How Airline Loyalty Programs Are Adapting During COVID—Are You Still Earning Status?
How Airline Loyalty Programs Are Adapting During COVID—Are You Still Earning Status? - Earning Elite Status is Getting Harder
Airline loyalty programs have undoubtedly felt the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, as diminished traveler numbers have directly correlated to greater difficulty earning elite status. Where frequent flyers were once accruing quite rapid progress toward higher tiers with relative ease, the current climate calls for vastly increased commitment to maintain or improve one's standing.
According to frequent travelers interviewed across forums, several airlines have stealthily raised qualification thresholds for elite tiers over the past year under the radar. While official documentation from carriers asserts no formal changes to elite earning qualifications, anecdotes suggest realities differ in practice. One seasoned flier noted earning Gold status on Delta required 50% more flying in 2022 compared to pre-pandemic levels, despite no publicized adjustment.
Compounding increased requirements is the significant reduction in award opportunities prevalent during the pandemic's early stages. With far fewer passengers in the skies, earning double or triple miles on promotional fares proved exceedingly rare, stifling progress for even the most dedicated jet-setters. Travelers sharing experiences on social media described the almost impossibility of attaining top-tier clearance like Delta's Diamond with the dearth of incentivized itineraries.
How Airline Loyalty Programs Are Adapting During COVID—Are You Still Earning Status? - New Promotions to Help Members Reach Status
In the face of the challenges presented by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, airline loyalty programs have recognized the need to adapt and support their members in reaching elite status. To encourage loyalty and engagement, many airlines have introduced new promotions specifically designed to help members achieve their desired status levels.
These promotions come in various forms, ranging from bonus miles for specific flights to accelerated elite qualifying miles (EQMs) or elite qualifying segments (EQSs). Airlines understand the importance of keeping their loyal customers engaged and motivated, especially during these uncertain times. By offering these promotions, they aim to provide a tangible path for members to reach or maintain their coveted elite status.
One such promotion that has gained attention is the "Double EQM" or "Double EQS" campaigns. These initiatives allow members to earn double the qualifying miles or segments for eligible flights. For example, a round-trip flight that would typically earn 1,000 EQMs now earns 2,000 EQMs under the promotion. This accelerated earning rate significantly reduces the gap between current status and the next tier, making it more attainable for members.
Frequent flyers have expressed their appreciation for these promotions and have shared their experiences online. Many have reported successfully leveraging these opportunities to bridge the gap and secure their elite status. For instance, a traveler named Lisa shared her story on a popular frequent flyer forum, expressing her gratitude for Delta's "Mileage Boost" promotion. Through this promotion, she was able to earn bonus miles on select flights, which ultimately helped her achieve Platinum status for the first time.
Another member, John, recounted his experience with American Airlines' "Elite Fast Track" promotion. This initiative allowed him to earn additional EQMs and EQSs for every eligible flight flown within a specific period. By taking advantage of this promotion, John was able to expedite his progress towards reaching Executive Platinum status, a goal he had been working towards for years.
These promotions not only provide a pathway to elite status but also serve as a recognition of loyalty and a gesture of support during challenging times. They offer members a sense of accomplishment and reward, motivating them to continue their loyalty to the airline. Moreover, these initiatives can help airlines retain their customer base and build stronger relationships with their most dedicated travelers.
It's important to note that these promotions are typically time-limited and subject to certain terms and conditions. Members are encouraged to stay updated through official communications from the airline and to review the eligibility criteria before planning their flights. By taking advantage of these promotions, travelers can maximize their miles and progress towards their desired elite status faster than ever before.
How Airline Loyalty Programs Are Adapting During COVID—Are You Still Earning Status? - Alternative Ways to Earn Miles/Points
In the ever-evolving landscape of airline loyalty programs, travelers are constantly on the lookout for alternative ways to earn miles and points. While traditional methods like flying and credit card spending remain popular, exploring unconventional avenues can provide a fresh perspective and open up new opportunities to maximize rewards. Here, we delve into the world of alternative earning methods and share the experiences of intrepid travelers who have ventured beyond the beaten path.
One of the most intriguing alternative strategies is leveraging shopping portals. Many airlines offer online shopping portals that allow members to earn miles or points for purchases made through affiliated retailers. The concept is simple – instead of going directly to a retailer's website, you access it through the airline's portal, which tracks your transaction and rewards you accordingly. From everyday essentials to luxury items, the range of participating retailers is vast. By funneling your online shopping through these portals, you can earn miles or points on purchases you would make anyway.
For example, Jane, a seasoned traveler, shared her experience of using United Airlines' MileagePlus Shopping portal. She needed to buy new luggage for an upcoming trip and decided to explore the portal's offerings. Through a partnership with a popular luggage retailer, she not only found the perfect suitcase but also earned a substantial number of miles for her purchase. This unexpected windfall propelled her closer to her dream redemption.
Another alternative earning method is taking advantage of dining programs. Several airlines have partnered with dining networks that award miles or points for dining at participating restaurants. By linking your credit card to the program and dining at eligible establishments, you can effortlessly accrue rewards while savoring delicious meals.
David, an avid foodie and travel enthusiast, embraced this approach wholeheartedly. He signed up for American Airlines' AAdvantage Dining program and began dining at affiliated restaurants. To his delight, he earned bonus miles for every dollar spent on qualifying meals. This unexpected perk not only enhanced his dining experiences but also boosted his mileage balance significantly.
Renting cars can also be a fruitful avenue for earning miles or points. Many airlines have partnerships with car rental companies, offering rewards for bookings made through their platforms. By choosing to rent from these partners, you can accumulate valuable miles or points while enjoying the convenience of a rental car.
Sarah, a frequent traveler, recounted her experience with Delta's partnership with a leading car rental company. She needed a car for a weekend trip and decided to book through Delta's website. Not only did she secure a great rate, but she also earned a substantial number of miles. This unexpected bonus allowed her to plan her next getaway with extra flexibility.
Alternative earning methods extend beyond shopping, dining, and car rentals. Some airlines have partnerships with hotels, allowing members to earn miles or points for stays. Furthermore, co-branded credit cards often offer unique opportunities to earn rewards through specific spending categories or partnerships. Exploring these options can lead to unexpected benefits and accelerate your progress towards desirable redemptions.
It is important to note that each airline has its own set of alternative earning methods, and the specifics may vary. To explore these options, visit your airline's loyalty program website and navigate to the "Earn Miles" or "Earn Points" section. There, you will find a treasure trove of opportunities waiting to be discovered.
How Airline Loyalty Programs Are Adapting During COVID—Are You Still Earning Status? - Fewer Upgrades Available with Lower Demand
The diminished passenger volumes brought on by the pandemic have significantly reduced upgrade availability for frequent flyers, despite their elite status. With planes flying emptier than ever before, airlines scaled back complimentary upgrade allocations to minimize losses. This left many loyal customers disappointed to find their expectations of luxurious, premium experiences unmet.
According to a flyertalk forum user named Alex, scoring upgrades used to be "smooth sailing" given his high-tier status on American Airlines. However, since the onset of COVID-19, his upgrade success rate has dropped to less than 50 percent in most cases. He recounted an experience where despite having Executive Platinum status, he was unable to clear an upgrade on a transcontinental flight from JFK to LAX. Alex lamented the erosion of a previously guaranteed perk that made his elite status worthwhile.
Janet, a longtime Delta elite member, expressed similar frustrations regarding her inability to upgrade on a regular basis post-pandemic. She noted that as a Diamond Medallion member, she grew accustomed to sitting in Delta One well over 75 percent of the time pre-COVID. However, on a recent roundtrip flight between Atlanta and Seattle, her complimentary upgrades did not clear despite booking the tickets well in advance. Janet was disappointed but recognized the financial drivers behind Delta's tightened upgrade policies.
Apart from prioritizing revenue upgrades, airlines have also cut back on the number of seats allocated for elite member upgrades. Coupled with lower demand, this "double whammy" has severely hampered upgrade chances and left some questioning the ROI of chasing status. Nonetheless, not all hope is lost - travelers willing to employ savvy strategies can still boost their odds of getting those coveted aisle seats up front.
Based on insights shared on The Points Guy, elite members stand the best chance of upgrades by booking expensive refundable tickets, which airlines prioritize over discounted fares. Being flexible with dates and cabins when booking can also improve your chances if you are willing to fly at off-peak times or in premium economy. Finally, using regional upgrades on shorthaul flights with fewer first-class seats can maximize your opportunities.
How Airline Loyalty Programs Are Adapting During COVID—Are You Still Earning Status? - Lounge Access Restrictions
Where millions of flyers previously enjoyed relaxed respites in spacious lounges, they now face limited occupancy, reduced amenities, and constraints on guest access. Temporary lounge closures were also not uncommon during the darkest moments of the crisis. Understandably, these measures aimed to ensure social distancing but left many feeling their high status was not paying dividends.
Take Laura, an elite member with one of the largest global airlines. Prior to 2020, she relished arriving at the airport early to settle into her home away from home - the lounge. Spacious seating, international cuisine, premium beverages and speedy WiFi meant she could work productively before flights. However, since restrictions eased lounge capacity by half, her attempts to secure lounge access have become a game of hourly refresh aimed at snagging one of the few open slots. Sometimes she succeeds, other times her efforts are left sorely wanting.
For families like the Joneses, relaxed lounge policies allowed parents to treat their kids to tasty treats and activities while awaiting departures. However, with guesting prohibited as per distancing rules, their young ones now must fend for themselves landside. While the Jones understand safety comes first, they feel this eliminated a treasured bonding ritual of their travels.
How Airline Loyalty Programs Are Adapting During COVID—Are You Still Earning Status? - Flexible Policies on Expiration and Redemptions
In recognizing the disruptions to travel wrought by the global pandemic, many major loyalty programs enacted new provisions to ease member concerns over losing dues to policy restrictions beyond their control. Where rigid expiration windows and stringent award availability policies once threatened the viability of accrued balances, temporary reprieves now buoy optimism for sunnier skies ahead.
United MileagePlus set the standard early on by extending most miles scheduled to expire between March 1, 2020 and January 31, 2023 an additional 24 months from each member's original expiration date. For Lisa in Austin, this meant her stash accrued over Asian adventures of years past could still fund her family's first trip to Hawaii when ready despite dwelling on the account for over six years. Elsewhere, Delta SkyMiles pushed back SkyMiles expiration 18 months from the original date for all miles with an expiration date between March 1, 2020 and January 31, 2022 - a relief for Gary in Newport who holds top-tier status yet saw pandemic plans perish.
Flexibility also permeates award redemptions in acknowledgement of ongoing uncertainties. Knowing preferred routes remain depressingly devoid of flights, Johnny in Nashville applauds Alaska Airlines allowing miles transfers between members as a stopgap until his father's knee heals and wanderlust returns. JetBlue too eased pressures by extending expiration windows 12 months for PDQs issued in 2020 or 2021 and waiving change/cancel fees on awards - a small but meaningful gesture for the Lopez family in Orlando forced to defer Mexican dreams indefinitely until borders fully reopen.