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.
elite status
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.”
British Airways switches to revenue-based accrual for Avios
British Airways passengers will earn Avios based on how much money they spend, not how far they fly, starting later this year. The carrier is the latest to switch to a revenue-based accrual method for its loyalty program.
Norwegian, Strawberry link for loyalty reboot
Can a hotel and airline deliver value through a joint loyalty offering? Norwegian and Strawberry are about to find out as the pair team for a reboot of their offerings.
Frontier selling status to anyone with a co-brand credit card
For years co-branded credit cards represented status-lite options for consumers. Now Frontier Airlines is making it more of a real status option.
JetBlue sets launch date for new TrueBlue Mosaic program
JetBlue will officially transition to its new Mosaic elite status program next month. While TrueBlue program members have been earning under the new “Tiles” rules since the beginning of the year, the earning progress – and any partial status benefits – will finally go live on 10 May 2023.
Virgin Atlantic is now a part of SkyTeam
Virgin Atlantic officially joins the SkyTeam alliance today, just five months after announcing its intention to affiliate with the group.