Investing in travel stocks isn’t just about dividends and long-term gains. Some companies offer perks that go beyond financial returns, especially in the travel industry. If you’re strategic about your investments, you could unlock discounts, onboard credits, and even hotel status upgrades—just for being a shareholder.
Let’s break down some of the best perks available from airlines, cruise lines, and hotels.
Airline Shareholder Benefits for Frequent Flyers
Finding shareholder perks in the airline industry is rare, but a few exceptions exist. If you frequently fly in Japan, holding stock in certain carriers can lead to serious savings.
All Nippon Airways (ANA) – Discounted Domestic Flights
Shareholders registered in Japan who own at least 100 shares receive 50% discount coupons for ANA FLEX fares on domestic flights. These discount coupons are issued twice a year, with one set distributed in May (valid from June 1 to May 31 of the following year) and another in November (valid from December 1 to November 30 of the following year).
The vouchers are transferable, meaning family and friends can use them. Shareholders can also use the discount even during peak travel periods such as Golden Week, summer holidays, and the New Year holiday season.
For an additional fee, ticket holders can upgrade to Premium Class.
In addition to flight discounts, ANA offers perks across its affiliated hotel, tour, and shopping services. The number of coupons issued depends on the number of travel stocks held, starting with one coupon for 100 shares and increasing proportionally, reaching 254+ coupons for those holding over 1,000,000 shares.
Japan Airlines (JAL) – Exclusive Travel Discounts
Japan Airlines provides 50% discount coupons on one-way fares for designated domestic routes to shareholders who own at least 100 shares. These coupons are issued twice a year, aligning with shareholder record dates. To optimize revenue, JAL controls the number of seats available for passengers using these discount coupons, ensuring better seat distribution and load management.
Reservations made using these coupons must be completed within three days, or they will be canceled.
The number of discount coupons received depends on the number of shares owned, with holders of 100 shares receiving one coupon, while those with larger holdings get additional coupons. Shareholders who maintain their stock for seven consecutive record dates are rewarded with extra discount coupons as an incentive for long-term investment.
Most airlines don’t offer incentives like these, so if you’re investing purely for travel benefits, double-check the fine print before buying shares.
Cruise Line Shareholder Benefits: Free Onboard Credits
Cruise lines offer some of the best shareholder perks. If you own at least 100 shares, you can get onboard credits, which function like free spending money for drinks, excursions, or spa treatments.
Carnival Corporation
Carnival Corporation shareholders who hold at least 100 shares receive onboard credits based on the length of their cruise. For sailings of 14 days or longer, the credit is $250 per stateroom. For sailings of 7 to 13 days, the credit is $100 per stateroom, while sailings of 6 days or fewer receive $50.
Eligible brands under Carnival Corporation include:
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Princess Cruises
- Holland America Line
- Seabourn
- Cunard
- Costa Cruises
- AIDA Cruises
- P&O Cruises (UK)
- P&O Cruises (Australia)
To claim the benefit, shareholders must submit a request through the Stockperks app at least three weeks before departure.
Royal Caribbean Group
Royal Caribbean Group offers similar onboard credit perks for shareholders holding at least 100 shares. The benefit structure is as follows:
- $250 onboard credit for sailings of 14 or more nights
- $100 credit for sailings of 6 to 13 nights
- $50 credit for sailings of 5 nights or fewer
Eligible cruise brands include Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises.
Shareholders need to complete the Shareholder Onboard Credit Request form electronically at least two to three weeks before departure.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. offers onboard credits for shareholders who own a minimum of 100 shares. For sailings of 15 days or more, the credit is $250 per stateroom, for sailings of 7 to 14 days, the credit is $100, and for sailings of 6 days or fewer, the credit is $50.
This benefit applies across Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
To redeem the benefit, shareholders must submit a Shareholder Benefit Request Form with proof of ownership at least 15 days before sailing.
Hotel Shareholder Benefits: VIP Status and Upgrades
Owning hotel travel stocks can lead to elite status upgrades, free breakfasts, and room perks. Here are some of the best deals available.
Accor Hotels
Accor Hotels offers Gold status in the ALL – Accor Live Limitless loyalty program to shareholders who own at least 50 shares. Gold status comes with benefits such as complimentary welcome drinks, room upgrades (when available), and late check-out. Shareholders can apply for this status through the Accor Shareholders Club.
NH Hotel Group
NH Hotel Group shareholders receive status upgrades in the NH Rewards program based on their investment. Holding just one share grants Silver Status, while Gold Status requires an investment under €2,000, Platinum Status requires €2,000 to €3,000, and Titanium Status requires over €3,000. To upgrade their status, shareholders must contact NH Hotels directly.
Meliá Hotels International
Meliá Hotels International shareholders qualify for tiered loyalty status in the MeliáRewards program. Holding just one share grants Silver Status, while 1,000 shares earn Gold Status, and 10,000 shares grant Platinum Status. Shareholders can apply for status recognition through Meliá’s official channels.
Premier Inn (Whitbread PLC)
Shareholders of Whitbread PLC who own at least 64 shares are eligible for a Shareholder Card that provides free breakfast for two during stays at Premier Inn hotels. More details on enrollment can be found on Whitbread’s official website.
Travel Smarter: Turning Investments into Perks
Owning shares in travel-related companies can come with unique benefits, but they shouldn’t be the only reason to invest. If you’re already interested in these travel stocks, the perks can be a nice bonus. Before making any investment decisions, research current policies to confirm availability, as companies can change these programs at any time.
