bhomburg

Disillusioning piece on airline loyalty: http://fortune.com/2014/10/01/airline-loyalty-programs/

I have to disagree, though. Frequent flyer loyalty and the status conferred with it has brought me many advantages and continues to deliver these benefits, especially in the current times of ever-escalating ancillary fees.
I just redeemed some miles for status-less friends to travel and could neither have them sit together nor select seats in the extra legroom section or exit rows for them - all of which would be possible if I were to travel with them. They also need to pay for checked baggage and will have to spend a seven-hour nighttime layover in the terminal instead of a comfortable lounge with showers and food. Also, they can only dream of getting to the airport as close to departure as I am able to do, because they will be subjected to long lines at check-in and security which I'm able to bypass thanks to status.
If this is what flying is like in this day and age, I'll rather stay loyal and continue to enjoy whatever reduced benefits are still available, thank you very much.

flyerhog

It's a long-term bait and switch. When you go to a new restaurant the portion size are always larger and taste better. After a while the same no longer applies. It's the same with FF programs really.