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, with minimal regard for the flyDubai OPEN members’ history with that program.
frequent flier
Star Alliance teases increased award availability, new top tier for travelers
More award seats? Better elite status recognition? Star Alliance hopes to deliver both thanks to its new digital middleware platform. But can these improvements be delivered without eroding the inherent value of points or the existing status tiers??
Loyalty program changes: AsiaMiles gets the messaging right
Change happens. Getting the messaging about those changes right is a rare win for loyalty programs and their members. AsiaMiles is in that rare group, announcing changes this week and owning both the good and bad that come from such.
JetBlue goes semi-private, adds codeshare with JetSuiteX
How to grow in a highly competitive west coast market while limiting risk, staying small, and maintaining the better than average inflight product a company is known for? JetBlue tapped into the JetSuiteX offering to add west coast routes starting in May.
Air Canada launches Basic Economy fares
Air Canada joins the ranks of Basic Economy airlines this week. The carrier now has five fare families for its economy class passengers and this rollout may be one of the most advanced we’ve seen to date.
Behind the Miles&Cash numbers at Miles and More
Cash & Points awards make loyalty program members happier and more engaged. That’s the theory and it usually seems to hold true. But some stats from the year old Miles and More version of such raise an interesting question about member retention.
Singapore Airlines’ Krisflyer Blockchain Bullshit
Are frequent flyer “cryptomiles” the next big thing? Sadly, you’re likely to hear a lot about that in the coming years, including today’s announcement from Singapore Airlines. Alas, it is mostly buzzword bullshit.
Delta brings points payment to its upsell market
Post-purchase upselling to drive ancillary revenue is big business for Delta Air Lines and poised to grow. Adding frequent flyer points to the mix is part of that plan, with significant potential upside for passengers and the carrier.
Does Double Dip’s death spell an end to occasional loyalty?
Rest in peace, Double Dip. You were a glorious way to earn so many points on Hilton stays. But the 2018 version of the Hilton HHonors program is killing the Double Dip in favor of far more lucrative HHonors earnings rates for frequent guests. It is a significant shift in the company’s loyalty strategy. Will […]
Revenue-based loyalty? Ja! Miles and More is next
It is not always wise to believe the claims that the shfit to evenue-based earning is to help simplify loyalty programs. The Miles and More changes announced this week are a great example of complicating a system rather than simplifying it.