, to name a few. However, for U.S.-based travelers, the list is less than stellar. While there are several participating locations in Canada — including Edmonton, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, and Winnipeg — there are only three participating lounges in the U.S. at present. These are the Dallas–Fort Worth Plaza Premium Lounge (Terminal E, domestic departures), the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Newark (assuming it ever reopens), and the Plaza Premium Lounge near the Palm Court in Orlando.
Consideration for Priority Pass Members
One thing to remember is that the Plaza Premium Group operates all the lounges on the list. Plaza Premium and Priority Pass have a rocky relationship, cutting ties in 2021 and then bringing back access to some (but not all) locations in June 2023.
Numerous premium credit cards provide Priority Pass memberships. If you access Plaza Premium Lounges through a Priority Pass membership, ensure you know which you can and can't access.
However, Capital One provides access to Plaza Premium for some cardholders. That includes unlimited visits for Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card cardholders.
Amex Platinum Reprieve
When it comes to complimentary lounge access, The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express are arguably kings of the hill. Holders of both cards can access a wide range of lounges across the world, including Plaza Premium lounges. Therefore, gaining complementary lounge entry via their eligible card should be no problem at all!
Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits.
Related: Complete Guide to the American Express Global Lounge Collection®
Other Points Earning Options
Keep in mind that the Smart Traveller program is not a one-trick pony. Yes, you can earn points for lounge visits, but you also can earn Arrture points in tons of other ways. These include everything from dining in airports to making a purchase on eBay or buying a new iPhone.
Redeeming Your Arrture points
You have many options for redeeming your Arrture points. Choices range from lounge visits and facilities to gift cards and hotel stays. Some of the redemption options include:
- Lounge visits vary in price between 1,800 and 4,200 points.
- Spa and shower packages are available from 1,500 points.
- Premium drinks start from 480 points.
- Aerotel airport hotel stays start from 8,000 points.
- Gift cards from major brands and retailers — including Amazon, Adidas, 711, and more — start at 500 points.
- Shop at the Smart Traveler online boutique.
Our Take
This program is awesome news, especially if you use your Amex Platinum or Business Platinum Card to access any of the lounges in the program.
The Smart Traveller program has no cost to join. And as long as you keep some activity on your account every 12 months, your points will not expire. That lets you focus on building up your balance toward your next redemption.
Ultimately, anything that adds value to your current travel rewards at no additional cost or with minimal investment in time is welcome news. Is having the Smart Traveller program running in the background worth it, allowing you to earn points for lounge visits you were going to make anyway? Probably.
Will you be signing up for the Smart Traveller program? Let us know in the comments below.
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