Some Frequently Fliers Go Farther Than Others

Why did we not see this coming?  Read the following link:

The slow demise of the frequent-flier program

Of course!  Give points based on the price paid, not the distance traveled!  Distance traveled is a socialistic concept.  All things being equal.  Price paid is a 1% concept.  

Airlines are moving into the "cash back" model of customer loyalty programs.  Their "cash back" is becoming more like real cash the credit card use offers.  More cash back the more that is spent.  However, the cash back is not cash but points.  Points that are as good as cash.  The whole credit card and customer loyalty segments of the proliferation of cards that are related to only a couple big players have thousands of different participating associates.   It is all consolidating into Big Data.  All using the same model.  How long can the hold outs hold out on the old model of points for miles.  Do they want to become the Greyhound bus of the airline industry?   Maybe that is a profitable niche market with the same leg room for all.   Flying is becoming a cultural experience like riding the bus with those kind of people.  

The 1% have their own planes.  

The next market segment is the X%.  What is the size of that market 10%?  20%? more?  How is the business model going to milk that segment.  I mean, provide them with better perks and services.

Standing room only for the rest.  Stand in line to check in too.

Life in the fast lane for the few.