Airline Loyalty Programs and Credit Card Offers: What Travelers Need to Know

Airlines are continuously updating their loyalty programs and credit card offers, aiming to provide more value and attract new members. Recent changes and promotions from various carriers present opportunities for travelers to maximize their rewards and elite status benefits. From new loyalty program structures to attractive transfer bonuses and unique card perks, staying informed is key to leveraging these updates effectively.

Key Takeaways

• Atmos Rewards Program: Alaska Airlines’ new combined loyalty program, Atmos Rewards, is being lauded for its well-designed structure, potentially offering a compelling alternative to American Airlines’ AAdvantage program, especially for those seeking oneworld Emerald status with minimal opportunity cost.
• Credit Card Transfer Bonuses: Several credit card issuers are offering lucrative transfer bonuses, including a 50% bonus to Marriott Bonvoy from Chase Ultimate Rewards and a 15% bonus to Avianca LifeMiles from Capital One, providing opportunities to enhance award redemptions.
• Pet-Focused Credit Card: The Nibbles Pet Rewards Credit Card offers complimentary pet insurance for one pet and elevated rewards on pet-related spending, addressing the rising costs of pet care.
• Southwest Card Changes: Southwest Airlines has revamped its credit card offerings, increasing annual fees and altering benefits, prompting some cardholders to reconsider their loyalty and explore alternative cards like the United Explorer Card or Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card.
• Flying Blue Miles Promotion: Air France-KLM’s Flying Blue program is offering a discount of up to 45% on purchased miles, allowing members to acquire miles at a rate of 1.68 cents per mile, which can be valuable for specific redemptions.

Rethinking Airline Loyalty with Atmos Rewards

The newly launched Atmos Rewards program by Alaska Airlines is generating significant interest among frequent flyers, particularly those who have traditionally flown American Airlines. The program’s structure is designed to make earning elite status, including oneworld Emerald, more accessible, even for those who don’t fly Alaska frequently. A key attraction is the ability to earn status points through credit card spending without a substantial opportunity cost, unlike some American Airlines co-branded cards. Furthermore, earning status points on award flights booked through Atmos Rewards adds another layer of value, making it a potentially attractive switch for many American Airlines loyalists.

Maximizing Points with Transfer Bonuses

Travelers looking to get more value from their credit card rewards should pay attention to current transfer bonuses. Chase Ultimate Rewards members can benefit from a 50% bonus when transferring points to Marriott Bonvoy until August 15. Capital One miles are offering a 15% bonus to Avianca LifeMiles until August 31, which can be particularly useful for booking premium cabin travel on Star Alliance partners. American Express Membership Rewards also has targeted bonuses, including up to a 30% bonus to Hilton Honors. These limited-time offers require careful consideration of award availability and personal travel plans before transferring points.

Innovative Pet Care Credit Card

For pet owners, the Nibbles Pet Rewards Credit Card presents a unique value proposition. With the increasing costs of pet care, this no-annual-fee card offers complimentary pet insurance for one eligible pet, covering a range of procedures, illnesses, and accidents. It also provides elevated rewards on pet-related purchases and veterinary services, along with access to exclusive partner deals. This card aims to alleviate some of the financial burden associated with pet ownership.

Southwest Credit Card Overhaul and Alternatives

Southwest Airlines has recently updated its credit card portfolio, leading to increased annual fees and changes in benefits for cards like the Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card. The removal of the annual flight credit and the introduction of new perks, such as early access to extra-legroom seats, may not appeal to all cardholders. This has prompted some to re-evaluate their card choices. Potential alternatives being considered include the United Explorer Card, which offers benefits like a free checked bag and credits for United Hotels, and the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card, providing similar perks and transferability with Amex Membership Rewards points. The Aeroplan Credit Card is also an option for those seeking flexibility with multiple transferable points currencies and benefits like a free checked bag and temporary elite status.

Strategic Purchase of Flying Blue Miles

Air France-KLM’s Flying Blue program is currently running a promotion allowing members to purchase miles with a discount of up to 45%, bringing the cost down to 1.68 cents per mile. This offer is particularly appealing for those looking to book long-haul business class awards on Air France or KLM, where availability can sometimes be better than through partner programs. While the program has dynamic pricing and can have carrier-imposed surcharges, buying miles during such promotions can be a cost-effective strategy for specific, high-value redemptions, provided award availability is confirmed beforehand.

Sources

• Atmos Rewards For American Flyers: The Argument For Switching Loyalty, One Mile at a Time.
• Credit card transfer bonuses (August): 50% bonus to Marriott Bonvoy and more, The Points Guy.
• Nibbles Pet Rewards Credit Card: Free pet insurance and savings, The Points Guy.
• Why I’m canceling my Southwest credit card—and what I’m getting instead, The Points Guy.
• Buy Air France-KLM Flying Blue Miles For 45% Off (1.68 Cents Per Point), One Mile at a Time.