The article discusses how the author now prioritizes transferable credit card points over airline elite status, highlighting the changing value of elite perks post-pandemic and emphasizing the importance of flexible points, strategic loyalty, and specific airline benefits like lounge access and systemwide upgrades. It also explores the potential of low-cost carriers like Frontier for elite benefits and offers insights into evaluating credit card value based on real-world travel needs.
The Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite Card offers a unique perk allowing primary cardholders to share points with up to 10 other Atmos Rewards members for free, enabling bidirectional transfers without limits, which is especially useful for families and managing travel rewards efficiently.
Premium credit cards are becoming more expensive with higher annual fees and more complex benefits, making it harder for consumers to maximize value. Banks and airlines are targeting high-spenders with exclusive perks, but recent changes may reduce accessibility and benefits for average users, while still maintaining strong demand among affluent travelers.
Citi has become the only major U.S. credit card issuer to offer direct 1:1 point transfers to American Airlines' AAdvantage program, enhancing its rewards options and introducing the new Citi Strata Elite Card with Admirals Club passes, strengthening its partnership with American Airlines.
Citi has expanded its transfer options, now allowing holders of the Strata Elite, Prestige, and Strata Premier cards to transfer ThankYou points to American Airlines AAdvantage miles, making it easier to earn and use AAdvantage miles through premium credit cards.
Fast-casual restaurant chains are increasingly relying on loyalty programs to retain customers amid economic uncertainty and declining consumer spending, with brands like Chipotle, Starbucks, and Cava innovating their rewards offerings to boost engagement and sales, emphasizing long-term customer loyalty over short-term discounts.
Alaska Airlines succeeds due to its dominant market share at key hubs, effective loyalty programs, and disciplined management, whereas JetBlue struggles with weaker market positioning, less profitable product offerings, and less focused leadership, leading to differing financial performances despite similar brand appeal.
JetBlue and United Airlines announced a partnership called 'Blue Sky' that allows members to earn and redeem miles across both airlines, expanding flight options in the Northeast, with United returning to JFK in 2027.
JetBlue and United have announced a partnership linking their loyalty programs, offering enhanced perks for members, with various credit card offers associated with these programs. The article also notes that many credit card offers on the site are sponsored and evaluated by experts, but not all available options are included.
American Airlines and Citi have extended their co-branded card partnership for another decade, with Citi becoming the exclusive issuer of the AAdvantage® card portfolio in the U.S. by 2026. This agreement aims to enhance loyalty and rewards offerings for AAdvantage® members and Citi cardholders, while Citi will acquire the Barclays American Airlines card portfolio. The partnership is expected to drive growth for Citi's branded cards and U.S. personal banking business.
American Airlines and Citi have extended their co-branded card partnership for another decade, with Citi becoming the exclusive issuer of the AAdvantage® card portfolio in the U.S. by 2026. This agreement aims to enhance loyalty and rewards offerings for AAdvantage® members and Citi cardholders, while Citi will acquire the Barclays American Airlines card portfolio. The partnership is expected to drive growth for Citi's branded cards and U.S. personal banking business.
American Airlines and Citi have extended their co-branded card partnership for another decade, with Citi becoming the exclusive issuer of the AAdvantage® card portfolio in the U.S. by 2026. This agreement aims to enhance loyalty and rewards offerings for AAdvantage® members and Citi cardholders, while Citi will acquire the Barclays American Airlines card portfolio. The partnership is expected to drive growth for Citi's branded cards and U.S. personal banking business.
Frontier Airlines announced plans to introduce 'first class-style' premium seats by late 2025, as part of a broader initiative called The New Frontier. This move aligns with industry trends where budget airlines like Spirit are offering premium options to boost revenue. Frontier's overhaul includes enhanced loyalty benefits, such as free seat upgrades and companion travel for Elite members. Pricing details for the new seats will be revealed closer to their availability.
Delta Airlines unveiled a new strategy at its Investor Day, focusing on increasing revenue by reducing upgrades, segmenting products, and using AI for personalized pricing. The airline plans to limit complimentary upgrades and introduce more product tiers to encourage passengers to pay for additional services. Delta is testing AI-driven pricing to determine the maximum fare each passenger is willing to pay, aiming to enhance revenue management. The airline's loyalty program is also being re-evaluated to align with these changes, emphasizing brand perception over traditional value.
National Hamburger Day 2024 is on Tuesday, offering various deals and discounts on burgers at numerous restaurant chains across the country. Many of these deals are available to loyalty program members and may require online or app orders. Not all locations may participate, so it's advised to check with local restaurants.
