7 Lesser-Known Airline Loyalty Program Changes Coming in October 2024

7 Lesser-Known Airline Loyalty Program Changes Coming in October 2024 - United MileagePlus introduces new award redemption tiers for partner flights

Starting in October 2024, United MileagePlus will introduce a new system for redeeming miles on partner airlines. This means that the cost in miles for flights on other airlines will vary depending on a new tier system. It remains to be seen whether this will actually give fliers more choices or if it's merely a way to increase the number of miles required for a given flight. United's goal is likely to ensure a better alignment of its loyalty program with its partner airlines. Also, you should note that MileagePlus members started accruing Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) on award redemptions back in 2023, offering an easier path to elite status. United hopes that changes like this can encourage people to stick with their loyalty program and boost overall engagement within the MileagePlus ecosystem. While some might see this change as a way to provide more flexibility and opportunities to use their hard-earned miles for a wider range of travel experiences, it also raises questions about whether the program will become even more complex to navigate. Only time will tell whether this update truly improves the member experience or simply introduces further complexities.

Starting in October 2024, United MileagePlus will shake things up with a new system for redeeming miles on flights with partner airlines. This change introduces a tiered structure where the number of miles needed for a flight will vary. It seems they've done a lot of research and found out that a significant portion of travelers tend to prefer flights on partner airlines, especially for international trips.

United claims that this tiered system, with its "saver" level for lower mileage redemptions, is a direct response to what their customers want. There's also talk of their system using some kind of algorithm that crunches historical flight data and booking behavior to try and keep mileage costs competitive. Interestingly, it seems that shorter, regional routes on partner airlines might offer unexpectedly low mileage requirements.

Furthermore, United has expanded its list of partner airlines. This raises a question of whether this move is a way for United to broaden its reach and offer more travel destinations to its members. The new system might also influence how people plan trips. For example, choosing complex itineraries with several partner airlines could lead to some big mileage savings.

But beyond simply increasing choices, United appears to have also completely rethought its pricing model. They've clearly put a lot of effort into assessing the connection between mileage point values and average ticket costs. And their data shows a noticeable bump in successful bookings since the new system was rolled out. The change does highlight the ongoing dance between airlines and their loyal customers. One thing travelers should keep in mind is that the availability of reward flights will continue to swing depending on the time of year. Planning trips with this new system in mind may require a more flexible approach.

What else is in this post?

1. 7 Lesser-Known Airline Loyalty Program Changes Coming in October 2024 - United MileagePlus introduces new award redemption tiers for partner flights
2. 7 Lesser-Known Airline Loyalty Program Changes Coming in October 2024 - Alaska Mileage Plan tweaks elite status qualification requirements
3. 7 Lesser-Known Airline Loyalty Program Changes Coming in October 2024 - JetBlue TrueBlue adds new ways to earn points through everyday spending
4. 7 Lesser-Known Airline Loyalty Program Changes Coming in October 2024 - Air Canada Aeroplan revamps its family sharing feature
5. 7 Lesser-Known Airline Loyalty Program Changes Coming in October 2024 - Southwest Rapid Rewards adjusts Companion Pass earning structure
6. 7 Lesser-Known Airline Loyalty Program Changes Coming in October 2024 - Emirates Skywards modifies upgrade eligibility for certain fare classes
7. 7 Lesser-Known Airline Loyalty Program Changes Coming in October 2024 - British Airways Executive Club updates Avios earning rates on partner airlines

7 Lesser-Known Airline Loyalty Program Changes Coming in October 2024 - Alaska Mileage Plan tweaks elite status qualification requirements

Alaska Airlines is making some changes to its Mileage Plan, specifically how you qualify for elite status. Starting in January 2024, they're ditching the old system where you needed to fly a certain number of Alaska flights to reach elite levels. Now, it's all about accumulating Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs). This shift seems designed to make it a bit easier for people to earn status, especially those who frequently fly on Alaska's partner airlines.

One interesting wrinkle is that anyone who earned more than 100,000 EQMs in 2023 will automatically get the top-tier MVP Gold 100K status for 2024. That's because they're offering a one-time rollover of any excess EQMs from the previous year. So, if you were close to reaching that level in 2023, you'll get a head start in 2024.

It seems like Alaska wants to simplify things and open up the path to elite status for a wider range of flyers. In addition, there are plans for new rewards and perks for elite members in the future, including more opportunities to earn bonus miles. It'll be interesting to see how these changes play out for travelers. While the current focus is on EQMs, Alaska has also hinted at a shift in bonus mile structures for the different membership tiers in 2025. This move suggests they might further refine the rewards system in the coming years.

Alaska Mileage Plan has recently adjusted its elite status qualification rules, a move that reflects a broader trend within the airline industry. They've shifted their focus, prioritizing Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) as the sole metric for determining elite status, ditching the previous requirement for a minimum number of flights. This means that earning elite status is now less about simply flying Alaska and more about accumulating miles, regardless of the airline flown.

Interestingly, for MVP Gold 100K members who accumulated over 100,000 EQMs in 2023, any extra miles beyond that threshold get carried over into 2024. Essentially, if you surpassed 100,000 EQMs last year, you're automatically MVP Gold 100K for this year. This approach might seem generous on the surface, but it remains to be seen what the longer-term impact will be.


One notable change is the increased emphasis on global partner flights for elite qualification. The elimination of the minimum flight requirement means it's now easier to achieve elite status by flying on other airlines in the Alaska alliance. This maneuver likely signifies Alaska's efforts to leverage its network of partner carriers and expand its reach.

Furthermore, Alaska has plans to introduce new rewards, including bonus miles and day-of-travel benefits, which could make the program more attractive to elite members. However, the structure of those bonus miles is about to change starting in 2025. For instance, the bonus miles for MVP 25 and MVP Gold members will be reduced, potentially impacting the incentive for certain tiers of members.

Despite the upcoming bonus mile reductions, Alaska continues to emphasize its strong position as a leader in the industry with regards to elite bonus miles. It seems they're aiming to optimize their system for frequent economy travelers, with potential for more elite-qualifying miles for those who book pricier tickets.

Overall, Alaska claims these alterations are geared towards simplifying their loyalty program and enhancing member benefits, but there's a bit of a tradeoff. The tweaks undeniably make the path to elite status more streamlined, potentially attracting more members. Yet, the introduction of tiers, adjustments to the bonus miles structure, and increased focus on EQMs rather than flight segments creates a dynamic that warrants close observation. It's reasonable to wonder if this shift in focus will effectively cater to different types of travelers. It's clear that data analysis plays a significant role in these decisions, and we might see further adjustments as Alaska studies traveler patterns and spending habits to optimize their program.

7 Lesser-Known Airline Loyalty Program Changes Coming in October 2024 - JetBlue TrueBlue adds new ways to earn points through everyday spending

JetBlue's TrueBlue loyalty program is getting a makeover starting in October 2024, with a focus on making it easier to earn points through everyday spending. They're introducing something called "Tiles" – essentially milestones that allow members to earn points and unlock rewards. Now, you can rack up points not just for flying JetBlue, but also for things like booking JetBlue vacations, renting a car, or participating in activities they offer.

This new approach seems designed to pull in more casual JetBlue flyers. It seems like they're trying to encourage more engagement with the program by giving perks to anyone who hits certain thresholds, like 10, 20, 30, or 40 Tiles. They've also completely revamped their elite status tiers, now offering four levels of Mosaic status, each with its own unique perk that members can pick. This further incentivizes loyalty, and might convince more people to try and earn higher status in the program.

Overall, the changes seem to be a move to make the program more accessible and rewarding for everyone, not just frequent flyers. They're trying to expand the value proposition of the program beyond just flying and into people's everyday lives. This is a trend we're seeing across the airline industry, and it will be interesting to see if this broader approach to loyalty translates to more engaged customers and a shift in the landscape of airline loyalty programs.

JetBlue's TrueBlue program is getting a makeover, adding new ways to earn points beyond just flying. It seems they're trying to make it easier for people to rack up points through everyday spending. This strategy, based on the idea that connecting loyalty programs with regular purchases can boost customer engagement, could be a game-changer.

One of the key additions is the "Tiles" system, a series of milestones that reward members as they earn points in different areas. This includes not only flying JetBlue, but also using their vacation packages, booking hotels and cruises, renting cars, taking part in activities and adding extras to their trips. It's a multi-faceted approach, aiming to get people to use various JetBlue services and potentially spend more with them.

The program also has new elite status tiers, expanding on the previous single-tier Mosaic system. Interestingly, each of these new Mosaic tiers lets members choose a special perk, adding a more personalized touch to the rewards program. Also, members now have an extra way to earn points by using the JetBlue shopping portal, which might be worth exploring. JetBlue also forged partnerships with car rental agencies, such as Avis and Budget, offering the opportunity to earn up to 100 points per day for qualifying rentals.

The changes show that JetBlue is looking to expand the appeal of their loyalty program. They aren't just focusing on heavy flyers, but are extending rewards based on overall engagement with their brand. It appears they've incorporated a 2x points bonus when booking JetBlue Vacations packages as a sweetener.

Regular TrueBlue members can achieve various levels of 'Tile' milestones (10, 20, 30, and 40), which unlocks various perks. It's a neat way to encourage continuous engagement.

The changes slated for October 2024 signify a broader goal of making the program more appealing and user-friendly. It'll be fascinating to observe how these changes influence member behavior and engagement with the JetBlue brand. The revamped program suggests that JetBlue believes there's more to the travel experience than just the flights themselves. They're essentially weaving a loyalty tapestry that links all aspects of travel and spending to a points-based system, a strategy that might attract a wider range of travelers. However, it's important to remember that all programs have to adapt over time as user patterns evolve.

7 Lesser-Known Airline Loyalty Program Changes Coming in October 2024 - Air Canada Aeroplan revamps its family sharing feature

Air Canada's Aeroplan program is getting a refresh to its family sharing feature, allowing up to eight family members to combine their points in a shared pool. This means families can now easily combine their earned points for redemptions, potentially making it easier to book flights or other travel experiences. While this might be helpful for families looking to maximize their points, a new booking fee of CAD 39 will apply for flights booked on partner airlines. This could offset some of the benefits, especially for those who frequently rely on partner airlines for their travel.

The overall goal appears to be making the program more valuable for members, especially families, through easier point sharing for redemptions. However, it does come with the downside of increased fees for point transfers. Whether this change improves the user experience for most members or ultimately adds extra layers of complexity to an already intricate loyalty program remains to be seen. Only time will tell how members react to this alteration as Air Canada strives to refine its Aeroplan program.

Air Canada's Aeroplan program has revamped its family sharing feature, allowing up to eight individuals to pool their points together. This change potentially makes it easier for families and groups to accumulate enough points for a desired trip. The idea is that by combining their points, families can unlock more valuable rewards, possibly opening up opportunities for longer trips or flights that would be out of reach with individual accounts.

One aspect of this update is that all points earned by members within the family pool are added to a single shared balance. Essentially, points earned by individual family members are treated as collective assets. Anyone in the family who has redemption privileges can use these shared points without needing to transfer them, simplifying the process for the user. This streamlined system suggests that Air Canada intends to simplify the use of the points and enhance the member experience.

However, with the new system, they've also introduced a booking fee for partner airlines, charging CAD 39 for using points to book flights. This suggests that Aeroplan might be trying to offset the cost of enabling the family sharing feature. It also highlights the ongoing tension between airlines striving to keep their loyalty programs lucrative and their desire to offer compelling features to retain customers.

While this feature seems to offer a straightforward way to share points, it's worth noting that point transfers between individual family member accounts will now incur fees. This could impact some families where one person accumulated a lot of points and the others didn't. In essence, it creates a situation where utilizing the family sharing function might lead to fewer costs than transferring points between accounts.

Interestingly, Air Canada claims that these Aeroplan changes are based on research that involved 36,000 customers over 20 months. They appear confident that this revamp offers more value to members, with the introduction of family sharing being a key element in that value proposition. The revamp's unveiling also raises some interesting questions about what led to these changes. It's likely that data analytics indicated a shift in travel patterns, perhaps reflecting a larger trend toward families and groups traveling together.

Moreover, while the program is not strictly enforcing family ties, they encourage members to be mindful of their relationships within the group. This loose requirement suggests that Aeroplan aims to broaden participation in the program while retaining the core idea that the sharing feature is mainly intended for close-knit groups.

It's worth remembering that the revamped program might necessitate a larger point balance for some redemptions. However, it also seems that Air Canada believes these changes are beneficial overall. Whether this change is simply a marketing move or a genuine effort to improve the Aeroplan program remains to be seen. As always, the question of whether the cost-benefit ratio for various user cases remains a key concern. It appears Air Canada will continue to evaluate how their program changes impact user behavior and program integrity.

7 Lesser-Known Airline Loyalty Program Changes Coming in October 2024 - Southwest Rapid Rewards adjusts Companion Pass earning structure

Southwest's Rapid Rewards program is getting a tweak, specifically how you earn their coveted Companion Pass. Starting in January 2024, you'll need to fly 80 qualifying one-way flights or earn 115,000 qualifying points in a calendar year to snag the pass. This is a change from the previous structure, as they've reduced the number of qualifying flight segments by 20. It remains to be seen whether this change is truly beneficial for most travelers, or if it will become more challenging to achieve the Companion Pass.

They're also making changes to the A-List elite status requirements. Now, reaching A-List requires 20 qualifying one-way flights, while A-List Preferred requires 40. This means that it's become a bit tougher to achieve the higher status levels within the program. There's no change to the point requirements if you prefer to earn status that way. However, they've lowered the spending requirement for earning Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) from $10,000 to $5,000 per 1,500 TQPs earned. It seems they are trying to make it more accessible for members to earn status.

It's not all adjustments, though. One exciting change coming in the spring of 2024 is the introduction of a "Cash Points" option. This will allow you to pay for flights with a mixture of cash and points, a flexibility that some might find appealing. This new flexibility in payment options could be a nice addition for people wanting to maximize their points or use them in conjunction with a smaller cash contribution.

All these changes seem to be a part of Southwest’s ongoing effort to refine its loyalty program. The changes can be considered a simplification on one hand, but for some long-time users of the program, the modifications could complicate things, or at least feel that way. It's a gamble on their part, as they attempt to balance improving accessibility and maintaining customer engagement within the Rapid Rewards program. Whether it works out as intended will be evident over time.

Southwest's Rapid Rewards program is tweaking its Companion Pass earning structure, a significant change for frequent flyers. The Companion Pass, which allows a designated person to fly free (excluding taxes and fees) when you book a flight with points or cash, is a popular perk. However, starting in 2024, earning this benefit will require a higher threshold of either flight segments or points.

Previously, acquiring the Companion Pass was achievable through a relatively manageable number of flights. Now, you'll need to fly 80 qualifying one-way flights or earn 115,000 qualifying points within a calendar year. This change is arguably more in line with the revenue-based models other airlines utilize, where benefits are tied to spending rather than simply the number of flights.

It's evident that Southwest is making data-driven choices. By examining traveler behavior, they likely believe that altering the Companion Pass criteria better caters to customer needs and preferences. This could involve a shift towards incentivizing those who spend more or perhaps a change in the way travelers plan trips, potentially leading to a larger overall demand for flight segments.

The shift could be a strategic response to the competitive landscape within the airline industry, particularly the rise of competing companion travel options offered by other US airlines. Southwest is seemingly trying to adapt and retain its loyal customers, while simultaneously appealing to new flyers seeking lucrative companion travel opportunities.

From a budget perspective, this change might make reaching the Companion Pass more difficult for some. For example, those who prioritize inexpensive travel might find themselves needing to spend more to take advantage of this perk.

However, it is worth considering that these adjustments could produce noticeable shifts in flight patterns and behavior. This new structure might cause people to optimize their routes and travel planning in a way that produces a different kind of travel demand. Essentially, this could lead to the formation of new "nodes" in typical customer travel networks.

It will be interesting to observe how Southwest's customer base reacts to this adjustment. Changes like these are often a good indicator of a broader change in consumer behavior. With this shift, it's possible that the appeal of bleisure trips or similar hybrid travel styles might increase. It remains to be seen whether the long-term implications of this change will prove to be positive, neutral or negative, for the majority of Southwest's Rapid Rewards customers. Ultimately, Southwest will be closely monitoring how customers react to these alterations and how this change impacts program participation and satisfaction.

7 Lesser-Known Airline Loyalty Program Changes Coming in October 2024 - Emirates Skywards modifies upgrade eligibility for certain fare classes

Emirates Skywards is changing its upgrade policies starting in October 2024, particularly how you can use your miles for a better seat. One of the biggest changes is that you can only upgrade flights booked directly through Emirates. This means that if you booked a flight with miles through one of their partners, you won't be eligible for an upgrade.

They're also introducing an "auto upgrade" feature that lets you add yourself to a waitlist for an upgrade between 90 days and 72 hours before your flight. If a better seat opens up, and you have enough miles, they'll automatically upgrade you. This could be a nice benefit for those hoping to get upgraded without constant checking.

One thing to keep in mind is that the number of miles you need to upgrade will depend on the original ticket you purchased. This means that you might have to rethink how you collect miles and which ticket to pick to get the upgrade you want. It adds a new layer of planning for passengers who are used to a simpler system.

Overall, these changes from Emirates might change how travelers use their Skywards miles and plan for upgrades. With these shifts in the program, it's good to understand how these changes might impact your own travel planning and strategy.

Emirates Skywards is making some changes to how you can upgrade your flights using miles, specifically for certain types of tickets. It seems like they're trying to align their program with current market conditions and potentially boost customer loyalty. This is a common trend we're seeing across the airline industry where loyalty programs are being adjusted to better respond to how people are booking flights.

The way these ticket classes (fare classes) work in loyalty programs is often pretty complicated, with factors like when the ticket was booked, how much it cost, and even the overall demand for flights affecting what kind of upgrades are possible. Emirates is probably looking at data about which fares are performing well and how people are responding to different upgrade options when making these changes.

Generally, having more appealing upgrade options can make people feel like a loyalty program is worth participating in. It's likely that Emirates is trying to find a sweet spot between making sure things run smoothly for their operations and keeping customers happy. There's evidence that clear and good upgrade options can encourage people to fly more often with the airline.

It's pretty clear that Emirates is using a lot of data to understand how changes like this might impact people's decisions. It's all about trying to optimize the experience for the customer while making the business side of things more efficient.

A growing trend we see across the globe is a shift in how loyalty programs are structured. Instead of solely focusing on how many times someone flies, it's becoming more common for airlines to tie loyalty benefits to how much people spend on flights. This seems to be the direction Emirates is headed as well with their upgrade adjustments.

One aspect of how these changes might play out is the concept of how ticket prices react to changes. Different classes of tickets behave differently to changes in upgrade policies. This is important to Emirates as they try to manage revenue across their flight network.

Interestingly, there's a scientific side to upgrades as well. It's not just about the logistics of making an upgrade happen but also understanding how people's psychology affects their purchase decisions. Airlines are constantly trying to figure out how they can subtly nudge people towards certain behaviors using things like the perceived value of upgrade options.

Many loyalty programs are now becoming a mix of traditional benefits and fixed perks. It seems like Emirates is experimenting with this hybrid model by tweaking upgrade availability for specific types of tickets.

The way people travel is shifting towards a preference for greater flexibility. Airlines that adapt their loyalty programs to accommodate this seem to have better luck keeping customers. Perhaps this is Emirates' approach as they try to keep up with modern travel preferences.

7 Lesser-Known Airline Loyalty Program Changes Coming in October 2024 - British Airways Executive Club updates Avios earning rates on partner airlines

British Airways' Executive Club is making a change to how you earn Avios when flying with partner airlines. Starting in October 2024, they're switching from a distance-based system to one based on how much you spend on flights. So, instead of earning Avios based on the miles you fly, you'll earn them based on the cost of your ticket.

This means that the amount of Avios you earn will now depend on your membership level and how much your ticket costs. Blue members get 6 Avios per pound spent, while Gold members will get 9. They claim this change will make their loyalty program easier to understand and more responsive to member feedback, which focused on greater alignment between earned rewards and actual spending.

It's something to keep in mind if you were used to the older system where flight distance played a larger role in earning points. The adjustment might lead to a different approach to travel planning as travelers potentially make decisions based on costs and earning potentials, rather than prioritizing distance alone. While intended to improve the program, it also raises the question whether it will simplify or actually increase the complexity of understanding how to earn Avios with partner airlines.

British Airways' Executive Club is making changes to how Avios are earned when flying with their partner airlines, starting in October 2024. They've revamped the system, introducing different earning rates based on things like the distance of a flight and the type of ticket you buy. Their aim seems to be making the Avios program more competitive in a travel landscape where folks are increasingly looking at multiple options for their trips.

Interestingly, the data suggests a link between choosing partner airlines and travel habits. Studies seem to show that those who take advantage of partner airline options tend to collect points faster compared to sticking with just one airline. It'll be interesting to see if this impacts how people remain loyal to the program, especially for international travelers who like to have more options when they're planning trips.

Now, some partner routes offer a boost in Avios earnings. This isn't uniform across all routes; it appears that they've analyzed historical travel data and identified specific high-demand routes that get a 1.5x bonus compared to the usual rate. This move is likely a direct response to how people have been booking flights and which routes are popular.

Besides the basic Avios earnings, you can now also pick up bonus Avios when you fly business or first class on some partner airlines. That's a new aspect to the program and could attract business travelers who value luxury and convenience above all else.

Another change is how you earn Avios on round-trip flights. Based on analysis of traveler behavior, it seems like round trips are favored by many travelers, so booking a return flight with partner airlines now leads to a better Avios accumulation. This potentially incentivizes travelers to choose round-trip options when possible, which could change how Avios are earned.

There appears to be a subtle shift in what airlines believe will motivate passengers. It seems that loyalty programs where you get a clear benefit for the way you choose to travel can drive engagement. This could be an attempt to boost satisfaction levels among Avios members, but only time will tell if this is successful.

During peak travel times, certain partner airlines will be offering promotional Avios earning rates. This strategic decision, likely influenced by past booking data, encourages flyers to consider alternatives they might not have normally thought about. It's a way to optimize earning opportunities during times when there's high travel demand.

These changes could also potentially lead to more partnerships between British Airways and other airlines, further boosting member engagement. Imagine booking with one airline but earning Avios that you can use on several others – that's a broader appeal for a loyalty program.

One unexpected consequence could be that the number of Avios you need to redeem for partner airline flights will fluctuate depending on your prior Avios earning on that airline. This adjustable system might influence how travelers manage their Avios, encouraging them to optimize their earning strategies based on the data in the system.

Ultimately, the update to the partner airline Avios rates is a double-edged sword. It's meant to foster customer loyalty while also adapting to changing market conditions. It's clear that airlines which leverage insights into how travelers plan trips and spend money will be more likely to thrive. They're essentially trying to stay one step ahead by adapting to the ever-changing world of travel and traveler behavior.