Grant Martin

Elite loyalty members of United's MileagePlus program will be able to get free upgrades to international premium economy cabins this summer as the product fully rolls out.

Hyatt's new breakfast policy at its Hyatt Place chain requires guests to join the loyalty program before digging into the free muffins. Is that too much to ask?

United's new vice president of loyalty is putting his weight behind a new credit card and a handful of other initiatives at the airline. It will be interesting to see how those goals mesh with a weary base of MileagePlus members and a management team eager to turn profit and save cash.

United's new vice president of loyalty wants to bring more value to MileagePlus customers across a wider spectrum of travelers. He's starting that process by spearheading an overhaul of the company's co-branded credit card.

On the surface, more inexpensive award tickets may sound like a good sign for air travelers. But with the supply of award miles shrinking and cheap seats only available on select routes, the news is just a silver lining on a much bigger, darker cloud.

Priceline showed up with a new brand and better partner access last week, which should please those who use the Points International network.

New, heartier options are coming to American's airport lounges while at United, in-flight meal service is being reduced.

New functionality added by Points International grants users of that network access to the Priceline library of hotels. That's great for frequent flyers — especially those with miles to burn.

On one hand, Delta's frequent flyers have a less-effective loyalty program. But on the other, they're flying a great airline.

Mobile check-in isn't new for a hotel to roll out, but the Starwood Preferred Guest promotion could help it go more mainstream.