Latest news with #KyleOlsen
CNN
5 days ago
- Business
- CNN
Don't get stuck checking a bag. Here are top airlines carry-on size guidelines before your next trip
You have a handful of luggage and bags for travel at your disposal, but deciding which one fits the carry-on luggage size guide for your airline can be tricky. Each airline has ever-so-slightly different requirements, which means you must research before you fly. Before you get too stressed packing for your next vacation, we're outlining requirements made by top airlines to give you one, convenient place to get info and recommending products that comply with airline regulations. Bust out your measuring tape and double check that your suitcase will fit to make sure you can keep your bags right where you want them: in the overhead bin. After all, you don't want to ruin your vacation by paying extra for checked bag fees if you don't have to. Away The Bigger Carry-On There's a handful of editors from the CNN Underscored team who will sing the praises of this carry-on bag. After lots of testing, it's proven to be durable, easy to maneuver throughout airports and is our overall best-tested hard-shell carry-on bag. The thoughtful design features and streamlined look make it a smart investment when you're shopping for new luggage. Read our review Briggs & Riley Essential 22-Inch 2-Wheel Expandable Carry-On If you prefer a soft-sided suitcase, this is our best tested soft-sided carry-on luggage and a favorite of travel editor Kyle Olsen's. The suitcase's compression system is top-of-the-line, and it maintained its shape after many, many miles of flying. The exterior handle creates extra space for packing. Read our review Samsonite Freeform 21-Inch Hardside Carry-On Suitecase A more affordable hard-shell pick, this Samsonite suitcase comes in a range of colors and weighs 6.5 pounds. There are built-in TSA security locks and four omni-spinner wheels to make travel through the airport easy. It also has expansion and compression capabilities for the times you overpack. Read our review Bagsmart Weekender For quick trips or to give you a more versatile personal item, a weekender bag is a solid choice. This affordable bag from Bagsmart has an abundance of pockets that make it easy to stay organized. It might not have premium features, but it definitely gets the job done with a surprising capacity and comfortable straps for carrying. Read our review Coowoz Travel Backpack A backpack that went viral, this under $25 bag will fit under the seat in front of you or act as your sole piece of luggage. You'll find basic features, like interior and exterior organization pockets, as well as bonus design points, like a shoe compartment and built-in charging port. Read our review Monos Expandable Carry-On If you want extra room in your bag, this expandable option from Monos fits size guides when condensed down. It weighs 7.8 pounds on its own, has a streamlined and stunning design and four spinner wheels for a smooth trip through the terminal. It will scuff easily, but if you're just carrying it on, it shouldn't get too banged up. It's worth noting that most airlines require ant expandable luggage to be collapsed down before stowing it in overhead our review Aer Carry-On This carry-on luggage has a smooth gliding wheel system, but an even more advanced wheel-braking system that keeps your bag from rolling away. Aer even has a checklist of airlines the bag is compatible with measurements for if you want to double check before you fly. Read our review Halfday Premium Garment Duffel 45L If you're heading out for a wedding weekend or special event, this duffel-garment bag combo can help you pack smarter, not harder. The messenger bag strap lets you carry it easily throughout the airport, or you can opt for the backpack straps if you find that more our review Travelpro Altitude Medium Expandable Laptop Backpack If you're looking for a compact and functional personal item, this backpack from Travelpro is great for your airport trips or your morning commute to the office. Packed with organization features, RFID-blocking pockets and convenient features, like a water bottle sleeve on the our review When it comes to packing carry-on luggage and personal items, size does in fact matter. It's critical, actually, in making sure you don't have to check your bag at the last minute and pay the highest rates for checking a bag. Here are the two ways airlines measure your carry-on: H x W x D: Most airlines will list measurements by height, width and depth. You'll see something like 22 x 14 x 9 inches, which are the most commonly used carry-on bag dimensions. Linear inches: This is referring to the total number of inches your bag measures if you add up the height, width and depth. As long as your bag's dimensions add up to that magic number, you're good to fly. It's also worth noting that airlines include wheels and handlebars in their measurements. When you're measuring at home, be sure to check that your suitcase will fit from the collapsed handlebar to the tips of the wheels. Airlines also have sizers at the ticketing counters and gates. Certain airlines — notoriously budget airlines — will be strict about making sure luggage fits in the appropriate sizer. Be prepared to have your bag measured before you board. Alaska Airlines When flying with Alaska Airlines, you're allowed one carry-on bag (22 x 14 x 9 inches) and one personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches), both free of charge. One of these bags must go under the seat in front of you, and the other must be stored in the overhead bins. For checked bags, you'll have to pay a fee. For your first bag, it's $35, for the second bag, it's $45 and for any bags after that it's $150 for each additional bag. Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches, no weight limit. Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches, or 45 linear inches. Items that don't count toward carry-on allowance: Coats, hats and umbrellas that are compact to store in overhead bins or under the seat in front of you, FAA-approved child/infant restraint seats to be occupied by a child, strollers and mobility/medical assistive devices. American Airlines American Airlines allows passengers one personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches) and one carry-on bag (22 x 14 x 9 inches) with no additional charge. These bags must fit underneath the seat in front of you and in an overhead bin. American Airlines notes that some airports and planes may have additional carry-on restrictions. If your bag doesn't fit the specific airplane requirements, American Airlines often offers a free valet check at the gate. Your first checked bag will cost $35 if you pay ahead online and $40 if you pay at the airport. The second checked bag will be $45. Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Diaper bag (one per child), breast pumps, small soft-sided coolers for breast milk, child safety seats, strollers and medical and mobility devices Delta Air Lines You're allowed one carry-on (22 x 14 x 9 inches) and one personal item without charge when flying with Delta. You'll store one bag under the seat in front of you and one overhead. Delta lists the combined measurements of their carry-on allowance as 45 linear inches. Passengers who are traveling on Delta Connection flights, including flights with 50 or fewer seats, are only permitted pto carry ersonal items due to limited overhead space. If you're a Delta SkyMiles Medallion Member, select cobranded cardholder or active duty military member, your first checked bag is free. For others traveling with Delta, your first checked bag is $35 and the second is $45. Personal item: No stated size limit, but Delta lists a purse, briefcase, camera bag, diaper bag, laptop bag or an item of similar or smaller size to those bags. Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches, or 45 linear inches Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: A jacket, umbrella, food or drink purchased past the security checkpoint, duty-free merchandise, strollers, wheelchairs, child safety seats or assistive devices. Southwest Airlines Your carry-on bag (24 x 16 x 10 inches) and personal item are free when you fly with Southwest Airlines. Southwest recently updated its checked bag policy, but the carry-on allowance remains the same. Depending on your ticket, your checked bag fare will change. Basic fare, Wanna Get Away Plus fare and Anytime fare travelers will pay $35 for their first bag and $45 for the second. Business Select fare and Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members will not pay for checked bags. Rapid Rewards A-List members and cobranded Chase cardholders get their first bag free and pay $35 and $45, respectively, for their second checked bag. Active duty military customers will not be charged for checked bags. Personal item: Southwest does not list dimensions, but notes a purse, briefcase, laptop computer case, backpack or small camera, provided items can be stowed under the seat in front of you. Carry-on: 24 x 16 x 10 inches Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Baggage containing a breast pump or breast milk, neck pillows, FAA-approved car seats/child restraint systems that will be used during your flight, assistive devices for travelers with disabilities, food to be eaten during the flight, outer garments or other wearable articles of clothing, baggage containing necessary items used by trained service animals. United Airlines United Airlines allows most customers one personal item (17 x 10 x 9 inches) and one carry-on (22 x 14 x 9 inches) item free of charge. Basic Economy travelers will be allowed one personal item included in their ticket, but will be charged for a carry-on suitcase, with prices starting at $40. If you're flying with a Basic Economy ticket and your personal item does not fit the 17 x 10 x 9 inch requirement, you'll have to check it at the gate and be charged $65. You can check the price of your checked bag using United's baggage fee calculator, and pre-paying online will lower your price. Personal item: 17 x 10 x 9 inches Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Coats, umbrellas, things to read, food or drinks bought at the airport, mobility devices, car seats, child safety harnesses, strollers, diaper bags, breast pumps and cameras Allegiant Air You're allowed one personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches) free of charge on Allegiant Air flights, and carry-on bags (22 x 16 x 10 inches) will require you to pay a fee. The price for carry-on bags, which the airline lists as a garment bag to a roller bag, range from $10 to $75. The brand lists their baggage fees and offers a baggage fee calculator that you can utilize for both carry-on and checked bags. Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches Carry-on: 22 x 16 x 10 inches; from $10 Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Necessary medical devices, assistive devices (like a stroller), one jacket, a small umbrella, food to be eaten during the flight and a diaper bag. Avelo Airlines Traveling on Avelo Airlines gets you one personal item (17 x 13 x 9 inches) free of charge and one carry-on item (22 x 14 x 9 inches) for a fee, ranging from $45 to $77. Paying during your initial reservation gives you the lowest fare option. Checked bags will cost from $42 to $77. Personal item: 17 x 13 x 9 inches Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches; from $45 Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Manual wheelchairs, mobility aids and other assistive devices used by a qualified individual with a disability and outerwear Breeze Airways Breeze Airways allows passengers under any ticket reservation to bring one personal item (17 x 13 x 8 inches) on board, free of charge. Carry-on bags (22 x 14 x 9 inches) are included in Nice, Nicer and Nicest bundle tickets, but those traveling with No Flex Fare and Flex Fare tickets will have to pay a fee, starting at $35 up to $75. Carry-on bags must weigh less than 35 pounds. US military passengers receive one free carry-on and two free checked bags. Checked bags start at $40. Both carry-on and checked bags are given the lowest fees when paying during your initial booking process. Personal item: 17 x 13 x 8 inches Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches, up to 35 pounds; from $35 to $75 for No Flex Fare and Flex Fare travelers, included for Nice, Nicer and Nicest bundle travelers. Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Breeze does not list extra items outside of a personal item and carry-on or checked bag. Frontier Airlines Take one personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches) with you for no charge when flying Frontier Airlines, while a carry-on (24 x 16 x 10 inches) will cost from $34 to $99. The cheapest option for paying for your carry-on is adding it to your cart during your initial booking. Carry-on bags can weigh no more than 35 pounds. Active duty military passengers will not be charged for a carry-on bag and/or one checked bag. Checked bags are allowed for a fee as well, ranging from $34 to $99, weighing no more than 40 pounds. Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches Carry-on: 24 x 16 x 10 inches, up to 35 pounds; from $34 Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Strollers, car seats, wheelchairs, scooters and other mobility devices. JetBlue Airlines Both your personal item (17 x 13 x 8 inches) and carry-on bag are included when flying with any ticket on JetBlue. Your carry-on (22 x 14 x 9 inches) must fit in the overhead compartment, while your personal item can be stored underneath the seat in front of you. Depending on your ticket, one checked bag may be included. Certain tickets also include a second checked bag for no extra charge. For Blue, Blue Basic and Blue Extra tickets, checked bag fares start at $35. Personal item: 17 x 13 x 8 inches Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Strollers, crutches, wheelchair and other assistive devices. Spirit Airlines Spirit Airlines allows guests one personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches) for free that must fit in the sizer bin. Certain tickets for Spirit flights, like Go Big, Go Comfy and Go Savvy include your carry-on bag (22 x 18 x 10 inches) for a fee. If you're flying with a standard Go ticket, you will not be able to add a carry-on bag for your flight. Active duty military service members will not be charged for a carry-on and up to two checked bags. Your carry-on bag cannot weigh more than 35 pounds. Checked bag prices are comparable to carry-on bags, with prices ranging from $54 to $99. Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches Carry-on: 22 x 18 x 10 inches, up to 35 pounds Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Umbrellas, cameras, infant diaper bags, assistive devices, outer garments, reading material and food for the flight. Neck/travel pillows must fit in your personal item. Wheelchairs may be checked at the ticket counter or gate free of charge. Sun Country Airlines Traveling on Sun Country Airlines allows you one personal item (17 x 13 x 9 inches), which Sun Country calls an under-seat item, at no extra cost. You'll have to pay for an 'overhead bag,' a.k.a. carry-on (24 x 16 x 11 inches), with the lowest fare being available during your initial booking. Carry-on bag fees start at $40 and go up to $50. Your carry-on cannot weigh more than 35 pounds. Checked bag fees start at $40 and go up to $65. Personal item: 17 x 13 x 9 inches Carry-on: 24 x 16 x 11 inches, up to 35 pounds Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Mobility devices and medical equipment must be stored according to FAA regulations, walkers and canes that can fit in overhead storage. Aeromexico Flying Aeromexico gets you one carry-on (21.5 x 15.7 x 10 inches) and one personal item for your flight with no additional charge. Depending on which type of ticket you book, you're allowed a certain weight total. For Basic fare and Premier One fare, together items can weigh up to 23 pounds. For Classic, AM Light, Premier and Premier Light fares, bags can total up to 33 pounds. Personal item: Aeromexico does not list measurements, but notes briefcases, purses, computers, umbrellas, fanny packs all count as a personal item and contribute to the weight allowance dependent upon your ticket fare. Carry-on: 21.5 x 15.7 x 10 inches, with weight requirements dependent with your ticket fare Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Jackets, a bag containing items purchased in the duty-free area, books, electronics like laptops, headphones or cameras, travel pillows, travel blankets, medical devices. Air Canada Most tickets for Air Canada flights will allow you one personal item (17 x 13 x 6 inches) and one carry-on item (21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches) for no additional charge. If you're traveling within Canada, to and from the U.S. or to and from Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean and you've booked an Economy Basic ticket, you'll have to pay a fee for your carry-on, but will be allowed a personal item for no cost. Depending on your fare, destination, date of ticket program and loyalty program status, your checked baggage allowance will vary. Personal item: 17 x 13 x 6 inches Carry-on: 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Coats, snacks and food to eat on board, infant care items (like a diaper bag), strollers, child restraint devices, mobility aids and battery-powered medical equipment. British Airways British Airways allows passengers one personal item (16 x 12 x 6 inches) and one carry-on bag (22 x 18 x 10 inches) at no upfront cost, though both bags must weigh less than 51 pounds. Checked bags will cost you, depending on your ticket. Prices start at $67. Personal item: 16 x 12 x 6 inches, up to 51 pounds Carry-on: 22 x 18 x 10 inches, up to 51 pounds Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Wheelchairs, mobility aids and assistive devices. Emirates All Emirates passengers are permitted one carry-on bag (21.6 x 14.9 x 8.6 inches), not to exceed 15.4 pounds for Economy fare, 22 pounds for Premium Economy. If you're traveling in business or first class, you're allowed one carry-on and one personal item (17.7 x 13.7 x 7.8 inches) that can each weigh 15.4 pounds. Personal item: 17.7 x 13.7 x 7.8 inches (for Business and First Class passengers) Carry-on: 21.6 x 14.9 x 8.6 inches, weight dependent upon fare booked Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Medications, baby milk or foods and duty-free purchases. Lufthansa You'll get a carry-on (21.6 x 15.7 x 9 inches) and personal item (15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches) for no charge when flying Lufthansa, though there are weight limits to note. Your carry-on cannot weigh more than 17.6 pounds. If you're flying business or first class, then you're permitted two carry-on items. Lufthansa offers a fare calculator for baggage fees, as checked luggage prices depend on your route and class type. Personal item: 15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches Carry-on: 21.6 x 15.7 x 9 inches, up to 17.6 pounds Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: A baby carry cot or child seat, wheelchairs and orthopedic aids. Singapore Airlines Pack one personal item (15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches) and one carry-on item (45.2 linear inches), weighing up to 15.4 pounds, for your flight with Singapore Airlines. If you're flying Suites, first or business class, you're allowed two carry-on items, each can weigh up to 15.4 pounds. Your personal item must be stored under the seat in front of you while your carry-on goes overhead. If you're planning to check a bag, the allowance is based on the weight or piece concept and is dependent upon your final destination. Personal item: 15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches Carry-on: 45.2 linear inches, up to 15.4 pounds Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Baby strollers, overcoats, umbrellas, infant's amenities, a walking stick/crutches and a small amount of duty-free goods. WestJet The carry-on allowance for WestJet is dependent on your ticket fare. Econo, Member Exclusive, EconoFlex, Premium, PremiumFlex, Business or BusinessFlex passengers are allowed one carry-on (22 x 14 x 9 inches) and one personal item (16 x 6 x 13 inches). UltraBasic travelers are allowed one personal item and cannot bring or pay for a carry-on bag, unless they are flying to and from Europe and Asia, or when Extended Comfort has been purchased for all flights in a single direction, including connections. Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you and your carry-on must store overhead. Personal item: 16 x 6 x 13 inches Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Diaper bags, food items to be eaten on board, medical devices and mobility devices. The following FAQs were answered by our editorial team and cross-checked with the TSA and FAA websites. What is the difference between a personal item and a carry-on item, and how do airlines define each? What is the difference between a personal item and a carry-on item, and how do airlines define each? Personal items are smaller bags you might bring with you while traveling that can easily be stowed underneath the seat in front of you. Carry-on luggage refers to travel bags that can fit in overhead bins. Airlines define each by the size and style of the bag. Airlines typically refer to personal items as briefcases, small backpacks, totes, purses and laptop cases. Carry-on items are considered duffels, roller bags and large backpacks. Measurements for each vary per airline. Can I bring a backpack as a personal item, or does it count as a carry-on? Can I bring a backpack as a personal item, or does it count as a carry-on? So long as your backpack is within the measurements required for a personal item according to the airline you're flying, it can be used as a personal item. Packing a backpack as a personal item is a great way to give yourself more storage while traveling, but you should note that all personal items on any airline must fit underneath the seat in front of you. If it sizes out of the personal item guidelines, the airline will likely consider it a carry-on bag, and you might be subject to paying a carry-on fee. Are musical instruments, sports equipment or medical devices considered carry-on items, or do they have separate policies and restrictions? Are musical instruments, sports equipment or medical devices considered carry-on items, or do they have separate policies and restrictions? Musical instruments, sports equipment and medical devices are determined as carry-on versus checked luggage depending upon airline regulations. Some airlines may require you to check musical instruments and sports equipment if it doesn't fit within the carry-on size guide. The TSA has a list of what medical equipment and sports equipment can fly safely. Musical instruments are subject to airline discretion. It's best to check your airline's regulations regarding carrying medical equipment on board. Some equipment, depending on where you're flying, might be subject to additional search while going through security checkpoints. Additionally, a few airlines on our list noted that medical equipment may need a doctor's note to fly. What types of items are prohibited in carry-on luggage, and what can be packed in checked baggage instead? What types of items are prohibited in carry-on luggage, and what can be packed in checked baggage instead? The TSA and FAA have lists of what you are and are not allowed to pack in both your carry-on and checked luggage. We've created an additional guide for commonly asked questions to make it easy when you start packing. A good rule of thumb is to pack any liquids over 3.4 ounces in a checked bag, sporting equipment like skis or golf clubs (though these likely won't fit in your carry-on anyway), certain self-defense items, cookware and kitchen items like a corkscrew must also be checked instead of carried on. The TSA has a full list of items you can pack and which bag they should go in. Can I bring a stroller, car seat or other child-related equipment as a carry-on, or do airlines have specific policies for these items? Can I bring a stroller, car seat or other child-related equipment as a carry-on, or do airlines have specific policies for these items? Typically, airlines have specific policies for these items, and it's best to consult the airline's website. That said, in our research, most airlines do not charge a checked bag fee for items like these, and some offer gate or valet checking before you board your flight. How do airlines handle oversized or overweight carry-on luggage, and what are the potential fees? How do airlines handle oversized or overweight carry-on luggage, and what are the potential fees? Depending on which airline you fly, overweight and oversized bags may be subject to fees. The fee for overweight bags is typically steep, so it's best to weigh your bag ahead of flying. Oversized bags, especially carry-ons, can vary from $50 to $99 depending on the airline. It's almost always more expensive to have to check an oversized bag at the gate than it is to check it in advance. Be sure to read the fine print for your airline before flying. CNN Underscored editors thoroughly test the products we review and provide full transparency about how we test them. We have a skilled team of writers and editors who have many years of testing experience and ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, writer Ellen McAlpine researched popular airlines and their carry-on allowance rules to create a master list for readers, making it easier to plan for their next vacation.
CNN
6 days ago
- Business
- CNN
Away just introduced its luggage in a Sunshine Yellow color to brighten your summer
On your way to sipping limoncellos on the Amalfi Coast, jet off with the perfect plus one, courtesy of the Away Beach Capsule Collection. Landing just in time for summer getaways, the travel brand's limited-edition line is drenched in a cheery palette ideal for a vacation, including the all-new shade Sunshine Yellow in all Away luggage sizes, from Classic to Flex, with matching packing cubes to boot. Other beach-ready travel products — like a tote bag and a sunglasses case in blue and cream hues — are also part of the collection. Away The Carry-On in Sunshine Yellow The bestselling carry-on suitcase now comes in a fresh seasonal hue. Our testing editors recommend this stylish, functional polycarbonate shell for casual travelers, especially those who prefer luggage and bags that can handle some wear and our review Away The Medium in Sunshine Yellow Our favorite hard-shell checked luggage, The Medium checks many boxes, including a durable outer shell, a set of 360-degree spinner wheels and a 50/50 split opening. Pair it with the carry-on for the ultimate sunny duo on trips. Away Beach Tote A revamp of the brand's original beach tote, this bag debuts with a roomier silhouette in Salt White and Seaside Blue hues. Securely stash SPF, snacks and books inside the interior zip pocket. It also has front loops to keep your towel or hat on hand and a mesh design to help shake out sand. Away Dry Bag Duo Once you return from jaunts in the pool, throw damp swimsuits into one of these roll-top laundry bags and toss dirty clothes inside the spare bag. It's designed to be flexible and lightweight, so you won't have to sacrifice too much space in your luggage. Away Travel Glasses Case Don't fret about abandoning your collection of sunglasses to save packing space. This sturdy tri-fold glasses case is reminiscent of the brand's signature hard-shell suitcases. Available in black, cream and yellow, you can also use it as a clutch purse. Away The Insider Packing Cubes in Sunshine Yellow Optimize your bag's packing space with these compression cubes. My set keeps me very organized when I'm prepping for a trip, and it keeps my suitcase tidy as I travel. It now comes in the vibrant seasonal hue, Sunshine Yellow. We're always excited to see a brand bring new life to products our staffers already know and love. Its previous pint-size launch, the Away Kids Collection, equally excited our travel products editor Kyle Olsen. With the Beach Capsule Collection, travelers can enjoy the same durable materials and smart features synonymous with Away, but with a seasonal refresh for any upcoming summer travel plans. Our deals team has over a decade of combined commerce journalism experience. Rikka Altland, Jacqueline Saguin and Elena Matarazzo source the deals for the day each morning to curate one-offs and retailer-specific roundups of the best sales to shop. Searching everything from coveted tech essentials to beauty finds of the week, the team works across a wide variety of categories to ensure we're finding the best buys for our readers.
CNN
6 days ago
- Business
- CNN
Away just introduced its luggage in a Sunshine Yellow color to brighten your summer
On your way to sipping limoncellos on the Amalfi Coast, jet off with the perfect plus one, courtesy of the Away Beach Capsule Collection. Landing just in time for summer getaways, the travel brand's limited-edition line is drenched in a cheery palette ideal for a vacation, including the all-new shade Sunshine Yellow in all Away luggage sizes, from Classic to Flex, with matching packing cubes to boot. Other beach-ready travel products — like a tote bag and a sunglasses case in blue and cream hues — are also part of the collection. Away The Carry-On in Sunshine Yellow The bestselling carry-on suitcase now comes in a fresh seasonal hue. Our testing editors recommend this stylish, functional polycarbonate shell for casual travelers, especially those who prefer luggage and bags that can handle some wear and our review Away The Medium in Sunshine Yellow Our favorite hard-shell checked luggage, The Medium checks many boxes, including a durable outer shell, a set of 360-degree spinner wheels and a 50/50 split opening. Pair it with the carry-on for the ultimate sunny duo on trips. Away Beach Tote A revamp of the brand's original beach tote, this bag debuts with a roomier silhouette in Salt White and Seaside Blue hues. Securely stash SPF, snacks and books inside the interior zip pocket. It also has front loops to keep your towel or hat on hand and a mesh design to help shake out sand. Away Dry Bag Duo Once you return from jaunts in the pool, throw damp swimsuits into one of these roll-top laundry bags and toss dirty clothes inside the spare bag. It's designed to be flexible and lightweight, so you won't have to sacrifice too much space in your luggage. Away Travel Glasses Case Don't fret about abandoning your collection of sunglasses to save packing space. This sturdy tri-fold glasses case is reminiscent of the brand's signature hard-shell suitcases. Available in black, cream and yellow, you can also use it as a clutch purse. Away The Insider Packing Cubes in Sunshine Yellow Optimize your bag's packing space with these compression cubes. My set keeps me very organized when I'm prepping for a trip, and it keeps my suitcase tidy as I travel. It now comes in the vibrant seasonal hue, Sunshine Yellow. We're always excited to see a brand bring new life to products our staffers already know and love. Its previous pint-size launch, the Away Kids Collection, equally excited our travel products editor Kyle Olsen. With the Beach Capsule Collection, travelers can enjoy the same durable materials and smart features synonymous with Away, but with a seasonal refresh for any upcoming summer travel plans. Our deals team has over a decade of combined commerce journalism experience. Rikka Altland, Jacqueline Saguin and Elena Matarazzo source the deals for the day each morning to curate one-offs and retailer-specific roundups of the best sales to shop. Searching everything from coveted tech essentials to beauty finds of the week, the team works across a wide variety of categories to ensure we're finding the best buys for our readers.
CNN
22-02-2025
- Business
- CNN
Frequent flyers have spent years staying loyal to airlines. Now airlines are ‘giving them the middle finger'
Imagine you're booking a flight. For most people, it's an easy decision: the cheapest fare or the easiest route will be the one to win out. But for many, it's a different scenario. They're willing to spend more, fly at awkward times or even make multiple connections to reach their destination — all to earn airline loyalty points. This is the dance of the frequent flyer program — often a costly dance, but one that reaps benefits in the form of lounge access, free seat selection, priority security and other things that make flying in the crowded 21st century a little more bearable — as long as you spend or fly enough to earn enough points to reach the 'elite' tiers of airlines' loyalty programs. But with airlines increasingly changing their programs to make it harder to accrue status, has the points bubble burst? 'Earning real value from airline loyalty programs is tougher than ever,' says Kyle Olsen, travel products editor at CNN Underscored. 'Airlines have raised [flight] redemption costs and made rewards less valuable. Higher spending requirements make status harder to achieve. Dynamic pricing means award flights cost more points than before.' This year, three carriers in the Oneworld airline alliance — British Airways, Iberia and Qantas — will change their loyalty schemes. From April, it'll be harder to achieve status on the first two, while from August, spending loyalty points on Qantas will require a higher spend. Rob Burgess, editor of 'avgeek' website Head for Points, calls it a 'downward trend.' 'BA and Iberia are turning their programs into recognition schemes for their biggest spenders rather than loyalty schemes,' he says. Those Oneworld changes come on the heels of Delta Air Lines, whose much criticized toughening up of their own program made it tougher to acquire status last year. CEO Ed Bastian cited crowded lounges as one reason for the changes. Suddenly the 'elites' weren't feeling so … elite. So are loyalty programs worth it anymore? And with suggestions that airlines are no longer interested in rewarding the little guys, are there any that still work for the average Joe? For decades, frequent flyers have taken to the skies in the attempt to win points — and 'prizes.' So coveted are the higher status tiers in airline loyalty programs that people do outwardly illogical things like take out new credit cards, book flights they don't need to take, and even fly across the globe without even leaving the airport — because they want the points. Loyalty programs are a balance of carrot and stick — benefits that make flying a nicer experience in return for spending more (and often unnecessarily) with the airline. That carrot essentially drives 'irrational behavior,' says Benjamin Lipsey, senior vice president for customer loyalty at Air France-KLM (sibling airlines to Delta in the SkyTeam alliance) and president of their loyalty program, Flying Blue, which was named best airline rewards program last year by online platform 'A rational consumer would take the cheapest flight at the best time. From a psychology perspective, [loyalty programs] are about trying to stimulate irrational behavior,' he says. Lipsey of all people should know — he's a self-described 'loyalty nut.' At 16, he started managing his dad's frequent flyer account, ensuring that family vacations had extra perks thanks to his father's on-business flights. 'I wanted to make sure we went to the lounge when we traveled as a family,' he says. 'We were able to have priority security, check-in, checked bags and lounge access. I wanted to make sure we didn't lose that.' The teenage Lipsey discovered FlyerTalk, a website where points fans discussed their preferred programs, including ways to achieve status faster or more cheaply. Today it counts around 900,000 members, with separate forums for every loyalty program out there. 'You start to realize it's a bit of a game — you look for ways to maximize the system, loopholes to optimize,' he says. Of course, as poacher-turned-gamekeeper, Lipsey — still an active member of FlyerTalk —shouldn't appreciate game-players in his new role. And yet he does. 'It's important to let customers feel they can find gamification opportunities,' he says. 'If [on Flying Blue] you do London-Paris-New York, or London-Amsterdam-Tokyo, by connecting you achieve status more easily. Me personally, I'm happy with that.' Burgess says that although frequent flyers often look for loopholes, the majority earn in a 'harder' way. So why do airlines court customers in the first place? Because they need to, says Paula Thomas, founder and CEO of Let's Talk Loyalty, who has previously worked on loyalty programs for Emirates and telecoms company O2. Loyalty programs work best in industries where there's little differentiation between businesses, she says — like energy companies, telecoms industries … and airlines. For these sectors, 'pricing is the only differentiator and that's not a good business model,' she says. Enter the frequent flyer schemes, where customers are given tangible benefits for selecting one company over another. 'A good program makes you feel that the business understands you, values you as a passenger and makes you think you can enjoy the fruits of your labor. 'And travel is the most inspirational thing.' In other words, it's a two-way street, benefitting the airline as much as the client sipping on bubbly in the business-class lounge. Lipsey agrees that a good loyalty program is crucial in aviation. Not only can airlines mine their members' data if they get them engaged, but in an industry of notoriously tight margins — around 5-7% — frequent flyers can swing the pendulum from loss to profit. 'Every little bit counts,' he says. 'We do what we can to incentivize customers to fly.' Yet as airlines refine their programs as they rebound post-pandemic, some passengers warn that that two-way street risks turning into a one-way highway, favoring the airlines. One major trend is pivoting from a miles- or segment-based system — where you rack up status by accruing points with every flight — to a spend-based system that awards loyalty purely to airline high-rollers, making it harder for the average flyer to achieve status. In September 2023, Delta Air Lines announced it was moving to a purely spend-based system, making it more expensive to earn status, while also cutting down on lounge access for credit card holders. The changes were met with such outrage that soon after, CEO Ed Bastian admitted that they 'probably went too far.' Delta then lowered the proposed thresholds required to achieve status by about 16-20% — though the tiers remained significantly higher than previously. This year, all hell broke loose in the Oneworld alliance, when British Airways announced its frequent flyer program was moving from segment-based accrual — where passengers get points per sector flown, depending on the cabin class — to one purely based on spend. Until now, canny flyers had been able to achieve Silver status (where benefits like lounge access kick in — equivalent to Oneworld Sapphire status) for as little as £1,500 ($1,895), or Gold (equivalent to Oneworld's Emerald status) for around £3,000 ($3,790) by judiciously route-hopping and taking advantage of offers that BA itself had launched, such as double airmiles on vacation bookings. Yet although the airline seemed keen to be offering ways to game the system, it has now shut the door — ensuring fewer will retain the key. Reaching the coveted Gold status — where passengers can select prime seats at the time of booking, check an extra bag, and use the semi-private First Wing at Heathrow Terminal 5 — will now require a whopping £20,000 ($25,280) spend. Silver now requires a spend of £7,500 ($9,480). Passengers can also now earn money on entire vacation packages (though split between family members), and by purchasing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) — essentially gifting the airline up to £1,000. But there's a catch. Flight spends are eligible only on the airplane fare, not taxes or charges, which are notoriously high component of flights leaving the UK. Burgess has crunched the numbers and believes that the actual spend required would be £10,000 ($12,640) on business-class flights for Silver, or £30,000 ($37,920) for Gold. Flying economy makes status even less attainable, since taxes represent a higher proportion of economy fares. Burgess reckons that a passenger would need to spend £40,000 — a staggering $50,560 — on economy flights in one year to achieve Gold status. Colm Lacy, BA's chief commercial officer, said in a statement: 'A large number of our customers will benefit from these changes and we're confident that this is a better way of truly rewarding their loyalty.' Five weeks after announcing the changes, BA tweaked the program, allowing commuters to attain Silver status with a flat 50 flights, and adding bonus tier points for flights in 2025. Those extra points will make little difference to your final tally, though: the extra 75 points per economy shorthaul flight is a boost of just 0.38% towards Gold status. Swift on BA's heels, two more Oneworld airlines have announced changes. Iberia will also move to a largely spend-based system, requiring 7,500 points for 'Oro' status (at which point benefits like lounge access kick in) and 20,000 for 'Platino,' or Oneworld Emerald. Buy a ticket, and Iberia will give you one point per euro spent. Iberia will add bonus points depending on the cabin and route flown, as well as allowing customers to beef up their balance through external offers and credit card usage. Burgess has calculated that Oro status might be achievable with a spend of €2,720 (about $2,850) — appetizing to BA flyers wanting to switch to another Oneworld program, but out of reach for most Spaniards, whose average salary is under 27,000 euros (about $28,000). Meanwhile, Qantas has revealed that obtaining Classic Reward redemptions (which 'cost' the fewest points) will require spending anything from 5-20% more points from August, depending on the class of travel. Upgrades will require up to 20% more points while carrier charges for business class seats will shoot up by around 35%. However it's not all bad — customers will earn more points on flights, too. Americans may not find these changes too outrageous. In the US, you need 125,000 loyalty points to reach the equivalent of Oneworld Emerald status, Platinum Pro, with American Airlines. And Delta requires $5,000 qualifying dollars to reach their entry-level Silver Medallion status. But there's a crucial difference between the US and other countries. 'US programs are heavily tied to credit cards and allow travelers to earn miles without flying,' says Olsen. That's because credit card companies buy the miles from the airlines to reward their customers. Lipsey calls it 'an incredibly lucrative source of revenue for airlines.' In other parts of the world, especially where credit cards are less ubiquitous, it's not possible to rack up status purely with cards. Making status more expensive isn't the only change spreading across the Atlantic. Dynamic pricing for redemptions (buying tickets with points) is another downward trend which started in the US. One former Delta aficionado says that to them, the points they spent years accruing are now 'basically worth nothing.' Meanwhile British Airways devalued its Avios for redemptions last year. But as the airlines tweak their programs, making it harder for customers to achieve status or spend their hard-earned points, flyers are starting to wonder whether it's worth staying loyal. 'Rob,' who wishes to remain anonymous for privacy reasons, is community director of FlyerTalk and member of the British Airways Executive Club forum. He was nearly halfway to 'Lifetime Gold' status — where flyers have accrued so many tier points that they are awarded status for life — when BA announced its changes. 'All my lifetime plans reaching it just before retirement have been blown out of the window,' he says. 'When I read the news I turned to my wife and said, 'We're leaving BA.' It'd probably cost £50,000 between us to maintain Gold. That's not a viable proposition for 99.9% of people in this country.' The British Airways forum was by far the most popular on the website, with nearly 140,000 threads — nearly twice as many as Air Canada's, which had the second highest engagement. But BA's abrupt changes have 'splintered what trust people had with them,' he says. Trust is a key component of a loyalty program, says Paula Thomas. For airlines, she says, that means that the rewards advertised in the program must be widely available — specifically, flight redemptions, which Qantas has been criticized as being parsimonious over. Devaluing the currency, as British Airways did last year, is also a no-go. 'It's extremely disappointing for someone who wants something of value,' she says. 'If you're not allowing [people] to enjoy what you've promised, or if you're moving the carrot further away, you've misrepresented the value of the program. Business is business but it has to be fair.' And as for British Airways' failure, five weeks from launch, to clarify the rules around accruing points on their BA-linked credit cards, Thomas says, 'If you don't have the information, that's where trust is compromised.' In September, the US Department of Transportation launched a federal probe into frequent flyer programs, demanding information from American Airlines, United, Southwest and Delta on how they run their programs. The DOT wanted to 'ensure consumers are getting the value that was promised to them, which means validating that these programs are transparent and fair,' then-Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. The DOT did not respond to CNN's questions about whether the probe was ongoing, and when its findings might be released. 'I think a lot of companies forget loyalty is a two-way street,' says Lipsey, though he's at pains to say he's not talking about any airline in particular. 'It's not just a transactional relationship; trust is really crucial… When the program makes a change, it reflects on the airline and vice versa.' And when it's lost, others can jump in. When Delta announced its changes, JetBlue launched a 'status match' campaign and promptly signed up nearly 20,000 disaffected Delta flyers, the airline said at the time, though it declined to confirm final numbers to CNN. Lipsey's Flying Blue program has launched a 'status match' campaign for disaffected BA customers. He says 'several thousand' have already signed up, half of whom are gold-card holders or above. 'We hope to achieve between €20-30m in incremental customer value from these customers who matched,' he says. Virgin Atlantic is also happily status-matching BA elites. And although some airlines are closing the drawbridge to those seeking status, others are keeping them open. Since airlines team up in alliances, status with one airline is valid for its alliance 'siblings,' too — so many flyers who've been priced out by their original program can join another more suited to their flying patterns, and achieve status easier. For instance, disenfranchised Delta customers can see if Flying Blue works better for them, while British Airways exiles can sign up with Iberia and already find it about 17% 'cheaper' to achieve status, thanks to the pound's strength against the euro. Rob, the FlyerTalk community director, plans to switch to a rival Oneworld loyalty program such as Royal Jordanian or Malaysia Airlines — and says most of the BA FlyerTalk members look set to do the same. As the teenage Lipsey discovered, there's a world online where people swap status tips. Airlines are notoriously tight-lipped about the numbers of their frequent flyers, but with Bastian admitting that congested lounges (a phenomenon born during the pandemic, when airlines rolled over customers' status) were a reason for tightening the Delta program, it'd be fair to say a drop in the number of status-holders is a clear aim. (BA's Colm Lacy disputes this, saying in a statement: 'These changes aren't about reducing the number of members in each tier but making sure that we get the level of recognition right for each individual.') But with a global economic crunch, and passengers tightening their belts, some argue that closing the door to all but the highest spenders is a dangerous choice. 'It's sticking the middle finger up to the little people,' says Rob, of BA's changes. Lacy disputes this, saying that by awarding tier points for vacation package spend, 'We now have a way to reward leisure customers that we haven't in the past.' For Lipsey, a spend-based system is a dangerous gamble. 'BA has basically said 'Gold is worth £20,000' so now as a customer you start saying, 'Am I getting £20,000 worth of value?' If it's purely revenue-based, that's the risk. And I think it removes the irrational behavior that is key to loyalty programs. 'It's a bold move they've made. What they've done is basically fired the leisure customer. Whether they need those or not is up to them to decide. I'm sure they've done their homework.' Burgess says that the airline might be in for a shock. 'Many people were only putting up with BA because they got these extra benefits. Take those away and the emperor has no clothes.' Flying Blue is considering a 'revenue component,' admits Lipsey — maybe a minimum spend or a flight requirement. But nothing more. 'You don't put a price on loyalty,' he says. One thing's for sure: other airlines will be watching those who do.
CNN
22-02-2025
- Business
- CNN
Frequent flyers have spent years staying loyal to airlines. Now airlines are ‘giving them the middle finger'
Imagine you're booking a flight. For most people, it's an easy decision: the cheapest fare or the easiest route will be the one to win out. But for many, it's a different scenario. They're willing to spend more, fly at awkward times or even make multiple connections to reach their destination — all to earn airline loyalty points. This is the dance of the frequent flyer program — often a costly dance, but one that reaps benefits in the form of lounge access, free seat selection, priority security and other things that make flying in the crowded 21st century a little more bearable — as long as you spend or fly enough to earn enough points to reach the 'elite' tiers of airlines' loyalty programs. But with airlines increasingly changing their programs to make it harder to accrue status, has the points bubble burst? 'Earning real value from airline loyalty programs is tougher than ever,' says Kyle Olsen, travel products editor at CNN Underscored. 'Airlines have raised [flight] redemption costs and made rewards less valuable. Higher spending requirements make status harder to achieve. Dynamic pricing means award flights cost more points than before.' This year, three carriers in the Oneworld airline alliance — British Airways, Iberia and Qantas — will change their loyalty schemes. From April, it'll be harder to achieve status on the first two, while from August, spending loyalty points on Qantas will require a higher spend. Rob Burgess, editor of 'avgeek' website Head for Points, calls it a 'downward trend.' 'BA and Iberia are turning their programs into recognition schemes for their biggest spenders rather than loyalty schemes,' he says. Those Oneworld changes come on the heels of Delta Air Lines, whose much criticized toughening up of their own program made it tougher to acquire status last year. CEO Ed Bastian cited crowded lounges as one reason for the changes. Suddenly the 'elites' weren't feeling so … elite. So are loyalty programs worth it anymore? And with suggestions that airlines are no longer interested in rewarding the little guys, are there any that still work for the average Joe? For decades, frequent flyers have taken to the skies in the attempt to win points — and 'prizes.' So coveted are the higher status tiers in airline loyalty programs that people do outwardly illogical things like take out new credit cards, book flights they don't need to take, and even fly across the globe without even leaving the airport — because they want the points. Loyalty programs are a balance of carrot and stick — benefits that make flying a nicer experience in return for spending more (and often unnecessarily) with the airline. That carrot essentially drives 'irrational behavior,' says Benjamin Lipsey, senior vice president for customer loyalty at Air France-KLM (sibling airlines to Delta in the SkyTeam alliance) and president of their loyalty program, Flying Blue, which was named best airline rewards program last year by online platform 'A rational consumer would take the cheapest flight at the best time. From a psychology perspective, [loyalty programs] are about trying to stimulate irrational behavior,' he says. Lipsey of all people should know — he's a self-described 'loyalty nut.' At 16, he started managing his dad's frequent flyer account, ensuring that family vacations had extra perks thanks to his father's on-business flights. 'I wanted to make sure we went to the lounge when we traveled as a family,' he says. 'We were able to have priority security, check-in, checked bags and lounge access. I wanted to make sure we didn't lose that.' The teenage Lipsey discovered FlyerTalk, a website where points fans discussed their preferred programs, including ways to achieve status faster or more cheaply. Today it counts around 900,000 members, with separate forums for every loyalty program out there. 'You start to realize it's a bit of a game — you look for ways to maximize the system, loopholes to optimize,' he says. Of course, as poacher-turned-gamekeeper, Lipsey — still an active member of FlyerTalk —shouldn't appreciate game-players in his new role. And yet he does. 'It's important to let customers feel they can find gamification opportunities,' he says. 'If [on Flying Blue] you do London-Paris-New York, or London-Amsterdam-Tokyo, by connecting you achieve status more easily. Me personally, I'm happy with that.' Burgess says that although frequent flyers often look for loopholes, the majority earn in a 'harder' way. So why do airlines court customers in the first place? Because they need to, says Paula Thomas, founder and CEO of Let's Talk Loyalty, who has previously worked on loyalty programs for Emirates and telecoms company O2. Loyalty programs work best in industries where there's little differentiation between businesses, she says — like energy companies, telecoms industries … and airlines. For these sectors, 'pricing is the only differentiator and that's not a good business model,' she says. Enter the frequent flyer schemes, where customers are given tangible benefits for selecting one company over another. 'A good program makes you feel that the business understands you, values you as a passenger and makes you think you can enjoy the fruits of your labor. 'And travel is the most inspirational thing.' In other words, it's a two-way street, benefitting the airline as much as the client sipping on bubbly in the business-class lounge. Lipsey agrees that a good loyalty program is crucial in aviation. Not only can airlines mine their members' data if they get them engaged, but in an industry of notoriously tight margins — around 5-7% — frequent flyers can swing the pendulum from loss to profit. 'Every little bit counts,' he says. 'We do what we can to incentivize customers to fly.' Yet as airlines refine their programs as they rebound post-pandemic, some passengers warn that that two-way street risks turning into a one-way highway, favoring the airlines. One major trend is pivoting from a miles- or segment-based system — where you rack up status by accruing points with every flight — to a spend-based system that awards loyalty purely to airline high-rollers, making it harder for the average flyer to achieve status. In September 2023, Delta Air Lines announced it was moving to a purely spend-based system, making it more expensive to earn status, while also cutting down on lounge access for credit card holders. The changes were met with such outrage that soon after, CEO Ed Bastian admitted that they 'probably went too far.' Delta then lowered the proposed thresholds required to achieve status by about 16-20% — though the tiers remained significantly higher than previously. This year, all hell broke loose in the Oneworld alliance, when British Airways announced its frequent flyer program was moving from segment-based accrual — where passengers get points per sector flown, depending on the cabin class — to one purely based on spend. Until now, canny flyers had been able to achieve Silver status (where benefits like lounge access kick in — equivalent to Oneworld Sapphire status) for as little as £1,500 ($1,895), or Gold (equivalent to Oneworld's Emerald status) for around £3,000 ($3,790) by judiciously route-hopping and taking advantage of offers that BA itself had launched, such as double airmiles on vacation bookings. Yet although the airline seemed keen to be offering ways to game the system, it has now shut the door — ensuring fewer will retain the key. Reaching the coveted Gold status — where passengers can select prime seats at the time of booking, check an extra bag, and use the semi-private First Wing at Heathrow Terminal 5 — will now require a whopping £20,000 ($25,280) spend. Silver now requires a spend of £7,500 ($9,480). Passengers can also now earn money on entire vacation packages (though split between family members), and by purchasing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) — essentially gifting the airline up to £1,000. But there's a catch. Flight spends are eligible only on the airplane fare, not taxes or charges, which are notoriously high component of flights leaving the UK. Burgess has crunched the numbers and believes that the actual spend required would be £10,000 ($12,640) on business-class flights for Silver, or £30,000 ($37,920) for Gold. Flying economy makes status even less attainable, since taxes represent a higher proportion of economy fares. Burgess reckons that a passenger would need to spend £40,000 — a staggering $50,560 — on economy flights in one year to achieve Gold status. Colm Lacy, BA's chief commercial officer, said in a statement: 'A large number of our customers will benefit from these changes and we're confident that this is a better way of truly rewarding their loyalty.' Five weeks after announcing the changes, BA tweaked the program, allowing commuters to attain Silver status with a flat 50 flights, and adding bonus tier points for flights in 2025. Those extra points will make little difference to your final tally, though: the extra 75 points per economy shorthaul flight is a boost of just 0.38% towards Gold status. Swift on BA's heels, two more Oneworld airlines have announced changes. Iberia will also move to a largely spend-based system, requiring 7,500 points for 'Oro' status (at which point benefits like lounge access kick in) and 20,000 for 'Platino,' or Oneworld Emerald. Buy a ticket, and Iberia will give you one point per euro spent. Iberia will add bonus points depending on the cabin and route flown, as well as allowing customers to beef up their balance through external offers and credit card usage. Burgess has calculated that Oro status might be achievable with a spend of €2,720 (about $2,850) — appetizing to BA flyers wanting to switch to another Oneworld program, but out of reach for most Spaniards, whose average salary is under 27,000 euros (about $28,000). Meanwhile, Qantas has revealed that obtaining Classic Reward redemptions (which 'cost' the fewest points) will require spending anything from 5-20% more points from August, depending on the class of travel. Upgrades will require up to 20% more points while carrier charges for business class seats will shoot up by around 35%. However it's not all bad — customers will earn more points on flights, too. Americans may not find these changes too outrageous. In the US, you need 125,000 loyalty points to reach the equivalent of Oneworld Emerald status, Platinum Pro, with American Airlines. And Delta requires $5,000 qualifying dollars to reach their entry-level Silver Medallion status. But there's a crucial difference between the US and other countries. 'US programs are heavily tied to credit cards and allow travelers to earn miles without flying,' says Olsen. That's because credit card companies buy the miles from the airlines to reward their customers. Lipsey calls it 'an incredibly lucrative source of revenue for airlines.' In other parts of the world, especially where credit cards are less ubiquitous, it's not possible to rack up status purely with cards. Making status more expensive isn't the only change spreading across the Atlantic. Dynamic pricing for redemptions (buying tickets with points) is another downward trend which started in the US. One former Delta aficionado says that to them, the points they spent years accruing are now 'basically worth nothing.' Meanwhile British Airways devalued its Avios for redemptions last year. But as the airlines tweak their programs, making it harder for customers to achieve status or spend their hard-earned points, flyers are starting to wonder whether it's worth staying loyal. 'Rob,' who wishes to remain anonymous for privacy reasons, is community director of FlyerTalk and member of the British Airways Executive Club forum. He was nearly halfway to 'Lifetime Gold' status — where flyers have accrued so many tier points that they are awarded status for life — when BA announced its changes. 'All my lifetime plans reaching it just before retirement have been blown out of the window,' he says. 'When I read the news I turned to my wife and said, 'We're leaving BA.' It'd probably cost £50,000 between us to maintain Gold. That's not a viable proposition for 99.9% of people in this country.' The British Airways forum was by far the most popular on the website, with nearly 140,000 threads — nearly twice as many as Air Canada's, which had the second highest engagement. But BA's abrupt changes have 'splintered what trust people had with them,' he says. Trust is a key component of a loyalty program, says Paula Thomas. For airlines, she says, that means that the rewards advertised in the program must be widely available — specifically, flight redemptions, which Qantas has been criticized as being parsimonious over. Devaluing the currency, as British Airways did last year, is also a no-go. 'It's extremely disappointing for someone who wants something of value,' she says. 'If you're not allowing [people] to enjoy what you've promised, or if you're moving the carrot further away, you've misrepresented the value of the program. Business is business but it has to be fair.' And as for British Airways' failure, five weeks from launch, to clarify the rules around accruing points on their BA-linked credit cards, Thomas says, 'If you don't have the information, that's where trust is compromised.' In September, the US Department of Transportation launched a federal probe into frequent flyer programs, demanding information from American Airlines, United, Southwest and Delta on how they run their programs. The DOT wanted to 'ensure consumers are getting the value that was promised to them, which means validating that these programs are transparent and fair,' then-Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. The DOT did not respond to CNN's questions about whether the probe was ongoing, and when its findings might be released. 'I think a lot of companies forget loyalty is a two-way street,' says Lipsey, though he's at pains to say he's not talking about any airline in particular. 'It's not just a transactional relationship; trust is really crucial… When the program makes a change, it reflects on the airline and vice versa.' And when it's lost, others can jump in. When Delta announced its changes, JetBlue launched a 'status match' campaign and promptly signed up nearly 20,000 disaffected Delta flyers, the airline said at the time, though it declined to confirm final numbers to CNN. Lipsey's Flying Blue program has launched a 'status match' campaign for disaffected BA customers. He says 'several thousand' have already signed up, half of whom are gold-card holders or above. 'We hope to achieve between €20-30m in incremental customer value from these customers who matched,' he says. Virgin Atlantic is also happily status-matching BA elites. And although some airlines are closing the drawbridge to those seeking status, others are keeping them open. Since airlines team up in alliances, status with one airline is valid for its alliance 'siblings,' too — so many flyers who've been priced out by their original program can join another more suited to their flying patterns, and achieve status easier. For instance, disenfranchised Delta customers can see if Flying Blue works better for them, while British Airways exiles can sign up with Iberia and already find it about 17% 'cheaper' to achieve status, thanks to the pound's strength against the euro. Rob, the FlyerTalk community director, plans to switch to a rival Oneworld loyalty program such as Royal Jordanian or Malaysia Airlines — and says most of the BA FlyerTalk members look set to do the same. As the teenage Lipsey discovered, there's a world online where people swap status tips. Airlines are notoriously tight-lipped about the numbers of their frequent flyers, but with Bastian admitting that congested lounges (a phenomenon born during the pandemic, when airlines rolled over customers' status) were a reason for tightening the Delta program, it'd be fair to say a drop in the number of status-holders is a clear aim. (BA's Colm Lacy disputes this, saying in a statement: 'These changes aren't about reducing the number of members in each tier but making sure that we get the level of recognition right for each individual.') But with a global economic crunch, and passengers tightening their belts, some argue that closing the door to all but the highest spenders is a dangerous choice. 'It's sticking the middle finger up to the little people,' says Rob, of BA's changes. Lacy disputes this, saying that by awarding tier points for vacation package spend, 'We now have a way to reward leisure customers that we haven't in the past.' For Lipsey, a spend-based system is a dangerous gamble. 'BA has basically said 'Gold is worth £20,000' so now as a customer you start saying, 'Am I getting £20,000 worth of value?' If it's purely revenue-based, that's the risk. And I think it removes the irrational behavior that is key to loyalty programs. 'It's a bold move they've made. What they've done is basically fired the leisure customer. Whether they need those or not is up to them to decide. I'm sure they've done their homework.' Burgess says that the airline might be in for a shock. 'Many people were only putting up with BA because they got these extra benefits. Take those away and the emperor has no clothes.' Flying Blue is considering a 'revenue component,' admits Lipsey — maybe a minimum spend or a flight requirement. But nothing more. 'You don't put a price on loyalty,' he says. One thing's for sure: other airlines will be watching those who do.
