READ MORE: How I got free return flights to the Caribbean by earning points on my weekly shop, wedding spending and beauty treatments See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy ALESIA FIDDLER - TRAVEL REPORTER Published: 10:21 BST, 3 June 2026 | Updated: 10:35 BST, 3 June 2026
It's always been premium airlines, like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, that have offered loyalty programmes.But now, for the first time, easyJet is set to launch one too.The budget airline revealed last month in its half-year report that it would be introducing a new loyalty scheme in 2027. How exactly the programme will work has not yet been confirmed, but it will include customers who book flights as well as its packages on easyJet Holidays. Chief executive Kenton Jarvis told The Times: 'There will be value in being a member of the scheme, no matter how frequently you travel.'Like everything, if you're more engaged with the brand, then you'll get more value from it.'EasyJet is the first budget airline to launch a loyalty scheme, and it's likely it will follow other similar programmes such as earning points for flights and other bookings, to then use on future travel.The chief executive revealed how the programme will have 'much broader appeal' and said: 'Our purpose is to make travel easy and affordable for as many people as possible.' EasyJet passengers could soon be treated to a new loyalty scheme which is set to launch next yearJarvis did share there would be no lounge access as part of the scheme - something which is enjoyed by BA customers.More details on how it will work are expected at the beginning of next year. In the half-year report, easyJet revealed it was continuing 'to benefit from a loyal customer base' and had seen 71 per cent of bookings come from 'returning customers'.'To complement this, we will be launching a new loyalty programme in FY27,' it continued. 'We will host a seminar on the new rewards proposition early next year, which will leverage the strength of our brand and further enhance our differentiated customer offering.'The report also identified there had been 'a growing number of easyJet Plus subscription members'.EasyJet Plus first launched back in 2008 and the membership involves customers paying an annual fee to benefit from a dedicated easyJet Plus bag drop in the airport as well as speedy boarding. Members also enjoy allocated seating as well as fast track through security. It costs £249 per person. EasyJet made headlines last month after one of its flights was diverted due to a power bank in the hold. Flight EZY2618, carrying 180 passengers, jetted off from Hurghada, Egypt, to London Luton Airport on Tuesday, May 19. But the journey soon took a turn when a traveller notified cabin crew that they had a portable charger in use in the hold of the plane.The captain then decided to divert the flight three hours into the trip and landed safely at Rome Fiumicino 20 minutes later. Passengers were moved to a flight to Luton the following day at 2pm and provided with overnight accommodation. Many airlines have tightened their rules regarding power banks on planes, due to the risk of them overheating or short-circuiting, posing a fire and safety hazard on flights. Some require the handy pieces of tech to be stored in hand luggage instead of the hold. In this case, the power bank was charging a mobile phone in the passenger's hold luggage.A spokesperson for the airline told the Daily Mail: 'Flight EZY2618 from Hurghada to London Luton on 19 May diverted to Rome Fiumicino and was rescheduled to operate the following morning as the crew were informed that a power bank was charging in a passenger's luggage. 'The captain then took the decision to divert as a precaution in line with safety regulations.'The aircraft landed safely and passengers disembarked routinely. We provided hotel accommodation and meals were available. We provided customers who stayed in the airport with refreshments.'The safety of its customers and crew is easyJet's highest priority and easyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with all manufacturers' guidelines.'We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by the diversion and subsequent delay.'
