All articles tagged with #loyalty programs
American Airlines is rolling out a new feature allowing AAdvantage members to combine cash and miles for flight bookings. The update, which includes an interactive slider at checkout, aims to increase flexibility for travelers who lack sufficient miles for full redemption. This move aligns American with competitors like United and Delta, who already offer similar hybrid payment options.
Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts have signed a definitive agreement for Royal Caribbean to acquire a 50% equity stake in Sandals for approximately $3 billion. The deal, funded by Morgan Stanley, is expected to close in early 2027. This joint venture aims to integrate cruise and land-based resort operations, expand Sandals globally, and unify loyalty programs across both brands.
Citi ThankYou points can now be transferred to Japan Airlines Mileage Bank at 1:1 for premium ThankYou cards and 1:0.7 for non-premium cards, with a 30% transfer bonus running Sept 20–Oct 24, 2026 (effectively 1,000 ThankYou points ≈ 1,300 JAL miles). JAL Mileage Bank offers solid award space up to 360 days out and favorable redemptions on OW partners, but has redemption restrictions (miles usable for certain relatives). The bonus makes this a potentially good deal if you have a concrete JAL redemption plan; otherwise, don’t move points blindly. Citi also notes other transfer partners (e.g., Capital One, Bilt) shaping the ecosystem.
10 common grocery habits—such as shopping without a plan, shopping when tired or hungry, impulse buys, buying pre-cut items, and neglecting pantry checks—inflate the bill. The piece offers practical fixes: plan meals and make a focused list, shop less often, buy whole produce and bulk proteins, check sales and loyalty programs, limit extra store trips, and use leftovers to reduce waste.
American AAdvantage and World of Hyatt are ending their enhanced partnership in the coming months, though the basic program relationship remains. For now, nothing changes immediately, but reciprocal earning ended in early 2025. Linked accounts by November 15, 2026 still allow limited benefits: Hyatt to AAdvantage through Loyalty Point Rewards until Feb 28, 2027, and AAdvantage to Hyatt through Milestone Rewards until Dec 31, 2026. The main ongoing perk has been the (inefficient) ability to redeem via Loyalty Point/Milestone rewards, with the unofficial annual status-challenge being the biggest value loss. Overall, the partnership’s practical value has diminished, and the end of the enhanced tie removes the primary incentive travelers enjoyed.
Starlux Airlines has opened a large block of lie-flat business-class award seats to Asia via Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards. Availability is wide from five U.S. gateways (LAX, SFO, ONT, SEA, PHX) to Taipei (TPE), priced at 75,000–85,000 Atmos Rewards points one-way, plus modest taxes. Bookings are made directly through Alaska Airlines, with travel dates spanning July 2026 to June 2027 and some flights offering up to four seats per flight. This makes Starlux’s premium product a strong value for Asia travel when award space is available.
In an exclusive interview, former Sony Interactive Entertainment SVP Gordon Thornton argues that a disc-free, all-digital PlayStation era is inevitable as Sony moves away from physical releases after January 2028. He notes the PlayStation Store already commands roughly 80–85% of the market and physical retail is waning, and urges loyalty programs to evolve by tightly tying rewards to in-game mechanics and even real-money rewards. Thornton cautions against copying generic loyalty formulas and points to success stories (e.g., ZBD/TapNation) that boosted retention and revenue, while explaining that publishers set MSRPs and Sony doesn’t unilaterally control pricing. The interview frames a shift toward digital ecosystems that maximize lifetime value, even as the industry puzzles over price and accessibility in a rapidly digital landscape.
A nationwide roundup of Fourth of July and America 250th birthday promos across U.S. chains through July 4–5, featuring Sonic’s $2.50 America menu with a Red, White & Blue Slush Float and 99-cent corn dogs on July 4; Burger King offers a $2.50 Whopper Jr. for Royal Perks members on July 4; Krispy Kreme gives a free Original Glazed donut for wearing red, white and blue and sells a $2.50 dozen deal with qualifying purchases, plus a patriotic doughnut lineup. The article catalogs numerous other limited-time items, BOGO offers, discounted meals (including $17.76 meals at multiple chains), and loyalty-member perks as part of the America 250th celebration, with many promos running July 1–5. Readers are encouraged to check individual apps and stores for specific details and eligibility.
New York lawmakers advanced a bill prohibiting using personal data to tailor prices for individual customers, effectively banning “surveillance pricing.” A companion bill to ban electronic shelf labels failed to pass in the Assembly. While the legislation protects loyalty programs, critics—including grocery groups and unions—warn it could disrupt legitimate discounts and prompt higher prices. The bills now go to Gov. Hochul for signature, with enforcement potentially by the Attorney General.
With US gas prices staying above $4 per gallon (recently topping $4.50), Costco’s fuel sales jumped about 3% last month, helping lift overall US comparable sales by 11.7% and drawing more shoppers to the warehouse, where non-gas transactions rose 8% and visits were up 3.8% over the four weeks ending May 3. The combination of higher fuel spend and Costco’s affluent customer base—supported by loyalty programs—illustrates how gas-price dynamics are shaping consumer spending in a K-shaped economy.
The article discusses how the author now prioritizes transferable credit card points over airline elite status, highlighting the changing value of elite perks post-pandemic and emphasizing the importance of flexible points, strategic loyalty, and specific airline benefits like lounge access and systemwide upgrades. It also explores the potential of low-cost carriers like Frontier for elite benefits and offers insights into evaluating credit card value based on real-world travel needs.
The Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite Card offers a unique perk allowing primary cardholders to share points with up to 10 other Atmos Rewards members for free, enabling bidirectional transfers without limits, which is especially useful for families and managing travel rewards efficiently.
Premium credit cards are becoming more expensive with higher annual fees and more complex benefits, making it harder for consumers to maximize value. Banks and airlines are targeting high-spenders with exclusive perks, but recent changes may reduce accessibility and benefits for average users, while still maintaining strong demand among affluent travelers.
Citi has become the only major U.S. credit card issuer to offer direct 1:1 point transfers to American Airlines' AAdvantage program, enhancing its rewards options and introducing the new Citi Strata Elite Card with Admirals Club passes, strengthening its partnership with American Airlines.
Citi has expanded its transfer options, now allowing holders of the Strata Elite, Prestige, and Strata Premier cards to transfer ThankYou points to American Airlines AAdvantage miles, making it easier to earn and use AAdvantage miles through premium credit cards.