Originally Posted by
loomis
Frequency programs are a really just a bribe. Society views them as acceptable though, so we don't actually call them that.
Don't get me wrong. I am a member of multiple programs myself......
I think of them as kickbacks.
If I'm negotiating a contract for my company and a vendor slides me a duffel bag with a 10% cash bonus under the table, that's considered unethical and likely illegal.
FF miles and hotel points aren't much different. I agree to consolidate my business travel with one vendor, and I get a nice personal kickback for doing so. It doesn't matter whether another vendor has a cheaper flight or room. Once I'm on the "status train", I'm not getting off.
Fortunately, the FF game is now so embedded in modern business travel culture than as long as a few common corporate travel policies are followed, the whole game is considered acceptable. Since it doesn't have to be hidden, it's generally considered ethical with perhaps a few gray areas...