Business of Loyalty Archives

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

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 | 4 years ago

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 | 4 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 | 4 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 | 4 years ago

Hotels

Marriott Continues Bonvoy Push Through Tech Hiccups and Growth

If anyone was hoping to see change on the horizon for Marriott's Bonvoy program, which has suffered its fair share of integration and IT issues, it doesn't seem to be on the road map. At Skift Global Forum in New York City, Marriott's chief financial officer practically doubled down on its future.

Grant Martin, Skift | 4 years ago

Airlines

United Increases Its Loyalty Dominance at Denver

It's getting even harder to not be loyal to United Airlines if you are a frequent traveler in Denver.

Grant Martin, Skift | 4 years ago

Ground Transport

Audi’s Silvercar Launches Loyalty Program to Help Compete With Legacy Rivals

Premium Rewards isn't going to change the world as a loyalty program, but it is going to entice business from a new set of travelers. And that might be exactly what Silvercar needs right now.

Grant Martin, Skift | 4 years ago

Airlines

How Avianca Brasil’s Exit From Star Alliance Will Affect South America

Avianca Brasil, the smaller regional cousin of Avianca Colombia, will leave the alliance on September 1. While some regional passengers may notice the lapse in service deeper in Brazil, most international travelers to the country won't notice the vacuum.

Grant Martin, Skift | 4 years ago