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.
loyalty
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.
Alaska Airlines welcomes complexity with Hawaiian Airlines acquisition
Alaska Airlines will buy Hawaiian Airlines for $1.9 billion in a cash transaction. Unlike most other mergers, however, the company plans to embrace the complexity of multiple product offerings as it intends to keep both the Hawaiian and Alaska brands in service.
Lufthansa joins the free inflight messaging bandwagon
Lufthansa is the latest airline to add a free inflight internet tier. And, like the others, it has tied the shift to membership in its loyalty program.
Vistara makes inflight messaging free
Inflight messaging services can now be accessed for free on board Vistara’s connected fleet of 787-9 and A321neo aircraft, thanks to a partnership with the Club Vistara loyalty program
Mixed ancillary messages from Allegiant in Q3 results
Total average fare increased for Allegiant in Q3 2023, but, similar to its ULCC competitors in the US market, the breakdown of those fares shifted. And it is not all good news.
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.
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.