First, a quick update: IHG’s 50% off points sale has been extended until 10 November, so there’s still time to stock up if you’re interested.
Back in April this year, IHG and ANA announced plans for a bilateral strategic partnership. Some of the details have finally been revealed, and there is one pretty attractive perk. Let’s take a look!
Here’s the partnership page on IHG’s website. The most interesting announcement is undoubtedly the status match arrangement. Starting in January 2027, ANA Mileage Club members residing in Japan will receive the following number of IHG qualifying nights based on their ANA membership tier:
- Base members: 5 qualifying nights
- Bronze members: 10 qualifying nights
- Platinum members: 20 qualifying nights
- Diamond members: 38 qualifying nights
- Diamond + More members: 68 qualifying nights
Note that they are handing out elite qualifying nights, not the elite status straightaway. In fact, that’s arguably even better, as you can work towards the next tier while also unlocking Milestone Rewards along the way!
For example, Platinum members would immediately qualify for a Confirmable Suite Upgrade. Diamond members would only need another two nights to unlock an annual lounge membership. And if you’re lucky enough to hold the top-tier Diamond + More status, just two IHG nights would be enough to earn IHG Diamond Elite status.
Of course, most of the above probably won’t be relevant to the majority of our readers, as I suspect not many of you are ANA members. But here’s the interesting bit: even base ANA members receive five qualifying nights! It might be worth signing up for an ANA account now. Just remember that, according to the partnership page, only ANA members with a Japanese residential address are eligible. Make sure you select the correct country when registering!
The account-linking page hasn’t been released yet. There are also two other elements to the partnership:
- ANA members residing outside Japan can earn both ANA miles and IHG points when flying on ANA-operated flights from abroad to Japan.
- ANA miles can be converted into IHG points.
When it comes to airline partnerships, Marriott is undoubtedly the industry leader. Its collaborations with airlines such as United, Singapore Airlines and Japan Airlines, just to name a few. Hyatt recently entered this space through its partnership with Air Canada, and now IHG is finally catching up.
To be fair, IHG and ANA have had a long-standing relationship, with plenty of IHG hotels in Japan carrying the ANA name. It was about time they did something more together!
The only disappointment is that IHG elite members don’t seem to get a reciprocal status match with ANA. Otherwise, we might have had a chance at Star Alliance Gold – probably too good to be true.
Recent Comments