If they are 'huge profit centers' why are the airlines making them so unattractive? I still receive miles for flights, but I don't bother with mileage earning credit cards anymore. I remain with oneworld because AA and LA/JJ are so dominant in South America, but I wouldn't stick with oneworld for status anymore because its value is so dominished. I always buy premium fares anyway so status really doesn't offer many benefits. In my view, airline loyalty will soon fade away as a practical matter, but it's hard to predict if any one particular airline will benefit or lose more than any other.