logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2024
13m 59s

Why Are Airline Rewards So Complicated?

Bloomberg and iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

Frequent flyer programs began as a way for airlines to build loyalty and fill empty seats. They’ve since morphed into a complex financial ecosystem that’s drawn the ire of even the most savvy consumers and the scrutiny of the US Department of Transportation.

 

Bloomberg’s global aviation editor Benedikt Kammel joins David Gura to talk about points, miles, qualifying trips — and how we got here in the first place.


Read more: The Airline Rewards Game Is Getting Tougher to Win

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Today
Democrats Swept Congress. What Will It Mean for Trump?
The results are in: In a US midterm election seen as a referendum on President Donald Trump, a blue wave swept Congress. Democrats will control both the House and Senate for the last two years of Trump’s term. On today’s Big Take podcast, host Sarah Holder, Bloomberg White House ... Show More
15m 25s
Yesterday
The Legal Fight Nightmare Scenario for the US Midterms
It’s Election Day in the US and a deluge of midterms-related lawsuits have already been filed, even though polls haven’t closed yet. Bloomberg legal reporter Zoe Tillman and Josh Wingrove, who covers the White House, join host David Gura to make sense of the latest legal fights. ... Show More
13m 54s
Nov 2
Binance, North Korea and the Crypto Heist Boom
Hackers the FBI has linked to North Korea stole $6.3 billion from Binance, pulling off the biggest crypto heist of all time. On today’s Big Take podcast, host Sarah Holder speaks with Bloomberg crypto editor Ryan Weeks and Bloomberg Economics’ Adam Farrar about how the attack unf ... Show More
17m 16s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2022
Why Holding Onto Elite Airline Status Is Getting Harder
It takes a lot to earn status with airlines. Some rungs on the elite ladder require spending up to $250,000 on a carrier-branded credit card. Those rules were relaxed during the pandemic, but now they are tightening up again. WSJ travel reporter Jacob Passy joins host Daniella Ch ... Show More
6m 36s
May 2025
How airline fees turned baggage into billions
From extra bags to choosing a seat, airline passengers are faced with an array of extras, for a fee. And stricter limits for luggage in particular have turned 'compatible' suitcases and bags into big business. From bag manufacturers, racing to design the next travel bag innovatio ... Show More
17m 38s
Jul 2022
Flight cancellations plague airlines as millions travel
If you thought it would be easier to fly than paying soaring gas prices this weekend, brace yourself. Flights are so overbooked and the schedule is so precarious that one airline is offering $10,000 for passengers to give up their seats. Plus, sources reveal who may have tried to ... Show More
1h 19m
Aug 2022
The Summer of Airline Chaos
<p>Across the United States, airline travel this summer has been roiled by canceled flights, overbooked planes, disappointment and desperation.</p><p>Two and a half years after the pandemic began and with restrictions easing, why is flying still such an unpleasant experience?</p> ... Show More
23m 37s
Mar 2023
536. Is Your Plane Ticket Too Expensive — or Too Cheap?
<p>Most travelers want the cheapest flight they can find. Airlines, meanwhile, need to manage volatile fuel costs, a pricey workforce, and complex logistics. So how do they make money — and how did America’s grubbiest airport suddenly turn into a palace? (Part 3 of “<a href="http ... Show More
58 m
Jul 2023
Airline Credit Cards: Know the Perks, the Points and the Pitfalls
Airline-branded credit cards typically offer numerous travel benefits like points and miles. WSJ travel reporter Jacob Passy tells host J.R. Whalen why some travelers might find it’s not worth it financially to sign up. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.co ... Show More
7m 39s
Aug 2024
Australia: Airlines under scrutiny for not offering refunds
Australia correspondent Peter Ryan speaks to Lisa Owen about how airlines that unreasonably cancel or delay flights are coming under greater scrutiny to provide a better deal for jilted travelers. The pressure comes after rising anger and frustration from travelers who are tired ... Show More
5m 18s
Mar 2023
What’s causing the US airline chaos?
<p>Recently, flying in the US seems to be more chaotic than calm. And while it may seem like this all started recently, the FT’s Chicago Correspondent Claire Bushey takes us back to a decision that happened in the 1970s that got us to where we are now.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Clips from ... Show More
19m 57s
May 2025
Are You A Frequent Flyer?
In the deregulated skies of the 1980s, airlines needed new ways to make customers feel special. Enter the first major frequent flyer program, American Airlines’ AAdvantage, on 1st May, 1981. Bob Crandall built a powerful data system to track and process his customers’ miles, givi ... Show More
12m 43s