December 26, 2023
The Wall Street Journal recently published an article featuring Jay Zagorsky, Associate Professor of Markets, Public Policy, and Law discussing the changes to airline loyalty programs.
The overall consensus found that loyalty was better measured by dollars spent compared to miles traveled, benefiting airlines’ profits from relationships with financial institutions. While these changes have brought on complaints from travelers, others are eager to earn more points by spending.
Zagorsky adds, “People actually in some ways, deep down, don’t mind when the rules change a little bit, because it keeps things interesting.”
Additionally, flying for just miles carries an environmental toll. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, major U.S. airlines consumed roughly 16.5 billion gallons of jet fuel in 2022, generating billions of pounds in carbon-dioxide emissions. Despite still rewarding travelers based on miles flown, Alaska Airlines has been testing a program where its Mileage Plan members can earn elite-qualifying miles by buying credits for sustainable aviation fuel.
