Grant Martin

Latest Stories

Airlines

United’s New Elite Status Requirements Could Spell End of an Era for Budget Travelers

If American and Delta follow United in raising requirements to earn elite status, it could drive a whole new class of budget travelers away from airline loyalty programs.

Grant Martin, Skift | 4 years ago

United’s New Elite Status Requirements Could Spell End of an Era for Budget Travelers

Airlines

Southwest Is Latest to Remove Expiration Dates From Frequent Flyer Miles

Those who are used to glacially accumulating airline miles over the course of many years may now have a better program to look forward to with Southwest Rapid Rewards. For those who took advantage of companion passes though, the story may be a bit different.

Grant Martin, Skift | 4 years ago

Airlines

Will Delta’s Subscription-Based Loyalty Perks Catch On?

For those who are willing to pay for access, Delta's SkyMiles Select program is a good alternative to flying the requisite miles to earn elite status. But it also sets an interesting precedent for paying for overhead bin space.

Grant Martin, Skift | 5 years ago

Will Delta’s Subscription-Based Loyalty Perks Catch On?

Business Travel

Delta-Latam Tie-Up Could Expand SkyTeam Reach in South America

The new partnership in the works between Delta and Latam may drastically affect the way that Oneworld and SkyTeam loyalists shift their business. But there's still no timeline for when any changes will happen.

Grant Martin, Skift | 5 years ago

Delta-Latam Tie-Up Could Expand SkyTeam Reach in South America

Airlines

United Upends Loyalty Program to Prioritize Dollars Over Miles

United's MileagePlus program is changing dramatically in 2020 to focus more on high-spend rather than high-mileage travelers. Translation: It's getting harder for frugal flyers to be elite.

Grant Martin, Skift | 5 years ago

United Upends Loyalty Program to Prioritize Dollars Over Miles

Airlines

American Airlines Pushes Deeper Into Australia With Revamped Qantas Loyalty Partnership

The joint venture between American and Qantas is bearing fruit in the form of better frequent flyer benefits on both sides.

Grant Martin, Skift | 5 years ago

Airlines

American and Alaska Make Further Cuts to Their Loyalty Partnership

The loyalty linkage between Alaska and American hasn't been particularly fluid these last few years. Now it's getting even harder to take advantage of the partnership.

Grant Martin, Skift | 5 years ago

American and Alaska Make Further Cuts to Their Loyalty Partnership

Airlines

American and Alaska Airlines Cut Back Loyalty Ties

Frequent flyers on both American and Alaska next March are losing a valuable channel through which they can book miles.

Grant Martin, Skift | 5 years ago

Airlines

United Upgrades Its Upgrade System for Frequent Flyers

United's new points-based system for upgrading MileagePlus members should be more flexible and straightforward for elite travelers. Emphasis on "should be."

Grant Martin, Skift | 5 years ago

Hotels

IHG Launches Loyalty Partnership With Mr & Mrs Smith Hotels

The addition of Mr and Mrs Smith hotels to IHG's loyalty portfolio will help the hospitality giant better compete against Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt for high-end customers. IHG Rewards members also can't be too unhappy about new luxury properties within their reach.

Grant Martin, Skift | 5 years ago

IHG Launches Loyalty Partnership With Mr & Mrs Smith Hotels