Loyalty programmes are keeping America's airlines aloft

2 ValentineC 2 8/8/2025, 7:27:18 PM economist.com ↗

Comments (2)

quantified · 46m ago
> The model is simple: airlines sell miles to card issuers; cardholders earn miles by spending; and those miles are eventually redeemed for travel. Each party benefits. Banks and other financial firms gain loyal customers, travellers enjoy flights and perks, and airlines secure a steady stream of profits.

Not mentioned are the merchants who are being paid by credit card. They lose a greater percentage.

ValentineC · 1h ago