7 Essential Airline Loyalty Programs for New US Residents Planning Regular Domestic Travel

7 Essential Airline Loyalty Programs for New US Residents Planning Regular Domestic Travel - Delta SkyMiles Miles Earning at 5x for Main Cabin Flights Starting January 2025

From January 2025, Delta SkyMiles members flying in Delta's Main Cabin will earn 5 miles per dollar spent on their tickets. This change is part of an ongoing effort by Delta to make their loyalty program more attractive to travelers. With over 120 million members, Delta SkyMiles is one of the largest airline loyalty programs in the world, and the fact that miles don't expire adds a strong incentive for using this program. However, the 5x earning rate is only valid for Main Cabin and above, leaving basic economy fares, which have been excluded since 2021, out of the deal, potentially limiting options for budget conscious travelers. The good news is that Delta Medallion members stand to gain even more from this change due to the increased miles earning potential, enhancing the attractiveness of the program for frequent travelers. Furthermore, the option to earn miles with Delta's partners and their co-branded credit cards makes Delta SkyMiles worth looking into for any new US resident who frequently travels domestically. One might even argue that Delta's frequent flyer program is becoming more advantageous for those seeking rewards for their travel spending.

From January 2025, Delta SkyMiles members will earn 5 miles per dollar spent on Main Cabin tickets. This adjustment signifies a shift in Delta's loyalty program, potentially aimed at bolstering its appeal to regular travelers on domestic routes.

The strategy is interesting: by increasing the earning rate, Delta indirectly promotes the value of its Main Cabin class. One could speculate that this approach may entice some passengers to favor Main Cabin over premium cabins for a quicker path to earning miles.

This new earning structure alters the dynamics of the SkyMiles system. Instead of solely focusing on distance traveled, earning is tied to ticket price, presenting an interesting twist for planning trips. This implies a potential change in traveler behavior, where selecting routes with higher fares becomes more appealing when viewed through the lens of mile accumulation.

This move could invigorate the chase for elite status within the SkyMiles program. Passengers might find themselves strategically choosing flights that maximize their earning potential in hopes of faster qualification for status perks such as lounge access and complimentary upgrades.

It will be fascinating to see how Delta's competitors react to this move. Other airlines might need to adjust their loyalty programs to stay competitive, which could translate into improved offerings for travelers. SkyMiles miles are not limited to flights. They can be applied to a range of other travel-related expenses, like hotels and activities, making them a versatile asset for diverse travel requirements.

The intensifying competition within the airline landscape spurred by Delta's 5x initiative could potentially lead to more attractive fares and enhanced services across the industry, which is ultimately beneficial for passengers. It underscores a broader pattern of airlines striving to cultivate stronger relationships with frequent travelers, highlighting the pivotal role of loyalty programs in the modern travel environment.

What else is in this post?

1. 7 Essential Airline Loyalty Programs for New US Residents Planning Regular Domestic Travel - Delta SkyMiles Miles Earning at 5x for Main Cabin Flights Starting January 2025
2. 7 Essential Airline Loyalty Programs for New US Residents Planning Regular Domestic Travel - American AAdvantage Partnership with Japan Airlines Doubles Mile Earnings on Pacific Routes
3. 7 Essential Airline Loyalty Programs for New US Residents Planning Regular Domestic Travel - United MileagePlus Free Premium Economy Upgrades on All Domestic Routes Over 1,500 Miles
4. 7 Essential Airline Loyalty Programs for New US Residents Planning Regular Domestic Travel - Southwest Rapid Rewards New Status Match Program Through December 2025
5. 7 Essential Airline Loyalty Programs for New US Residents Planning Regular Domestic Travel - Alaska Mileage Plan Elite Status Now Requires Just 20,000 Miles for MVP Tier
6. 7 Essential Airline Loyalty Programs for New US Residents Planning Regular Domestic Travel - JetBlue TrueBlue Points Now Transfer to Emirates Skywards at 1 -1 Ratio
7. 7 Essential Airline Loyalty Programs for New US Residents Planning Regular Domestic Travel - Frontier Airlines FRONTIER Miles Program Adds Free Carry On for Elite Members

7 Essential Airline Loyalty Programs for New US Residents Planning Regular Domestic Travel - American AAdvantage Partnership with Japan Airlines Doubles Mile Earnings on Pacific Routes

American Airlines and Japan Airlines have teamed up to offer a boost to AAdvantage members traveling across the Pacific. Now, those flying on eligible Japan Airlines flights, including codeshares, can earn double the AAdvantage miles. This is especially interesting for those who frequently travel from major American hubs such as Dallas-Fort Worth or Los Angeles to destinations in Japan and beyond.

However, like many airline partnerships, the actual miles earned vary quite a bit depending on the specific flight and fare class. While this opens up opportunities for travelers who carefully select their flights, it also makes the earning process a bit more complicated than some might prefer. It’s worth remembering that American Airlines has recently changed its loyalty program and no longer uses Elite Qualifying Miles, opting instead for Loyalty Points as the primary metric for elite status.

Besides the mile earning potential, Japan Airlines offers a higher quality of service compared to many other carriers, particularly on transpacific routes. Their focus on premium experiences, including features like chef-inspired menus and direct aisle access in business class, might make this partnership even more compelling for those prioritizing comfort alongside miles. While this is a welcome addition for AAdvantage members who frequently travel to Japan and other parts of Asia, it highlights the ongoing changes within airline loyalty programs and the need to pay attention to evolving systems when planning trips.

The American Airlines AAdvantage program's partnership with Japan Airlines presents an interesting development in the airline loyalty landscape. This alliance, which allows AAdvantage members to earn double the miles on select Pacific routes when flying on Japan Airlines or its partner airlines, exemplifies a growing trend of airlines forming strategic relationships to boost customer loyalty and compete more effectively.

Japan Airlines, consistently ranked among the top airlines globally for its service quality, adds another dimension to this partnership. The enhanced earning potential for AAdvantage members now extends to a higher standard of travel experience, possibly incentivizing travelers to consider Japan Airlines for its premium offerings.

It's worth noting that the partnership increases earning opportunities, particularly for those opting for premium cabin tickets on these Pacific routes. This could be an attempt by American to nudge travelers towards higher fare classes while also capitalizing on the growing demand for premium international travel. Anecdotally, reports suggest that premium cabin travel has increased by about 20% in the past few years, indicating a growing segment of travelers seeking a higher standard of comfort and service.

Japan Airlines, renowned for its culinary experiences on board, has a potential synergy with the new miles structure. If the rewards program emphasizes premium meals, it could encourage passengers to choose higher-tier options, which in turn boosts revenue and further solidifies the value of the partnership.

This initiative likely reflects a more significant shift in the airline industry. The emphasis on rewarding loyal customers through strategic partnerships appears to be a vital element for airlines hoping to retain frequent travelers, especially those looking for opportunities to explore new international destinations. Indeed, with increased connectivity provided by Japan Airlines to various Asian destinations, American's AAdvantage members now have a broader selection of travel options in the Pacific region, which has experienced a rise in tourism recently. The increased access to countries like South Korea and Taiwan offers travelers a wealth of new experiences, further emphasizing the value of the partnership.

The alliance can provide strategic advantages for both airlines, leading to wider route networks and offering customers more travel options. The simplified booking processes for connections across Asia make it easier for travelers to seamlessly navigate the combined network.

Moreover, American Airlines has a track record of running promotions for its AAdvantage members, such as bonus miles for off-peak travel. These promotions could be paired well with Japan Airlines routes, especially in less busy months.

Ultimately, this partnership highlights a vital aspect of the modern airline industry: building lasting customer relationships through loyalty programs is a win-win. This strategy not only benefits frequent flyers but also contributes to greater stability for airlines operating in a volatile market environment. It appears that loyalty programs are becoming more crucial as a revenue driver and a means to compete in a increasingly competitive environment.

7 Essential Airline Loyalty Programs for New US Residents Planning Regular Domestic Travel - United MileagePlus Free Premium Economy Upgrades on All Domestic Routes Over 1,500 Miles

United MileagePlus has introduced a change that might appeal to those who frequently fly domestically. They are now offering free premium economy upgrades on all domestic routes longer than 1,500 miles. This is a welcome change for MileagePlus members, particularly those who regularly travel long distances within the US. You can request these upgrades online through your MileagePlus account, by phone, or even at the airport.

While the prospect of a free upgrade sounds attractive, these upgrades are subject to availability and can fill up quickly, sometimes resulting in long waitlists. The chance of securing the upgrade depends on factors like the route, your status within the MileagePlus program, and how many other people want the same upgrade.

It's worth noting that MileagePlus's Premier status tiers offer a host of benefits including complimentary checked bags, preferred seating (Economy Plus), and priority boarding. This creates an additional incentive for frequent flyers to actively participate in the program and climb the status ladder. The move might create a ripple effect in the airline loyalty space. Other carriers might be forced to consider offering similar enticements to compete for loyalty. It remains to be seen how widespread this approach will become and if the appeal of free upgrades leads to more passengers opting for longer domestic routes within their travel planning.

United's MileagePlus program offers a noteworthy perk: complimentary Premium Economy upgrades on all domestic routes exceeding 1,500 miles for eligible members. This covers a substantial portion of their domestic network, including numerous destinations across the continental US. While not a full business class experience, the Premium Economy cabin offers a noticeable improvement in comfort and space compared to standard economy. This strategy likely stems from United's desire to optimize revenue, leveraging the opportunity to fill a portion of these premium seats with loyal customers.

Accessing these free upgrades involves a few options, including using their online MileagePlus account, calling the reservations team, or speaking to a representative at the airport. This upgrade scheme seems designed to enhance loyalty and passenger satisfaction, reflecting a broader trend within the airline industry of rewarding frequent flyers.

Interestingly, United's approach aligns with competitor strategies like those seen in Delta's and American's programs. By introducing these free upgrades, United may be looking to attract a larger proportion of travelers who prioritize comfort on longer domestic flights. It is likely these decisions are informed by data on passenger preferences and past flight behavior.

United's system employs intricate algorithms to assess upgrade eligibility, considering fare class and member status. This not only provides a more personalized passenger experience but also aids in airline revenue management and cabin allocation. MileagePlus is a long-standing program, with roots tracing back to 1981, emphasizing its staying power and evolving strategies.

It's plausible that these free upgrade offers serve to encourage members to spend more on tickets to maximize their loyalty benefits. There is a clear trend in travel today: travelers are more attuned to loyalty programs, and perks like free upgrades can shift their booking decisions towards a specific airline. This strategic tactic potentially increases revenue in higher classes, as United fills premium economy seats with loyal customers without resorting to extensive discounting.

It's fascinating to observe how successful this domestic initiative could prove, hinting at the potential for similar strategies in United's international routes. Should this approach gain traction, there is a likelihood of seeing it expand globally, thereby providing more incentives for members traveling overseas.

However, it's important to recognize that upgrade requests can be competitive. While the free upgrade is a great benefit for those eligible, the upgrade clearing process can be a challenge, especially on high-demand routes. There is a lot of competition for upgrades, and ultimately, upgrades aren't always guaranteed. The system prioritizes individuals based on their fare class and loyalty status, making the chances of getting upgraded more difficult for those not at the top of the pyramid. The number of upgrades also seem to be lower than in past years, suggesting that more people are chasing the same upgrade benefits.

Furthermore, members can earn bonus miles and qualify for elite status through promotions. The airline likely continues to monitor data on mileage accrual and status levels to optimize their loyalty programs further. These programs frequently undergo adjustments, so it is important for travelers to stay informed about changes in upgrade availability and restrictions.

7 Essential Airline Loyalty Programs for New US Residents Planning Regular Domestic Travel - Southwest Rapid Rewards New Status Match Program Through December 2025

Southwest Rapid Rewards is offering a new status match program that's designed to entice travelers with elite status from other airlines. Essentially, you can get matched to Southwest's A-List status until the end of December 2024, which could be a useful shortcut for those who regularly fly Southwest.

The interesting part is that if you meet a few flight requirements within the initial 90 days, you can even keep your A-List status for a full year after the initial period. This is a limited time offer, however, and it's set to run through December 2025. While this might look like a clever way to jumpstart your Southwest loyalty, it also means that you have to be pretty active in the following months to make the most of this promotion.

The faster track to A-List or even A-List Preferred status can be a powerful lure, but keep in mind that Southwest could end the program at any point. It seems to be a tactic to generate a lot of interest and ideally bring in a wider range of customers for whom Southwest wasn't the preferred airline previously. The whole situation is rather dynamic, which makes it a bit more interesting but might be too risky for some. You are essentially betting that the promotion won't be cancelled before you meet the requirements to upgrade your status.

For Southwest, this move is part of an intensifying rivalry amongst airlines for customer loyalty. They're competing hard for a growing customer base and this promotion seems to be one of the strategies they are using to accomplish that goal.

Southwest's Rapid Rewards program has introduced a temporary status match initiative, lasting until December 2025, aimed at attracting travelers with existing elite status from other airlines. It seems they're trying to entice frequent flyers to switch over to their system by offering a fast track to their A-List or A-List Preferred status tiers.

The program essentially allows you to mirror your elite status from another airline onto Southwest's system. While initially appealing, this opportunity comes with some fine print. Participants who want to retain their matched status for an extra year will have to rack up a certain number of flights within the first 90 days after the match.

Reaching the A-List level requires either flying 20 one-way qualifying segments or earning 35,000 tier qualifying points by year-end. A-List Preferred requires a more significant commitment—40 one-way qualifying segments or 70,000 tier qualifying points, both within the same timeframe.

Now, it's important to note that Southwest reserves the right to end this promotion at any time. It's a classic marketing ploy. While some people might be drawn in by the potential for a quick boost, they should remember that these kinds of promotions are not set in stone.

However, what intrigues me is how the program functions after this initial period. Members who gain A-List status through this promotional route will automatically revert to standard A-List status in the next year, as long as they satisfy the usual yearly requirements. The benefit of this transition is that it keeps the status valid until December 2025.


It's also interesting that the program seems to be pushing its existing users to earn more points. The new policy, implemented in 2024, converts Rapid Rewards points to tier qualifying points at a rate of 1,500 per 5,000 points. Essentially, earning a sufficient number of regular points will allow them to upgrade their status, further solidifying Southwest's position as a valuable option for frequent flyers.

Of course, Rapid Rewards is evolving and not just confined to airline flights. You can now use the points to book stays at over 400,000 properties. Interestingly, the program also allows you to pay for flights using a combination of points and cash, giving flyers more flexibility in managing their travel expenses.

One can view these frequent changes in the program as indicative of an increasingly competitive travel market, with airlines constantly vying for market share. It remains to be seen how effective this program will be in boosting Southwest's standing within the broader landscape of airline loyalty programs.

7 Essential Airline Loyalty Programs for New US Residents Planning Regular Domestic Travel - Alaska Mileage Plan Elite Status Now Requires Just 20,000 Miles for MVP Tier

Alaska Airlines has recently revamped its Mileage Plan, making it easier for travelers to achieve elite status. Starting in January 2024, the threshold for their entry-level MVP tier dropped to a more accessible 20,000 elite qualifying miles (EQMs). This shift is notable as it removes the previous hurdles of having to fly exclusively on Alaska Airlines and accumulating a specific number of flight segments to qualify for status.

The updated program maintains a tiered structure, with MVP Gold requiring 40,000 EQMs, MVP Gold 75K at 75,000 EQMs, and the top-tier MVP Gold 100K at 100,000 EQMs. This suggests that Alaska Airlines still prioritizes rewarding their most loyal travelers, but it has made the initial steps toward elite status much more achievable.

Beyond these immediate changes, Alaska Airlines plans to refine the Mileage Plan further in the future. Come 2025, the program will include new rewards and incentives linked to hitting certain milestones, such as bonus miles or complimentary meals. This evolution suggests that Alaska is committed to remaining competitive in the realm of airline loyalty programs.

With the simplification of the MVP status requirement, Alaska Airlines may be appealing to a broader audience of frequent domestic flyers. It remains to be seen how effective these changes will be in driving greater customer loyalty, but it certainly signifies a change in the landscape of Alaska's frequent flyer program.

Alaska Airlines has made a notable change to their Mileage Plan, lowering the mileage threshold for achieving MVP elite status to just 20,000 miles, effective January 2024. This is a significant drop compared to previous requirements, making MVP status more accessible to a wider range of travelers.

This adjustment could potentially lead to a surge in travelers engaging with the Mileage Plan. The lowered barrier to entry might motivate more frequent Alaska Airlines passengers to fly more often, even for shorter trips, potentially boosting the airline's overall travel volume. By making MVP status more attainable, Alaska strategically positions itself in a competitive airline landscape, potentially attracting casual travelers who might have previously leaned towards other major airlines.

Earning MVP status provides several advantages, including priority boarding, complimentary upgrades, and access to exclusive fares and bonus miles. This enhanced travel experience could significantly increase the perceived value of the program. The flexibility of the Mileage Plan allows travelers to earn miles not just through flights but also from various travel-related expenses, making it potentially easier to accumulate the required 20,000 miles. This change in the program could foster greater customer loyalty towards Alaska Airlines, as more individuals achieve MVP status and become repeat customers.

Interestingly, this move by Alaska might put pressure on other airlines to reassess their loyalty programs. They might be compelled to introduce similar strategies to maintain competitiveness, resulting in a broader shift in how airlines reward their frequent flyers. This competition-driven evolution in loyalty programs could ultimately benefit travelers by fostering more attractive program structures.

The implications of this change could extend beyond just the core program. Alaska Airlines offers unique flight destinations, particularly in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. With more travelers potentially gaining MVP status, this could shine a spotlight on these regions, generating tourism and economic activity.

It's likely this change was a data-driven decision. As airlines refine their loyalty program structures, they are increasingly utilizing data analytics to understand traveler behaviors and preferences. This move suggests a broader trend within the industry – using elite status as a mechanism to encourage increased travel spending. We can anticipate that Alaska will be closely monitoring the outcomes of these changes to fine-tune their loyalty program even further in the future. The implications of this strategy on passenger travel patterns, competitive responses from other airlines, and the impact on Alaska's network are areas worth observing as the new structure takes hold.

7 Essential Airline Loyalty Programs for New US Residents Planning Regular Domestic Travel - JetBlue TrueBlue Points Now Transfer to Emirates Skywards at 1 -1 Ratio

JetBlue's TrueBlue program has recently become more appealing for those looking to explore international travel, particularly with Emirates. TrueBlue points can now be exchanged for Emirates Skywards miles at a 1:1 ratio. This offers a new avenue for utilizing your JetBlue points, allowing you to potentially access a broader range of destinations through Emirates' network.

The new partnership opens the door to experiences such as booking JetBlue's premium Mint business class to London with just 64,000 Emirates Skywards miles. Even economy flights on JetBlue can now be booked using Skywards miles, with a one-way ticket starting around 32,000 miles. This flexibility is enticing, especially for travelers who often find themselves wanting to explore destinations beyond JetBlue's main routes.

The points transfer process is reasonably fast, with transfers usually completed within a single business day. This swift turnaround could be beneficial to those with upcoming travel plans that require booking award flights. This development isn't unique to JetBlue and Emirates. Other programs like Capital One and Brex Rewards also transfer to Emirates at a 1:1 ratio, and it's a trend that's likely to continue. However, the move does seem to add another layer of appeal to both programs for those with a preference for American airlines. It's certainly a worthwhile development to be aware of if you're trying to maximize the value of your existing points and enjoy the allure of travel rewards.

While the ability to transfer points is attractive, remember that the availability of award seats and the actual value of your points ultimately determine the overall success of these schemes. But as airlines create more options for sharing loyalty points, opportunities for travelers to benefit are likely to increase in the future.

JetBlue's TrueBlue points can now be swapped for Emirates Skywards miles at a 1:1 ratio. This means that miles earned on JetBlue flights within the US can be used for flights on Emirates to numerous locations worldwide. This new partnership raises several points worth considering.

Firstly, the partnership broadens travel opportunities. Emirates has a vast network of destinations, primarily in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, making it easier to use points accrued on JetBlue for international adventures. This could be especially valuable for new US residents who are still exploring travel beyond domestic routes.

Secondly, JetBlue's earning potential is fairly good, especially on their website, meaning that points can be collected rather quickly, especially when compared to other programs. This fast accumulation can be strategically utilized by transferring points to Emirates, boosting the perceived value of the TrueBlue program.

Thirdly, Emirates is often seen as offering a very good return on Skywards miles, particularly when redeeming for premium business class seats on long-haul journeys. This means that the transferred JetBlue points could be worth more when used with Emirates for premium international travel. It's interesting how this potentially creates a new strategy for accumulating points and it could be particularly useful for travelers who regularly fly JetBlue domestically, as it creates an incentive for using this program specifically for long-haul trips.

However, it adds complexity to the mileage strategizing. Travelers now have to factor in two loyalty programs when planning trips, and it becomes more important to make smart decisions about where to fly to maximize the reward accumulation, depending on whether a passenger is planning to fly domestically or internationally. The partnership's impact on the overall travel market is worth watching; it could influence business travelers as well since Emirates is a strong force in connecting flights from many parts of the world to its Dubai hub.


This cross-program transfer of miles is a new element in the world of loyalty programs. It's fascinating to see airlines experiment with linking their networks, and it'll be interesting to see whether other airlines follow in their footsteps and start working with each other in similar ways. This could also influence how airlines continue to enhance their offerings as part of a broader competitive pressure to maintain customer loyalty.

Moreover, travelers can get perks when traveling with Emirates, such as upgrades and access to airport lounges, when they use their Skywards miles earned via JetBlue points. While the potential for these benefits is quite alluring, it's worth monitoring how these new dynamics affect passenger behavior, overall travel preferences, and if these sorts of arrangements become a more widespread part of the frequent flyer scene. This partnership is worth monitoring carefully as it potentially shows a shift towards a more dynamic way of thinking about airline loyalty.

7 Essential Airline Loyalty Programs for New US Residents Planning Regular Domestic Travel - Frontier Airlines FRONTIER Miles Program Adds Free Carry On for Elite Members

Frontier Airlines recently revamped their FRONTIER Miles program, adding a noteworthy perk: free carry-on bags for elite members. This is a departure from Frontier's usual low-cost, a la carte approach, and aligns with a trend of budget carriers offering more traditionally full-service amenities.

This new policy could be part of Frontier's strategy to bolster their loyalty program, potentially increasing revenue. Research has suggested that well-structured loyalty programs can indeed drive a 5% to 10% increase in an airline's revenue, demonstrating the power of rewarding regular customers. It's possible that Frontier hopes this added perk will incentivize travelers to choose them more often, leading to a higher overall ticket sales.

The shift towards offering a free carry-on for elites is interesting. It could reflect a broader change in the landscape of budget airlines. As more of them try to differentiate themselves with perks and features previously linked to full-service carriers, it might change how price-conscious passengers evaluate what they consider good value. For a long time, budget airlines have thrived on making passengers pay extra for nearly every service. Will they maintain this, or will they adapt further to compete for loyal customers?

The FRONTIER Miles program's revamped earnings model allows members to accumulate miles from various activities, like hotel and rental car bookings. This means there are now multiple pathways to earning rewards, which could influence how travelers strategically plan their trips. It's a noticeable shift from merely accruing miles based on flight distance or frequency.

However, Frontier intends to increase the minimum requirements for achieving elite status in the coming year. This could make the new perk less valuable for new members, as the path to acquiring the free carry-on will become more challenging. This aspect could impact how appealing the loyalty program appears to travelers who are just beginning their travels with Frontier.

Frontier's recent loyalty program updates are a clear reaction to the heightened competition in domestic air travel. As other budget airlines seek to strengthen their customer base and attract elite travelers, it's likely that they too will be prompted to re-examine their loyalty programs and consider introducing or enhancing their own perks. In this context, Frontier's move to provide a free carry-on for elites can be seen as a defensive move within the highly competitive travel industry.

A key aspect of this shift is the perceived value that travelers place on the ability to travel without the added cost of carry-on baggage. Some research indicates that airline fares don't always fully reflect the expenses travelers actually incur. Simply having the option to avoid extra charges for bringing a personal item can substantially change the perception of a flight's overall cost. As travelers consider the costs of travel, they may consider carry-on fees an essential part of the cost.

Free perks like carry-on baggage can noticeably influence booking decisions, suggesting that Frontier hopes this policy change will motivate travelers to fly with them more often, reinforcing loyalty. Airlines are likely to use more data-driven approaches to develop their strategies for keeping passengers. The hope is that travelers will consider Frontier their primary airline of choice.

The changing dynamics of the Frontier loyalty program reflect a broader transformation within the airline industry. Budget carriers are continuously adding more amenities that were once reserved for full-service options. This push toward a more inclusive model, offering features previously only available with higher ticket prices, might create a unique advantage for budget carriers.

Ultimately, the future of loyalty programs hinges on data-driven insights into consumer behavior. Frontier's recent actions indicate that they're analyzing the latest travel patterns and preferences. This emphasizes a broader shift in the travel industry, showing a focus on understanding customer needs and catering to them with relevant perks and benefits, especially within the competitive sphere of domestic air travel.