The push for US airlines to better monetize their loyalty programs continues to grow. But don't expect it to happen any time soon. Airline executives continue to push back – strongly – against such suggestions…
Too many award seats? Alaska Airlines says whoopsie!
The integration of Alaska Airlines and Virgin America is now largely complete. The final major milestone – single PSS go-live – was largely uneventful in late April. Save for one "whoopsie" in the process: Too…
Air Canada, banks offer to buy Aeroplan
Air Canada, TD Bank, CIBC and Visa Canada offered CAD$2.25 billon to purchase the Aeroplan program back from Aimia. The deal assumes $2bn in liabilities for points outstanding and offers $250mm to Aimia shareholders. The…
Major expansion coming for Delta Premium Select
Passengers won't pay for more space on planes. This is the commonly accepted mantra and driving logic behind the ongoing "densification" efforts to squeeze more seats onto planes. And, for the most part, that's proven…
Emirates Skywards swallows flyDubai OPEN
The long slog to full integration of Emirates and flyDubai continues apace. This week's announcement brings the loyalty programs of the two carriers together. And the move looks an awful lot like a shotgun wedding,…
SkyTeam grows a Digital Spine
For travelers the global alliance programs focus (theoretically) on delivering a more consistent travel experience and loyalty proposition. For the member airlines the goal is arguably similar, but it adds on a financial component focused…
Star Alliance teases increased award availability, new top…
When it comes to loyalty programs consumers want more recognition during their travels and better access to award seats. Star Alliance appears keen to deliver on both those fronts according to CEO Jeffrey Goh's presentation…
Fiji Airways signs on as inaugural oneworld connect…
Even at 20 years old the oneworld global alliance can still grow and evolve. The group launched a new "oneworld connect" program this week at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Sydney, with Fiji Airways…
Alaska Airlines launches hotel booking portal
Alaska Airlines wants to be your first choice when it comes to hotel bookings. The airline launched a new booking portal this week connecting its MileagePlan loyalty program with hotel booking engine Rocketmiles. Consumers can…