Originally Posted by
SAllen
I think what Sandeep1 is talking about is a sense of shifting goalposts. Collecting miles takes time (for most people), and it may feel like a bit of a "con" when after all that effort, the "chance" to get X practically only translates into Y (at the marketing stage, didn't airlines and banks dangle specific rewards, even if not promised?). By then it's too late, as the miles have been generated, money has been spent, and money has been earned by KF. I empathize with that feeling. The shadow money of miles works just like other cash and assets in the wider economy. Capitalism is elitist.
The feeling of the game feeling like a con is most pronounced on FT and with those folks who follow miles influencers. So I do think the expectations are rather skewed.
The vast majority are happy if they can redeem economy.
In particular a market as vast as US, all the non-US carriers are niche. So whatever SQ, AF or whoever do is by the by. A (Y) redemption to Cabo or Cancun or Hawaii is probably more important to that market. Or a free flight in Y on Delta to Europe.
Honestly, from a redemption standpoint point, Aeroplan has it best. They partner with whichever airline so you can pick and choose based on where you can get your best bang for your buck for premium travel.
KF isn’t and never has been such a program. Given the (relatively) small supply of SQ premium seats, the program is just (over-)correcting now.