In this article
Bilt Platinum Members Get a Free BLADE Ride; Others Get Lounge Access and Discounts
Can’t say I saw this coming.
In a new partnership effective today and live in your Bilt Rewards app, Bilt members have a varying range of benefits on BLADE, the company providing helicopter rides from Manhattan to JFK and Newark (as well as, apparently, between Nice and Monaco!)
Bilt Platinum Members Get One Free Ride Per Year
Bilt Platinum members receive one free ride a year which is worth $195. I think that is a pretty cool perk for reaching top tier status with Bilt, the requirements for which jumped significantly this year.
I’ve personally never taken a ride on BLADE. When I lived in NYC, the issue was my trips were never short enough to be under the baggage weight limit. It’s hard unless you are doing at most a weekend trip. Passengers are allowed one (1) standard-sized carry-on bag (22 in X 16 in X 9 in) and (1) personal item. The combined luggage weight may not exceed 25 lbs.
And now that I’m in the suburbs, it would probably only work for me if I happened to be at my office in NYC needing to get a late day flight. So, we’ll see if I ever get to use this benefit but I’d like to try! (Note to Blade – service from HPN or the surrounding area to JFK/LGA would be amazing!)
Bonus Bilt Points When Paying Paying for Blade
“Bilt Rewards members who pay for any BLADE booking with a debit or credit card linked to their Bilt account will receive 2X bonus Bilt Points for every dollar.These bonus points are on top of any rewards your payment card offers.”
Additional Benefits by Status Level
“All three levels of Bilt Rewards Elite Members will receive additional benefits:
- Bilt Silver – Save 10% off BLADE airport flights booked in the Bilt app or website.
- Bilt Gold – Save 10% off BLADE airport flights plus access to BLADE lounges even when not flying.
- Bilt Platinum – Above benefits plus one free BLADE flight between Newark, JFK, and Manhattan or Monaco and Nice.”
As much as I can’t see being at a Blade location to just use the lounge, it’s a pretty neat and novel benefit for Gold and Platinum.
Frequently Asked Questions
- “Do I have to book in the Bilt app or website to receive bonus points? No, any BLADE service booked and paid for with any debit or credit card linked to a member’s Bilt Rewards account will qualify for 2X bonus points per dollar spent.
- Do I have to book in the Bilt app or website to realize elite benefits? Yes, to receive a 10% discount or for a Platinum member to redeem their free flight, you must book a BLADE airport flight via the Bilt app or website. The discount will automatically display and any free Platinum member flight credits will be available for redemption.
- What is the BLADE flight cancellation and change policy? All BLADE flights booked via the Bilt app or website or booked with Bilt benefits will operate under BLADE’s standard cancellation and change policies.
- How does the Platinum Elite flight credit work? Bilt Platinum members will receive one (1) BLADE basic ticket for one seat on any regularly scheduled BLADE Airport or BLADE Line flight. Platinum members will receive one airport flight credit per occurrence of qualifying for Bilt Platinum status.
- What does BLADE Lounge access include for Gold and Platinum members?Upon providing proof of Bilt Gold and Platinum status by showing the desk attendant their Bilt app and confirming government-issued ID, an eligible elite member can use the BLADE lounges during posted, normal operating hours. Gold and Platinum elite members are limited to two (2) beverages if not flying BLADE. Operating hours are subject to change without notice and BLADE reserves the right to determine when lounges are at operating capacity.”
While on the surface this seems only applicable to NY area members, it’s going to be useful for any Bilt members that travel to NYC even once a year – especially Bilt Platinum members. And new benefits when you don’t lose benefits are always cool.
Thoughts?
Let me know below in the comments, on Twitter, or in the private MilesTalk Facebook group. And don't forget to follow me on Instagram for all sorts of tips on miles, points, credit cards, and travel.
If this post helped you, please consider sharing it!
You can find credit cards that best match your spending habits and bonus categories at Your Best Credit Cards.
New to all of this? My “introduction to miles and points” book, MilesTalk: Live Your Wildest Travel Dreams Using Miles and Points is available on Amazon and at major booksellers.
