Speaking of which, there is an interesting post this morning

Miles are Still More Important Than Revenue — Even at United, Delta, and American

by Gary Leff on November 5, 2017

http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea....elta-american/


QUOTE:

"But spending alone doesn’t determine profitability, and more importantly you don’t want to reward profitability (spend more for profitable business you’re already getting, that just reduces profits) you want to incentivize incremental profitable business (encourage greater wallet share, more flying).

.....Frequent flyer programs were meant to provide differentiation amongst airlines where none existed. Airline seats are more or less commodity products ......So frequent flyer programs create brand loyalty, and get a customer to take a connection rather than a non-stop or wait for a flight 2 hours later instead of flying at the ideal time. That matters.

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Also note him comments on miles vs spend and rewards versus recognition.