Grant Martin

Leading Hotels of the World's $175 annual fee to join its loyalty program may be off-putting to some frugal frequent travelers. But the Leaders Club, ostensibly, is not for the frugal frequent traveler.

It just got 25 percent more expensive to earn top-tier elite status on United Airlines.

While most of the traveling public saw an increase in baggage fees this month, those carrying airline elite status were once more spared. Sooner or later, that luck will surely run out.

If it wasn't obvious that Collinson and Priority Pass were expanding into the dining scene before, it is now.

International brands are clamoring to build loyalty with Chinese travelers. Just recently, American and Singapore airlines launched partnerships with Fliggy, a Chinese booking engine, to share loyalty perks across platforms.

Six Flags' new loyalty program is as much about collecting visitor data as it is about rewarding visitors for their habits.

The planned integration of Starwood Preferred Guest and Marriott Rewards did not go entirely smoothly this weekend. Some members were not shy about expressing their unhappiness.

It's no surprise that travelers are starting to place a higher priority on customer experience over loyalty programs, considering how uncomfortable air travel has become. Google's data just proves it.

Marriott and Starwood are ready to pull the trigger on integrating their loyalty programs — but will their hotel and loyalty members ever be ready for the change?

Hyatt just extended its loyalty program to reach a whole new market of luxury properties around the world. Boutique enthusiasts will be thrilled with both Hyatt and its reach.