the.com/airline loyalty
a rewards scheme that convinces you delay and discomfort are a lifestyle you chose.
means a point system where flying repeatedly with one airline earns status, upgrades, and the illusion you are winning something.
from american airlines launched aadvantage in 1981 to keep business travelers from switching carriers over price, and every major airline copied it within a year.
points valueairline miles are worth less than actual pennies each
biggest assetdelta's skymiles program valued higher than the airline itself
credit card trickmost miles now earned by spending, not flying
status gamesmileage runs exist purely to trigger tier upgrades
for instance
american aadvantage — launched 1981, the original program that started the arms race
united mileageplus — once sold for billions to banks during covid cash crunch
delta skymiles — valued by wall street above delta's actual flight operations
emirates skywards — famous for near-impossible award seat availability