Two more airlines announced elite status extensions this week, waiving the qualification requirements for the 2020 calendar year. Air Canada’s Altitude and Alaska Airlines’ MileagePlan members have another year at their existing tier without any additional flying required. There are a couple unique quirks from each program in how it will work.
frequent flyer
Delta, United extend elite status by a year, adjust other benefits
Frequent flyers at two of the world’s largest airlines received a reprieve over the weekend. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines announced major changes to their loyalty program, extended previously earned elite status and other benefits. The moves are dramatic, affecting millions of program members. [A]s coronavirus continues to dramatically impact travel across the globe, […]
SkyMiles earn rates for LATAM flights now available
Looking to earn Delta SkyMiles on a LATAM-operated flight? The two carriers announced at the end of February that earning reciprocity would launch on 1 April 2020 but offered no other details. Now the earning chart is finally available.
Alaska Airlines offers elite bonus earning in face of COVID-19 booking weakness
Still traveling in the face of the global Coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak? If you’re flying on Alaska Airlines those trips will now get you even closer to elite status in the carrier’s Mileage Plan frequent flyer program.
American Airlines, Alaska Airlines team up for West Coast international alliance
American Airlines and Alaska Airlines are longtime partners. That relationship is set to get a lot deeper as the two establish a “west coast international alliance” with more long-haul lift coming.
Premium products, loyalty continue to drive Delta’s growth
lta Air Lines closed out 2019 much the way it started the year. Revenue is up and costs are mostly under control. Perhaps most important, however, is that the company is seeing gains in premium revenue and the SkyMiles loyalty program.
Norwegian declares itself "fully funded through 2020 and beyond"
Norwegian’s financials, or potential lack of such, have raised eyebrows in the aviation world for some time now. Hoping to put those fears to rest – and continue selling seats as it heads into the traditionally slower winter season – the carrier announced the closing of a ~$275 million financing round. The company declared, “After the completion of the transactions, Norwegian is fully funded through 2020 and beyond based on the current business plan.”
IAG snaps up Air Europa to boost Latin American operations
Consolidation continues in the global aviation market, this time delivering a shift in transatlantic services. International Airline Group announced this morning its intentions to buy Air Europa. The Spanish carrier will become part of the Iberia operation within IAG though remain an independent brand, at least to start. The deal is valued at 1 billion euro and full integration is expected by 2025.
A WiFi Challenger: PaxEx Update 1 Nov 2019
Can LiFi replace WiFi on board, opening up more spectrum for passengers? And can new satellite launches deliver the capacity that airlines need for inflight connectivity? Plus an expanding award chart and plans for a massive fleet expansion in India.
MilePlay: Inside the numbers of United’s loyalty gamification & personalization push
Personalization and gamification. If you’re running a loyalty program these are key considerations that drive member engagement and incremental revenue generation. It is hard to judge the results from the outside looking in, but United Airlines opened up recently, sharing the success of its MilePlay promotions.