Miles to Go: How Airline Loyalty Became a Multibillion-Dollar Game

Airline miles used to be nothing more than a nifty bonus for loyal jet-setters, but they’ve morphed into a multibillion-dollar currency that’s reshaping the travel industry. Thanks to the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, airlines figured out how to entice customers with frequent flyer programs that reward not just flying, but shopping and all kinds of other everyday spending. Those miles can now get you everything from first-class tickets to exotic hotel stays, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love scoring a sweet airport lounge?

However, while accumulating miles sounds fantastic, it turns out that redeeming them comes with its own set of challenges. As Senator Dick Durbin points out, these loyalty programs often play hard to get, changing the rules when it suits the airlines, which can leave devoted travelers scratching their heads—sometimes without their miles! The complexities and surprises of frequent flyer programs mean that one day you could be lounging in luxury, and the next you might find out your hard-earned miles have just poofed into thin air.

With so much at stake, it begs the question: are these loyalty programs still worth it? There’s a fine line between loyalty and a well-disguised trap, and as airlines gain from selling miles to banks, the value offered to consumers can feel more like a mirage than a tangible return. Have you ever been duped by an airline’s loyalty program? Let’s hear your stories!

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