FBOs have been fighting each other for business since their inception, and for some their ingenuity has paid off. It’s a competitive business where the smallest conveniences can make all the difference. One way is to bribe reward the pilot, thus encouraging them to influence dispatchers to continue visiting a particular FBO. The majority of FBOs now have some type of reward system in place, usually through their fuel distributor whether it be Avfuel, Chevron, Philips, and so on. The most popular reward system was created by Atlantic Aviation, named “Reward Bucks” or “Atlantic bucks”. Reward Bucks is a program where pilots who enroll in the program are issued a reloadable American Express gift card where money accumulates based on the quantity of fuel purchased. Currently, they are giving $5 for every 100 gallons of Jet-A purchased or $10 per 100 gallons if you say the magic words, “top it off.” The cost for Atlantic Aviation is approximately .12 cents per gallon after American Express’ fee is added.

Avfuel offers AVTRIP, which is a bit different and not as attractive as others. They offer savings bonds accumulated by purchasing jet fuel or avgas. The standard is two points per gallon, and once 5,000 points are accumulated a $50 savings bond is issued. Sometimes special offers are issued or in unique cases the FBO may choose to add additional points. This type of program costs much less for the FBO because it’s a mere one penny per point, plus processing fee.

Chevron has a new fuel purchasing incentive which they have creatively named FlyBuys. The membership is free and pilots receive one point for every gallon of fuel purchased. Once 2,000 points have been accumulated, you have the option to receive a $25 Texaco or Chevron gift card or a $20 SuperCertificate redeemable at giftcertificates (dot)com for hotels, airlines, restaurants and more.

Phillips Conoco has a rewards program called WingPoints. You earn points like the others, but no less than 10 points per gallon. I’m not sure why they chose ten points as the base, but 20,000 points equals $20, 35,000 points equals $50, and 60,000 equals $100. The points can be redeemed for TV’s, restaurants, and other gifts. Pilots using their Phillips card receive double points which make this a really good deal, but the problem is finding many Phillips branded FBOs.

ExxonMobil/Avitat also has a pilot rewards program where pilots earn 5 points per gallon. Once 20,000 points are accumulated pilots get their pick of $25 gift cards to Macy’s, Best Buy, and Home Depot.
Air BP is the only fuel brand that does not offer pilot incentives at this time.