Podcast #85: When Should Loyalty Programs Stop Extending Status?

Gold loyalty card at hotel counter
Photo: Adobe Stock.

Throughout the pandemic, most airline and hotel loyalty programs have offered free or easy status extensions to retain once-loyal customers and try to prevent them from switching to the competition when travel makes a comeback. But with travel starting to return with a vengeance and airport lounges getting full, is it now time to wind back the status extensions?

In an extended interview, Matt chats in episode 85 of the AFF on Air podcast to loyalty program expert David Feldman. Loyalty program status extensions and the “golden handcuff” effect are just some of the many topics covered as David shares his insights on why the people running loyalty programs make the decisions that they do.

This interview also includes a discussion about recent major changes to hotel loyalty programs including IHG One Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt and Radisson Rewards.

David Feldman was previously a guest on episode 65 of this podcast.

 

Listen now to AFF on AIR Episode 85: “When Should Loyalty Programs Stop Extending Status?”

You can also view the episode notes.

 

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If you’d like to discuss this episode, ask Matt a question or suggest a topic for a future episode, feel free to post a comment on the AFF on Air Discussion thread.

 

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The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to over 70 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course!
Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil & Kazakhstan. His interests include economics, aviation & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine.

You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @AFF Editor.
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