Delta Air Lines is selling more upgrades than ever, which is both good news and bad news for the SkyMiles loyalty program. But probably more good than bad.
frequent flier
PaxEx Update: 2019-07-05
Welcome to the PaxEx Update for 5 July 2019, bringing you biggest headlines on what’s changed for passenger experience in the past week.
Mosaics Matter More: JetBlue trials improved IROPs benefits for elites
JetBlue will trial a new benefit for its TrueBlue Mosaic members this summer. Mosaic passengers on flights delayed two hours or more will receive a meal voucher at the airport to help ease the pain of the wait. Crew members were informed of the new program in an internal message this week.
Lufthansa fined for illegal award ticket taxation
Lufthansa owes the US government $25,000. The penalty is being assessed after the carrier accidentally collected nearly $125,000 from US-based passengers in “taxes” that were not applicable on “non-revenue international tickets” (i.e. frequent flier rewards).
Thai Smile to join Star Alliance as connecting partner
Chalk up another partner for the Star Alliance program as Thai Smile signs on. Can this move help push other Star LCC affiliates into the fold?
Delta aims to extend loyalty with "Reclaim my Status" program
Keeping a customer engaged with a loyalty program after a major life event can be challenging. Delta SkyMiles joins the ranks of airlines with a formal program for such, launching the “Reclaim My Status” challenge offer.
Jet Airways halts operations, continues to seek funding
Maybe it is temporary, as the airline claims. More likely it is a permanent situation. Without money or a coherent plan for recovery one thing is clear: Jet Airways is no longer an operating carrier.
Emirates Skywards, Loyyal bring blockchain loyalty to life
A new era is here for loyalty programs as blockchain-based partner integration comes to life. The fact that the implementation between Emirates Skywards and Careem doesn’t really need to be a blockchain solution is a big part of what makes this so special.
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.
United Airlines begins its Premium Plus era
Passengers on United Airlines will be able to purchase tickets for the carrier’s new Premium Plus cabin starting on Monday. Flights across 21 routes and 13 destinations will be the first to offer the additional class of service. Premium Plus flights begin on 30 March 2019, with some routes extending into May 2019 for the new service. Initial premium economy operations will center at the carrier’s hubs in Newark, Washington-Dulles and San Francisco.