We know that overall passenger numbers are, for very good reason, down massively. But airlines have relied on their loyalty programs to provide a significant, and perhaps more importantly steady, stream of revenue for the operations. So, as the airlines use those programs to collateralize billions of dollars in new financing, it is worth considering if that revenue flow is as reliable as airlines (and debt holders) hope it can be.
AAdvantage
American Airlines adds AAdvantage redemption option for Five Star Service
How can you make the loyalty program more relevant for the travelers slowly returning to the skies over North America? Points and travel are not a compelling as they were last year, but American Airlines is hoping that its AAdvantage members will consider spending some of their account balance to gain a bit of extra comfort and privacy during their travel day through the Five Star Services program.
American Airlines details fraudulent AAdvantage behaviors
If you’re going to pick a fight with the airlines over “stolen” points make sure you’ve covered your tracks. This appears to be the lesson for one American Airlines AAdvantage member after an effort to recover points from a cancelled trip turned in to an Exposé of fraud.
JetBlue offers free TrueBlue Mosaic status, plus a year extension
JetBlue waited longer than most to announce plans for its TrueBlue loyalty program in the wake of the coronavirus groundings. But it appears the carrier used that time wisely. With its announcement today JetBlue draws on similar actions from many other carriers but pulls them together in a package that might deliver outsized value to its members.
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.
Evolving co-brand: AAdvantage adjusts soft benefits for cardholders
Should you buy miles at 2 cents each on a recurring basis? Probably not, but the Flight Cents program from AAdvantage and Barclays will almost certainly do brisk business.
Parker shoots down AAdvantage spin-off idea. Again.
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 from Wall Street analysts. The most recent such conversation, during American Airlines' Q2 2018 earnings call CEO Doug Parker was aggressive in explaining why his airline will not be considering such. The co-brand relationship with the credit card is simply too strong.
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Elite Rewards from American Airlines: Compelling at every tier but not unique
Looking for some useful perks in an airline loyalty program above and beyond the normal elite tiers? American Airlines has a rather compelling offer out this year in the form of their 2013 Elite Rewards program (registration required!). The concept – extra perks earned at various milestones – is not a new one but the […]