How the “Moscow Sport Karting Fest” Opened Kids’ Doors to the World of Flights

Karting Fest as a start to travel

At the end of August the capital hosted the closing race of the Moscow Sport Karting Fest. The competition had been running since mid‑June, drawing more than seven hundred young racers from schools and universities. The final, held on the track of the MIKS Karting centre “Dubrovka”, was not only the climax of a summer marathon but also an unexpected springboard for future trips.

What Aeroflot offered

The event’s main sponsor – the national airline – chose to reward the champions with actual flight tickets and credited miles, not just medals. In this way the young athletes gained the freedom to plan their own journeys across the country, and sometimes beyond, using points they had earned in the loyalty programme.

Why this matters for young travelers

For most school‑aged kids and students the first solo trip is often blocked by money. Gifted tickets remove that barrier, while bonus miles let them build a “reserve” for later flights. It does more than motivate sporting achievement; it also gives a hands‑on lesson in how airline loyalty schemes work.

How the selection worked

The qualifying stage kicked off on 15 June. Over the next months participants completed a series of races, judged on lap times and driving technique. After the qualifiers more than seven hundred applications were reviewed, and the best of the bunch earned a spot in the Moscow final.

What the winners received

• Air tickets – round‑trip passes to destinations of their choice, giving the youngsters their first independent flight.
• Bonus miles – credits within the “Aeroflot Bonus” programme, usable for future ticket purchases or cabin upgrades.

These prizes turned a sporting win into a practical travel tool, opening new horizons for the youth.

How to use the miles

The Aeroflot Bonus programme adds points for every flight. Miles earned at the festival are added to the existing balance and can later be exchanged for:

• free tickets inside Russia and abroad;
• upgrades on already booked flights;
• extra services such as priority check‑in. Even a modest stash of miles can unlock a flight to a major city, where young travelers can soak up culture, history and modern Russian life.

What participants say

"I’ve always wanted to see Saint Petersburg, but thought it was too pricey," says one of the winners. "Now, with a ticket and miles, I can plan a trip for the next semester." Others note that the festival helped them make new friends, and that Aeroflot’s reward was a pleasant bonus to an already busy summer.

What it looks like for the airline

For Aeroflot, initiatives like this are a way to reach a younger audience and show that air travel isn’t reserved for business class only. Getting students and schoolchildren into the loyalty programme early raises the odds they’ll become regular customers once they start traveling more often.

Practical tips for ticket holders

1. Check the validity dates – most tickets have a limited usage window, so plan ahead.
2. Keep the confirmation – you’ll need the e‑ticket and your loyalty number at check‑in.
3. Read the mileage‑exchange rules – sometimes it’s smarter to spend miles on an upgrade rather than a full fare.
4. Prepare documents – a domestic flight only needs a passport; for an international leg you’ll need a foreign passport and, if required, a visa.

What’s next?

The Moscow Sport Karting Fest has ended, but the idea of rewarding young athletes with tickets has already sparked interest. Organisers plan to broaden the prize pool next season, and Aeroflot intends to keep supporting projects that boost youth tourism.

Summary

Pairing sport with travel proved a winning combination: karting festival winners earned recognition for speed and skill, plus a real chance to see new places using the national carrier’s resources. For many it’s the first step toward independent trips, and for Aeroflot it’s a foothold in building long‑term relationships with tomorrow’s travelers.

Based on materials from: frequentflyers.ru.