Travel hackers’ annual scramble to earn elite status is no longer effective
- Airlines have changed loyalty programs to reward customers based on money spent rather than miles flown
- Mileage runs, where travelers fly enough miles at year’s end to earn elite status, are becoming pointless
- Carriers are now rewarding customers who spend more or use the airline’s credit card
The end of 2023 may go down as the final days of the mileage run, travel hackers’ annual scramble to fly enough miles at year’s end to clinch elite status on airlines. Airlines now want to reward customers for the amount of money they spend, rather than the miles or legs they fly, making the road-warrior tradition all but pointless. Mileage runs have been losing utility for years. Carriers have engineered a shift to rewarding travelers who spend more or use an airline’s credit card.
Public Companies: Alaska Airlines (N/A)
Private Companies:
Key People:
Factuality Level: 8
Justification: The article provides accurate information about the shift in airline rewards from miles to money spent. It does not contain any irrelevant or misleading information, sensationalism, redundancy, or opinion masquerading as fact. The article is concise and focuses on the main topic without digressions or unnecessary background information. It does not include any bias or personal perspective presented as universally accepted truth. The arguments and conclusions are logical and consistent. However, the article could provide more context and examples to support its claims, which is why it is not rated a 10.
Noise Level: 7
Justification: The article provides some relevant information about the shift in airline rewards from miles to money spent, but it lacks depth and analysis. It does not explore the long-term trends or consequences of this shift, nor does it provide any evidence or examples to support its claims. The article also does not offer any actionable insights or solutions for travelers. Overall, it contains some noise and filler content, making it closer to a 7 on the noise level scale.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Airlines and travel industry
Presence of Extreme Event: No
Nature of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating of the Extreme Event: No
Justification: The article discusses a shift in the airline industry’s reward system, which can impact airlines and the travel industry financially.
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