Discover the shocking recent changes at Southwest Airlines, from cuts in benefits to their questionable brand strategy. Delve into Hyatt's challenges in Chicago and the need for a reevaluation of loyalty perks for travelers. Explore upcoming trip plans to the Bahamas and the best ways to utilize points there. The hosts stress the importance of reassessing loyalty in today's shifting travel landscape, analyzing how rising travel costs impact choices and what it means for frequent flyers.
Southwest Airlines' recent changes have resulted in significant devaluation of their loyalty program, frustrating customers and threatening the brand's reputation.
Hyatt's diminishing quality properties in Chicago necessitate a reevaluation of loyalty strategies and travel value amidst rising accommodation costs.
Deep dives
Overview of Bahamas Trip Planning
The upcoming trip to the Bahamas is highlighted with an emphasis on the planning strategies employed to maximize travel experiences and minimize costs. A decision was made to fly out on a Friday night, stay overnight near the airport, and wake up early to reach the resort by mid-morning, allowing for a full day at the destination without incurring exorbitant last-minute hotel costs. This strategy not only saves on accommodation expenses but also lets travelers make the most of their vacation by starting early the next day. Such an approach is particularly beneficial when considering the high prices of hotels and flights, reinforcing the idea that thoughtful planning can significantly enhance travel experiences.
Southwest Airlines' Recent Changes
Recent updates from Southwest Airlines have transformed its loyalty program and airline operations, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among its customer base. The airline adopted a legacy carrier model, introducing basic economy fares and devaluing points in ways that significantly diminish their worth, with a potential drop in redemption rates during peak travel periods. This shift has caused frustration as customers now face higher costs with fewer perks, impacting the overall travel experience and loyalty that Southwest historically provided. Many travelers have expressed concern over these changes, seeing them as detrimental to the once-beloved brand that prioritized customer satisfaction.
Hyatt's Changing Value Proposition
The discussion critiques Hyatt's changing landscape in Chicago, where the number of quality category four properties has drastically diminished, reflecting a larger trend of devaluation across the hotel industry. Formerly appealing hotels such as the Chicago Athletic Association and the Thompson have lost their category four status, limiting options for travelers seeking good value in Hyatt's loyalty program. This loss of value is compounded by rising cash rates for hotel stays, which have significantly increased, challenging the affordability of travel to popular destinations. The ongoing devaluation of Hyatt hotels and changes in their loyalty offerings raise concerns about the long-term value for loyal customers.
Evaluating Loyalty and Future Travel Strategies
The podcast emphasizes the necessity for travelers to reassess their loyalty to airlines and hotel chains amidst significant changes that affect value and perks. With evolving loyalty programs, like those of Hyatt and Southwest, it’s crucial for consumers to evaluate the benefits of maintaining status versus the actual value received from loyalty programs. Travelers are encouraged to take a more analytical approach to assess the worthiness of pursuing elite status, considering costs incurred versus benefits received. Such evaluations highlight the importance of adapting travel strategies to current market conditions and individual travel needs.
On this episode of MTM Travel Shawn and Mark dive into some of the changes Southwest announced after our previous show. It's far worse than anyone imagined including cuts in benefits, no free bags, basic economy and more. Are they destroying the brand or will it grow from this bigger and better than ever?
We also discuss Mark's upcoming trip to Baha Mar and what options are left for points on the island. Other topics discussed include: Hyatt's Chicago hotel problem, why 2025 is the time to reevaluate some perks and why you should probably just fly the cheapest/most convenient airline for you.
Episode Guide
0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel
1:50 The Alaska/Hawaii card rush and why Alaska miles can be good for American flights
5:47 Southwest gets even worse - No free bags, basic economy and more
12:25 How Southwest is using everyone else’s playbook
18:55 The status hamster wheel & reevaluating loyalty in today’s corporate world
24:25 Hyatt’s big Chicago problem & increasing travel costs
32:25 Reevaluating Hyatt perks in 2025 with all of the changes
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