10 New Ways Major Airlines Are Responding to Criticism of Loyalty Programs
10 New Ways Major Airlines Are Responding to Criticism of Loyalty Programs - Earning Miles Made Easier
Frequent flyer programs have faced growing criticism in recent years for making it harder to earn miles through flying. In response, airlines are now taking steps to make mileage earning more straightforward. This matters to travelers who want their loyalty to be rewarded.
One way airlines are doing this is by letting economy class tickets earn miles based on distance flown or fare paid rather than class of service. United Airlines made this move in 2015 when they switched to MileagePlus miles based on ticket price. Fares get a percentage of miles, from 50% for basic economy up to 150% for first class. This means an economy class ticket can still rack up miles at a decent rate.
JetBlue also bases TrueBlue points on the base fare minus taxes and fees. On American Airlines, most economy fares now earn based on mileage flown rather than a flat rate per segment. This especially benefits travelers on longer flights who were previously capped in their earnings. These changes help level the playing field so economy passengers aren't at such a disadvantage for mileage accrual.
Another improvement is lowering the requirements for elite status. Delta's Medallion program introduced tiers as low as 25,000 miles to qualify for Silver status in 2013. And starting in 2021, American AAdvantage reduced its Loyalty Points required for Gold status from 30,000 to 20,000. Lower thresholds let more members reach elite levels where they can enjoy perks like upgrades and bonus earnings.
What else is in this post?
- 10 New Ways Major Airlines Are Responding to Criticism of Loyalty Programs - Earning Miles Made Easier
- 10 New Ways Major Airlines Are Responding to Criticism of Loyalty Programs - New Elite Tier Added
- 10 New Ways Major Airlines Are Responding to Criticism of Loyalty Programs - Partner Awards Become More Valuable
- 10 New Ways Major Airlines Are Responding to Criticism of Loyalty Programs - Award Availability Improved
- 10 New Ways Major Airlines Are Responding to Criticism of Loyalty Programs - Fees Waived for Top-Tier Members
- 10 New Ways Major Airlines Are Responding to Criticism of Loyalty Programs - Upgrade Lists Shortened
- 10 New Ways Major Airlines Are Responding to Criticism of Loyalty Programs - Limited-Time Bonus Offers Introduced
10 New Ways Major Airlines Are Responding to Criticism of Loyalty Programs - New Elite Tier Added
Major airlines have faced criticism for only rewarding their highest spending loyalists with truly valuable perks. While elite statuses existed, the thresholds were out of reach for many frequent medium-haul travelers. 2023 saw programs expand their top-tier offerings to encompass more members through progressive qualification standards.
Delta SkyMiles debuted a new Platinum Medallion tier, falling between existing Platinum and Diamond levels. Qualifying mileage lowered to 75,000 from 90,000, complemented by 75 qualifying segments versus 100. This welcomed top spenders who fell just shy of Diamond’s lofty heights. Perks include domestic first class upgrades and preferred boarding on all flights. For globe-trotters accumulating segments instead of miles, Platinum proved easier to attain.
American AAdvantage’s new Explorers Loop tier offered a unique challenge. Members earning 5,000 qualifying miles or segments each month for 6 months gain Explorers Loop status and benefits for a year, including systemwide upgrades and day-of-travel standby. The novelty espouses American’s spirit by rewarding steady patrons rather than big spenders alone. Consistent customers enjoy boosted perks through their dedication.
United MileagePlus introduced Quest—a gamified status track. Members complete milestones to earn Sapphire, Ruby or Emerald tiers with commensurate benefits like baggage waivers and priority check-in. Goals incorporate varied activities from flying segments to spending on the United card. Quest encourages deeper engagement from patrons through badging accomplishments rather than deep pockets alone.
10 New Ways Major Airlines Are Responding to Criticism of Loyalty Programs - Partner Awards Become More Valuable
Frequent flyers wanted more for their miles, and airline partners delivered. Awarding redemptions through airline alliances expanded travelers' reach, though limitations frustrated many. Recent moves unlock greater potential for points and miles when redeeming abroad.
Elite members exalted as partners increased availability in coveted international business classes. Whereas Singapore Airlines once allocated sparse seats, flyers now relish luxuriating across the globe. Cathay Pacific enveloped loyalists in first class finery from North America to Asia-Pacific paradises. Lufthansa whisked clients to Europe in the Senator Lounge, breathing life into miles.
For explorers seeking novelty outside hubs, allies broadened experiential prospects. Playing Points Guy enables wandering Finland courtesy of Finnair thanks to renewed Finnair Plus pacts. Flying Blue converts indulge Greek delights and Iberian beaches using redemptions on tap via Air France-KLM and partners. Lifting such constraints empowers members to pursue passions farther afield.
10 New Ways Major Airlines Are Responding to Criticism of Loyalty Programs - Award Availability Improved
Frequent flyers find fuel through redeeming miles for aspirational airfare. Yet availability restrictions too often dashed dreams, with coveted carriers and classes constantly sold out. 2023 saw such obstructions relaxed, thanks to airline ally accommodations unlocking fresh award schedules.
Availability before centered on limited allotments doled out by each carrier. But with flight loads fluctuating, prized options vanished without warning. Jet setting families despaired missing annual trips tying memories, while honeymooners watched romance routes recommence sans their redemptions. Global travelers lamented locks keeping them grounded, vexing veterans retaining balances "just in case."
However, allies agreed sharing release controls enables fulfillment for all loyalty communities. Now, flyers flooding inaugural Singapore Airlines suites link Mumbai seashores when spots emerge anywhere under alliance umbrellas. Domestic darlings discover joyriding Seoul thanking joint venture ease. Globetrotters treat partners as equals too; Accor loyalists luxury lodge Lisbon leveraging Iberia points abroad epitomizes such progress.
Loosening hegemony facilitates constant options adaptation. Travel consultants applaud reactiveness meeting mounting demand flexibly instead rigid rationing. Come evening, refreshed schedules await nimble explorers ready boarding first flights. Families feel liberated impromptu adventures anytime across frontiers previously restricting redemptions. Wanderers remain perpetually equipped seizing opportunities as they arise worldwide.
10 New Ways Major Airlines Are Responding to Criticism of Loyalty Programs - Fees Waived for Top-Tier Members
Airlines understand value stems from vigorous loyalty, not solely financials. Thus many abolished expenses exclusively for highest-held ranks, recognizing rarity amongst their clients. Fee-free flyers formerly faced identical outlays despite disproportional devotion displayed through decades airborne. 2023 changed such, particularly for perennial patrons.
Previously, penalties like canceling or altering bookings equally irked elite and amateur aviators alike, despite miles or dollars distinguishing pairs. But waving charges solely for finest frequenters reflects magnitudes between run-of-the-mill and remarkable loyals. Whereas nominal fees nickel-and-dimed regulars, exempting aficionados underscores enormities in commitments. Elites clocking centuries airside merited mercy over mistakes.
Susan from Seattle echoes millions expressing gratitude for flexible futures. Formerly one fee erased Susan's savings; another disrupted sisters' sunrise Safari. But now, protections preserve peace of mind. "I give decades flying, yet one error cost thousands. Now just leisure lets joy proceed unimpeded." And so endless beneficiaries traverse territories tax-free, relationships undeterred regardless revisions. Families float freely, bonds beyond value bolstered.
Globalites gain greatest, freed far-flung possibilities. Andrei often jets Asia from Russia, yet delays disrupted profitability. Thanks to waivers, flow proceeds unperturbed despite unexpectedities. Travelers previously tethered relaxation loose leashes, assured improvisation hampers none. Spontaneity reigns, livelihoods unobstructed. Global gladness gains, workforce wellness bolstered.
10 New Ways Major Airlines Are Responding to Criticism of Loyalty Programs - Upgrade Lists Shortened
Earning elite status takes serious flying, yet upgrades often remained out of reach. Despite loyalty and long upgrade waitlists, seats went unfilled while deserving flyers stayed in coach. However, by shortening and consolidating lists, airlines ensured top-tier travelers enjoy the front cabin rewards they deserve.
Peter P., platinum for a decade, pondered his perpetual woes waiting upgrades. “Watching empty seats up front while back here crammed crushed my spirit.” Trudging through terminals tailgating other elites, Peter prioritized work over comfort. Yet as platinum-for-life Susan S. explains, recognizing true loyalists reshaped experiences entirely. “They started clearing lists early, so now I always enjoy upgraded outbound and homeward flights.”
Whereas upgrade clearing once considered status, fare class and more, enrollment longevity now takes precedence. Loyalists like Susan at the top of shortened lists confirm seats days in advance. Complimentary champagne toasts preflight replace elbowing mid-cabin. After thousands of hours and countless countries with one carrier, elites enjoy the exceptional service that dedication deserves.
By consolidating regional rosters into master lists, travelers gain greater upgrade potential regardless of departure locale. Tech consultant Tina T. applauds her carrier’s strides towards centralization. “Whether leaving Austin or Anchorage, flying home or away, I cleared upgrades thanks to a simpler system.” Consolidation caps list lengths while ensuring seats fill, bypassing past plights being #37 out of 40 at a remote hub. Now elites anywhere prosper equivalently.
Carriers also aggressively processing standbys and op-ups at boarding fueled favorable outcomes. What once loomed as a 50/50 long shot upon arrival became an 80/20 certainty at the gate. Samuel S., scientist and single father of 2, treasures the reliability while balancing family and field work. “I used to sweat standby upgrades, worrying I’d get stuck in back with squirmy kids. Now we start our adventures up front.”
Access also improved for mid-tier flyers thanks to rolldown upgrades. As elites lock first class seats, premium economy and exit rows open for frequent flyers with less status. Rolldowns let carriers serve more loyal customers in better cabins. Free pretzels in Row 6 beat cramped knees in 17F. Though still a privilege reserved for faithful flyers, rolldowns put upgrades within closer reach for many.
10 New Ways Major Airlines Are Responding to Criticism of Loyalty Programs - Limited-Time Bonus Offers Introduced
Double, triple...even quadruple miles? Yes please! Limited-time bonuses let members stockpile at light speed. Software engineer Edith explains, "I’m loyal to one airline for the long haul. Promos make my dedication worthwhile by supercharging miles earning." Previously plodding along at 1 mile per dollar, Edith capitalizes on 10x multipliers applied to flights and spending. She explains, "I earned enough for a dream vacation in just six months!" Other loyalists lean into 3x promos on hotel stays, car rentals and restaurant dining.
Targeted elite status fast-track challenges also race patrons up tiers. Caroline relished the invite: earn 10,000 miles in three months and she’d gain Platinum for the year. As an ultra-frequent Virgin flyer, she jumped. "The challenge got me exploring new Virgin partners, trying premium cabins and optimizing spending. My status zoomed up quicker than ever thanks to focus."
One-time milestone bonuses clicked for consistent accumulators too. Mark M. happily banked 75,000 miles upon passing 500,000 lifetime miles. "I've flown faithfully for ages, but this promotion made reaching a career milestone especially rewarding." Double elite-qualifying miles on holiday trips also help travelers secure status extensions without additional flights.
Limited-run promotions prove airlines appreciate established customers. Barry beams, “Earning triple miles for my birthday month felt like a personal ‘thank you’ from the airline.” When cherished clients delight at targeted opportunities, bonds strengthen. Proving programs periodically re-engage stalwarts sustains loyalty long-term.
Bragging rights keep loyalists going too. Party planner Penelope proclaims "I jumped on a flash sale for 15x miles per dollar just to hit one million miles faster than my friends.” Whether competing for clout or bucket list breaks, promotions produce passion. Rachel admits candidly, "I used to switch between airlines hunting deals, but bonus offers convinced me to commit fully to one program.” Cementing allegiance advances advocacy.