American Airlines has announced that starting December 17, 2025, members of its AAdvantage loyalty program will no longer earn miles or loyalty points when purchasing basic economy tickets, although they will still receive some in-flight amenities. This change aims to make basic economy fares less attractive to travelers who might otherwise opt for more expensive tickets, as the airline seeks to balance competitiveness and profitability amid recent financial losses.
American Airlines will no longer allow passengers purchasing basic economy fares to earn frequent flyer miles or points toward elite status starting December 17, 2025, aligning with industry trends as airlines seek to attract higher-spending customers. Basic economy tickets will still include some amenities like a personal item, carry-on, snacks, and entertainment, with elite members retaining some benefits. This move follows similar policies by Delta and contrasts with United, which still allows mile earning on basic economy tickets.
McDonald's is reviving its classic Monopoly game in a digital format to attract customers amid rising food prices and economic struggles, while also launching new value meals and nostalgia-driven promotions like the reintroduction of McDonaldland, as part of its strategy to boost sales and customer loyalty. The game has a controversial history due to a major fraud scandal in the 2000s, but the new version is designed to be fair and accessible through the McDonald's app.
McDonald's is reviving its Monopoly game with a digital twist to boost sales and loyalty, featuring app-based gameplay and physical food item scans, after a decade-long hiatus and a past scandal involving game rigging.
Frontier Airlines announced plans to become the top low-fare carrier in the top 20 U.S. metro areas by adding 20 new routes with fares starting at $29, along with fleet and service upgrades, loyalty program enhancements, and international route launches through early 2026.
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are unifying their loyalty programs under Atmos Rewards, launching a new co-branded credit card with Bank of America, offering enhanced travel perks, personalized rewards, and upcoming free Starlink Wi-Fi on flights, aiming to improve customer experience and loyalty.
Alaska Airlines has launched a new loyalty program called Atmos Rewards, which will replace Alaska Mileage Plan immediately and HawaiianMiles in October 2025. The program introduces flexible earning options, new elite tiers with enhanced perks like unlimited global upgrades for top-tier members, and a new premium credit card offering significant benefits. The program aims to unify Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines' passenger experience while maintaining their separate brands, with innovative features designed to reward frequent flyers more flexibly and generously.
Sweetgreen's shares plummeted over 25% after the salad chain revised its 2025 revenue outlook downward for the second consecutive quarter, citing issues with its loyalty program, weak consumer sentiment, tariffs, and store challenges, alongside a disappointing Q2 performance and declining same-store sales.
American Airlines reported strong Q2 earnings surpassing expectations, driven by international and premium services, but issued a cautious outlook for Q3 due to ongoing travel demand uncertainties, leading to a decline in its stock.
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.
Carnival Cruise Line is responding to passenger concerns about its upcoming Carnival Rewards loyalty program, which shifts focus from nights at sea to spending. The cruise line has assured passengers that current loyalty levels will be retained until 2028-2032 and promises enhanced benefits and flexibility. The program's full details will be communicated before its June 2026 launch, emphasizing that loyalty will still be rewarded with better perks, despite initial passenger backlash.
Carnival Cruise Line's new loyalty program, shifting from a status based on sailing frequency to a spend-based points system, has sparked frustration among loyal customers who fear losing recognition and rewards. The line's president, Christine Duffy, explained the need for change due to the company's growth and the unsustainability of the current program, but many guests are upset about the potential loss of loyalty benefits and the requirement to continually spend to maintain status. The new program, set to launch in June 2026, includes features like points that do not expire with activity, but questions remain about the expiration of status stars and the overall impact on customer loyalty.
Carnival Cruise Line has overhauled its loyalty program, replacing lifetime status with a spend-based system requiring tens of thousands of dollars every two years, risking alienating loyal customers by shifting from emotional to transactional loyalty and potentially damaging long-term brand affinity.
United Airlines and JetBlue have launched the 'Blue Sky' partnership, allowing members to earn and redeem miles across both airlines, expanding flight options and loyalty benefits, especially in the New York area, with potential for future growth in premium services and international routes.
Target is offering a 10% discount on gift cards for Target Circle members on December 7-8, just in time for holiday shopping. Target Circle is a free loyalty program that provides members with exclusive deals and perks. Non-members can join online, via the Target app, or in-store to take advantage of this offer. The promotion allows members to purchase discounted gift cards both online and in-store.
