Grant Martin

Award seats on Lufthansa will soon be priced according to market demand instead of a strict tiered system. Not all passengers are happy.

A key benefit that many road warriors love about the American Express Platinum card is evaporating later this summer.

In moving to a dynamic-based system for selling award seats, Lufthansa will be the first European carrier to formally adopt the model. But will the program look like its American cousins?

For those still loyal to the travel industry, a new spate of partnerships will now make it easier to earn miles and points across airlines, hotels, and shared cars. And with zero barrier to entry, some passengers may find a windfall.

Alaska is launching a loyalty partnership with yet another outlying international air carrier. At this rate, it doesn't need to fully join an airline alliance.

Hilton and Lyft's new loyalty partnership is a win-win for travelers. On one hand, Hilton members get completely free points for riding in Lyfts. On the other, it'll also soon be possible to book rides with extra loyalty points.

Delta is the first major U.S. carrier to adopt a broader policy for extending elite status, including not just those who take parental leave but also flyers who experience other major life events. It's a good way to engender long-term loyalty among the airline's most valuable customers.

It will soon cost more to use British Airways Executive Club Avios to book partner awards, diluting the overall value of the UK's largest airline's loyalty program.

Those flush with American Express Membership Rewards points have a new tool for bidding on airline upgrades. Caveat emptor on the cost of the upgrades though.

Despite a vocal minority of unhappy loyalty program members, Marriott still appears to be dominating loyalty rankings. Perhaps this squeaky wheel doesn't need any grease.