Frequent Flyer Programs Have Lost Their Way—Air Canada’s Dire Warning For Airlines

Dec 24 2024

For a currency to continue to be attractive, it needs to deliver value – managers can’t just focus on sales to third parties, they have to focus on the customers who ultimately want the miles. And they want it because of the travel possibilities that it opens up, from redemptions to treatment with the airline. It’s important not to forget that the programs can actually create loyalty to the airline itself and not just to the in-wallet plastic; actually putting butts in seats and at a premium.

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Why Airlines Are Racing To Build Lounges: The Billion-Dollar Game of Loyalty And Credit Cards

Dec 24 2024

For banks like American Express, Chase, and Capital One, lounges sell credit cards. For airlines, lounges bring in revenue. They sell tickets. They keep customers loyal and spending more to do so. They also bring in revenue from… selling credit cards. And they bring in revenue from partners (unless they’re in oneworld, where partners don’t pay each other for lounge access in the same way).

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Hyatt’s Acquisition Spree Heats Up: Exclusive Talks Could Make Playa All-Inclusives A Crown Jewel

Dec 23 2024

Hyatt, which has been on an acquisitions tear, is in talks to acquire Playa Hotels, which owns 24 all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Hyatt already has a 9.99% stake in the company which operates under the Hyatt Zilara, Hyatt Ziva, Hilton All-Inclusive, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Wyndham Alltra, Jewel Resorts and The Luxury Collection brands.

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