Bonga Points – a loyalty scheme introduced by Safaricom about six years ago can now can be used to pay for domestic Kenya Airways tickets. In a partnership announced by the two companies, travelers who may have accumulated a decent amount of Bonga Points – about 28000 points for a one way ticket and 40000 points for a return ticket need not pay their tickets in cash. The scheme can be utilized for economy or business level tickets on KQ flights. Bonga Points is so far the most successful loyalty scheme in the industry, beyond just redeeming points for airtime, message bundles or data bundles, Bonga Points can be used to purchase handsets, 3G modem dongles alongside other accessories at the Safaricom retail outlets.
Safaricom subscribers may opt into the loyalty scheme by dialing *126# – a USSD command on their handsets and following the instructions, other services on the scheme such as redeeming, checking Bonga balance or setting up a password can be accessed with a similar USSD code. According to Safaricom, more subscribers have opted into the scheme and approximately 50 billion points accumulated since the scheme was introduced. 82 percent of those points were redeemed which’s valued at Kshs.8.5 Billion. Safaricom’s CEO Bob Collymore said the partnership was a demonstration of like minded organizations with a desire to ensure customers get the best experience of their unparalleled offerings.
On the other hand, Kenya Airway’s managing director Titus Naikuni revealed the airline was actively pursuing developments in the mobile sector and ICT at large to enhance the customer experience. Beyond just focusing on the travel experience, KQ is engaged in ensuring customers get the best experience right from the time of purchasing tickets to their destinations at the airports. Destinations include; Mombasa, Nairobi, Eldoret, Malindi and Kisumu.
How to Purchase Kenya Airways Tickets Using Bonga Points (USSD)
- Dial *126*2# on your Safaricom handset
- Alternatively, Dial *126# then select option 2
- Choose the ‘Kenya Airways’ tickets option
- Enter your Reference number
Follow the subsequent prompts to complete the transaction
Mombasa – Nairobi (Domestic one way tickets)
Economy : 28000
Business : 56000
Mombasa – Nairobi – Eldoret (Return Tickets)
Economy : 40000
Business : 80000
Kisumu – Nairobi – Malindi (One way ticket via Nairobi)
Economy : 56000
Business : 112000
Eldoret – Nairobi – Mombasa – Nairobi – Eldoret (Return ticket via Nairobi)
Economy : 80000
Business : 160000
