All articles tagged with #elite status
Southwest Airlines is considering restricting its popular Companion Pass benefit to only top-tier elite members as part of potential changes to its loyalty program, which could reduce the flexibility and value of the pass for most customers, amid broader strategic shifts and investor influence.
American Airlines is making changes to its AAdvantage loyalty program, including extending certain services exclusively to AAdvantage members, such as standby for domestic flights, 24-hour flight holds, and lounge access. The changes reflect the airline's focus on rewarding big spenders and generating revenue through its loyalty program, as seen in recent overhauls by other major carriers. Elite status requirements will remain unchanged for the next earning period, and additional perks for AAdvantage members include extended trip credit usability and the ability to earn miles for cabin upgrades and redeem them for partner airline upgrades.
American Airlines has announced 10 changes to its AAdvantage loyalty program for 2024, including new perks for earning Loyalty Points, the ability to redeem points for additional Loyalty Points, and three new ways to earn and redeem miles. The changes also include extending trip credit validity, allowing voluntary cancellation of basic economy tickets, and offering exclusive perks for AAdvantage members. The airline aims to enhance the loyalty program and attract more members, ultimately boosting its bottom line.
United Airlines is adjusting its frequent flyer program to reward customers who spend more on co-branded Chase credit cards. Starting in 2024, customers will receive 25 qualifying points for every $500 spent, compared to the current rate of 500 points for every $12,000 spent. The airline will also remove caps on credit card spending that counts towards elite status. This move comes as airlines face the challenge of maintaining exclusive yet attainable programs amidst a surge in elite frequent flyers during the pandemic. Delta Air Lines also made changes to its program but later reversed some of them due to customer complaints.
Frontier Airlines is revamping its frequent flyer program to reward travelers based on how much they spend on flights, similar to recent changes made by larger airlines like Delta and American. The new program will allow customers to earn elite status and perks based on their spending, with tiers ranging from silver to diamond. Ancillary revenue is crucial for budget carriers like Frontier, and the airline's second-quarter results showed a rise in ancillary revenue while airfare revenue declined.
United Airlines has announced that it will not be changing its elite status qualification rules for the 2025 program year, unlike Delta Air Lines, which recently increased its requirements. United's decision aims to maintain a robust and valuable set of benefits for its Premier elite members and avoid a situation where an excessive number of elite members could hinder the delivery of benefits. The airline had already reinstated pre-pandemic criteria earlier this year and will continue to assist elite members in maintaining their status through one-time premier qualifying flights deposits. Despite some disgruntled elite members, United's decision provides relief for customers who barely meet the status requirements for their tier.
Delta Air Lines is changing its elite frequent flyer status requirements, basing it solely on customer spending rather than a combination of spending and flights. This change follows a similar move by American Airlines. Delta customers will earn Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) for every dollar spent on Delta flights, car rentals, hotels, and vacation packages. Additionally, Delta is limiting access to its Sky Club airport lounges for certain American Express cardholders, offering a limited number of visits unless they spend $75,000 on the card in a calendar year. The changes aim to address overcrowding issues and prioritize premium customers.
Delta Air Lines is implementing changes to its Sky Club access and elite status requirements. Starting February 1, 2025, American Express Platinum and Platinum Business cardholders will have six visits per year, unless they spend $75,000 on the card annually. Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business cardholders will receive 10 visits per year, with the same spending requirement. Delta's Platinum cardholders will no longer have lounge access unless they purchase a membership or have elite status. Additionally, Delta is transitioning to a spending-based system for earning elite status, with passengers earning status based on the amount of money spent rather than miles flown.
Delta Air Lines is changing its requirements for earning elite frequent flyer status, basing it solely on customer spending rather than a combination of spending and flights. This change follows a similar move by American Airlines earlier this year. Delta is also making it harder for many American Express cardholders to access its airport lounges, limiting visits for Platinum and Platinum Business cardholders and requiring a minimum spend of $75,000 on the card to maintain unlimited access. These changes come as airlines grapple with overcrowding in lounges and seek to prioritize their most premium customers.
Delta Vacations has introduced several customer-friendly changes, including enhanced redemption value for SkyMiles members. Previously, members could redeem SkyMiles at a fixed rate of 1 cent per mile, but now they are worth at least 1.15 cents when used for Delta Vacations purchases. Additionally, bonus mileage accruals have been increased for certain paid bookings, and the platform has changed how miles are earned for flights included in vacation packages. These changes make Delta Vacations more valuable for SkyMiles members.
JetBlue has introduced new perks for customers striving for elite status, including early boarding, priority security screening, an alcoholic drink on board, or bonus frequent flyer points. The changes are part of JetBlue's overhaul of its TrueBlue program, which also includes breaking up its elite Mosaic status into four levels with corresponding benefits. Airlines are adjusting their frequent flyer programs to be tied more to customer spend and catering to changing travel habits, such as an increased dominance of leisure travelers.
Hyatt is offering 90 days of free mid-tier Explorist status and a fast track to achieve Globalist through February 2025 as part of Bilt Rewards' April "Rent Day" promotion. To obtain the offer, users must join Bilt Rewards, enroll in World of Hyatt, and link their accounts in the Bilt app. Stays at Hyatt, MGM, and SLH Hotels count towards the challenge, and award nights are qualifying. The offer is available even to those who already have Hyatt status.