Is it a new, lower elite tier that passengers can just buy outright, a threat to the co-branded credit card cash cow that drives so much of the airline’s profits, or just another way to get passengers to pay up for services at a margin far beyond their hard costs? Probably a bit of all three and then some.
Loyalty
Goodbye GPUs, Hello PlusPoints: United revamps elite upgrade scheme
United Airlines is adjusting the way its top MileagePlus elite members will pay for upgrades. And, at least to start, none of the upgrade costs are increasing.
Slot jockeying and Wifi Deals: PaxEx Update for 2019-09-20
Jockeying for more access to Heathrow and more fast wifi flying lead this week’s PaxEx news, with a new livery and loyalty program buy-back also making waves.
PaxEx Update: World Aviation Festival 2019
So much happening at the World Aviation Festival this year but a few bits stood out above the rest for direct impact on passengers. Here are a few of the highlights from Air Canada, TAP Portugal, EasyJet and more.
New challengers at every level: PaxEx Update 2019-08-30
New cabins on the horizon for economy and business class, short-haul and long; might travel get more comfortable rather than less? Plus some good news for travelers looking to get online in the sky or earn free travel with their points.
In search of premium: PaxEx Update (2019-08-23)
Where are the premium passengers at? United and Qantas are both pushing new projects that aim to deliver a compelling product and collect those higher yields. Plus a new inflight wifi solution hits an installation milestone and more!
American brings priority handling, NDC booking to corporate customers
How can an airline boost its corporate travel share? American Airlines trotted out a set of benefits this week that is comparable to some elite status or co-brand credit card perks, hoping to convert more potential customers into real elites with those CCs.
JetBlue eyes a more mature TrueBlue loyalty program
The co-brand revenue is great and JetBlue intends to continue expanding that stream. But the carrier also knows its TureBlue loyalty program needs a little more to become a mature offering for consumers. That should be good news for travelers, assuming the carrier can execute.
United Airlines partners with CLEAR, expands at hubs
United Airlines announced a partnership with CLEAR this week, expanding its participation in the biometric security screening program. The carrier will make a strategic investment in the company, including the addition or expansion of CLEAR locations at the carrier’s US hub airports.
Teasing the Jet Privilege value to investors
Loyalty programs are a profit machine for airlines, but they depend on the airline as well. Can Jet Privilege continue to deliver? Or is that a delusional dream??