US: Airlines are changing their perks, testing fliers' loyalties

Early boarding privileges, waived checked bag fees, free flights and upgrades from the back of the plane to the front are just some of the benefits air travellers have come to expect from airline loyalty programs. Yet program changes rolled out last year by some major US carriers (notably Delta and United) made attaining the status needed to earn those perks much harder to achieve. Experts say that in 2016, the estimated 65m US travellers who are loyalty program participants should expect more of the same. "The programs are becoming more complicated," said Gary Leff, a travel expert. Leff said fliers are being rewarded more on how much they spend, not on how many miles they've flown, "and they're getting less rewarding." Many cabin award tickets, especially the premium variety, now cost more on Delta, United and — starting in March — on American Airlines, as well. Still, the news isn't all bad. Some airlines, such as Alaska and Hawaiian, continue to award points based on miles flown. Others are adding new benefits for elite members, and adding more ways for members to spend banked miles they can't use in the air.<br/>