American Airlines says it wants to make it “more convenient for customers to enjoy the value and magic of travel,” but that’s not at all what the upcoming AAdvantage changes will do.
elite status
Miles & More revamps status program
The new Miles & More loyalty program promises an easier and more transparent approach to earning elite status. And maybe, mostly, gets close to that goal.
Carrot or stick: American ties more to AAdvantage in 2024 update
The AAdvantage program will be more important for many American Airlines passengers starting later this year, as the carrier details rules and benefits changes.
JetBlue’s summer of blues
Summer is typically the best time of year for airlines. It is when profits are stockpiled to help pad the slower, colder seasons. Alas, JetBlue joins a handful of US carriers who did not enjoy summer 2023, reporting a loss of $153 million for Q3.
Delta softens the blow for Medallion, SkyClub changes
As promised by CEO Ed Bastian, Delta is adjusting the SkyMiles and SkyClub changes it announced just four weeks ago. The revised rules lower the spend requirements and boost long-term loyalty value, among other updates.
Southwest bucks the trend, eases elite status earning in Rapid Rewards
It is easy to read too much into small changes in airline loyalty programs. But this week’s announcement from Southwest Airlines – lowering the qualification requirements for some elite status tiers – could signal a significant shift for the carrier’s approach to frequent fliers.
JetBlue adds IHG partnership, adjusts upgrades for 2024 Mosaic program
Frequent fliers (or big credit card spenders) in JetBlue’s TrueBlue loyalty program will see a few key upgrades in their Mosaic elite status next year, including upgrades, hotels, and rental cars.
Consumers really do pay to be loyal, and that’s good for them
Not only are customers who buy an elite status match good for airline and hotel loyalty programs, they’re likely more profitable by many metrics than those who the programs previously attracted through free match or challenge programs.
Delta’s SkyMiles shakeup hits Medallion status, SkyClub access rules
Is the updated Delta SkyMiles program actually a simplified scheme for earning status? That’s debatable. But at least the company didn’t call it enhanced this time.
Vistara dumps data caps, adds streaming to inflight internet
Vistara has revamped the pricing plans for its inflight internet service, removing data caps from the pricing equation and adding a premium option which supports “all streaming protocols.”