The huge difference between airlines, hotel co.s, etc. raising prices in points vs. a store raising prices in cash is: Cash can be spent anywhere! If you don't like Esso's price of gasoline, you can go to Petro-Canada. If you don't like Provigo's price increases, bring your loonies to Loblaw's. But AeroPesos can be spent only at Aeroplan's Company Store, which dictates what they are worth. Likewise SkyPesos or Hilton Honors points.