Grant Martin

Details are still sketchy but as of December, Lyft has officially committed to launching a broad consumer loyalty program.

Hyatt retooled its "cash + points" award booking calculations last week and it illustrated the perils of building out a loyalty program without expecting members to abuse it.

In a move that will surprise few, American Airlines followed United this week by increasing the cost of entry into the top tier of its loyalty program. Next year, earning Executive Platinum status on American Airlines will require 25 percent more spend on the airline.

A partner benefit that allowed many of American's frequent flyers to earn status through co-branded credit card spending is vanishing next year.

Use it or lose it. That is apparently the reason American Airlines is making it more difficult now for some card holders to earn elite status as perks are removed.

Qatar's departure from the Oneworld alliance could translate into some trickier international flights and connections for travelers on American, British and a dozen other airlines.

Changes to United's MileagePlus program will make it harder for ultra-frequent flyers to stay loyal to the airline.

Supplemental flight data like Wi-Fi availability and seat pitch is slowly coming to online search. Ctrip's entry may accelerate that.

Mastercard is launching new best rate and service guarantees, which should help woo some travel-focused customers away from American Express.

Hyatt certainly has been creative in experimenting with ways to use loyalty points this year. Its latest move allows its World of Hyatt members to redeem points for spa experiences at Exhale properties.