Why?

The whole point is that you earn elite status by flying. That's the perk.

Redeemable miles are separated for a reason.

The airlines created that "glut of CC RDMs" that inflates RDM because selling miles makes money. It is not that the card issuers printed false RDM; they had to buy them from the airline at some point.

We always hear about inflation and devaluation of programs. Well maybe this new benchmark of 50k signup bonus is helping the consumer keep up with exactly those issues.

If you are an elite it is because you already fly with them a lot. They definitely value your patronage and reward you with elite status. However giving out CC RDM attracts potential flyers who may have went somewhere else but are now willing to book flights with the airline that is co-branded on their CC. Those costumers are rewarded with the CC signup bonus.


It is what it is and I wouldn't want it any other way.


Disclosure: I am not elite but I got my gf PLAT with AA.