In this podcast, the hosts discuss the '2023 Bonvoyed Awards' which honors loyalty programs that have let down their members. They also cover topics such as Air France's upgrade possibilities, Bonvoy Bevy and Bountiful cards, the integration of Fin Air into Avios, Marriott's change in policy, termination of the Hyatt-MGM partnership, changes to Windham Rewards program, and Delta's elite status backlash.
Aeroplan's partnership with Etihad Airways has been plagued with cancellations, rebookings, and unresolved issues, disrupting the ability to book premium cabin awards.
Chase downgrades their Pay Yourself Back program, reducing the redemption value from 1.5 cents per point to 1.25 cents per point, making it less lucrative for cardholders.
Delta faces criticism for their changes to elite status requirements and the impact it has on loyal members' ability to achieve elite status and gain access to certain benefits.
Hotels.com significantly devalues its rewards program, reducing the rewards rate from 10% to just 2% for every 10 stays.
Windham lowers the cap on its Vacasa bookings, limiting the redemption value to $350 per night, reducing the availability of high-value redemptions.
Hilton adds Avianca LifeMiles as a transfer partner, expanding the options for members to book Star Alliance awards with no fuel surcharges.
Deep dives
Aeroplan's Etihad Alliance goes astray
Aeroplan's partnership with Etihad Airways has been plagued with cancellations, rebookings, and unresolved issues, disrupting the ability to book premium cabin awards.
Chase guts their Pay Yourself Back program
Chase downgrades their Pay Yourself Back program, reducing the redemption value from 1.5 cents per point to 1.25 cents per point, making it less lucrative for cardholders.
Delta dumps their devastation
Delta faces criticism for their changes to elite status requirements and the impact it has on loyal members' ability to achieve elite status and gain access to certain benefits.
Hotels.com becomes 5x less rewarding
Hotels.com significantly devalues its rewards program, reducing the rewards rate from 10% to just 2% for every 10 stays.
Windham hates their high value, Vacasa bookings
Windham lowers the cap on its Vacasa bookings, limiting the redemption value to $350 per night, reducing the availability of high-value redemptions.
A step in the right direction for Hilton
Hilton adds Avianca LifeMiles as a transfer partner, expanding the options for members to book Star Alliance awards with no fuel surcharges.
MGM ends partnership with Hyatt
Hyatt loses its partnership with MGM, impacting members' ability to book affordable stays and benefits at MGM properties in Las Vegas.
IHG adds free transfers for elite members
IHG introduces free point transfers for its Diamond members and members of its business rewards program, allowing them to transfer points to other members.
Delta's Bond Voi attempt backfires
Delta's announcement of increased elite status requirements receives backlash from loyal members, leading to a reversal of the changes and the addition of new ways to earn status.
Marriott snubs its nose at Aeroplan members
Aeroplan members face disappointment as their partnership with Etihad Airways ends, reducing the ability to book premium cabin awards and causing confusion with bookings and cancellations.
Summary of Winners
The winners of this year's Bon Voi Awards are American Airlines, Aeroplan, Chase, Delta, Hotels.com, Hyatt, IHG, MGM, Windham, and Hilton.
Summary of the podcast episode
The podcast episode discusses various updates and developments in the loyalty program and credit card industry. The main focus is on the changes and challenges faced by different programs and cards, including FinAir, Marriott Bonvoy, American Express, and others. The episode discusses the upcoming integration of FinAir with the Avios currency and the release of new award charts. It also highlights the frustration experienced by Marriott Bonvoy members due to the elimination of free night extensions and the removal of award charts. The podcast explores the options and strategies for managing and maximizing rewards, including the importance of having a fee-free card to retain membership rewards points before canceling a card. The hosts also discuss the 2023 Frequent Miler Bonvoy Awards, recognizing programs that have disappointed their members. The episode concludes with a listener question about what to do with Membership Rewards points before canceling an American Express Gold card.
Key Points: FinAir and Award Charts
FinAir is set to join the Avios currency in March 2024, allowing points to be transferred between partner airlines. The release of new award charts has revealed that flights on FinAir will become more expensive for members who have been accumulating FinAir Plus points. However, for those primarily collecting transferable currencies, such as Avios, the award chart is reasonably competitive. For example, flights to Europe will cost 30,000 points one-way in economy class and 62,500 points each way in business class. The inclusion of low surcharges is seen as a positive aspect. The episode also highlights the importance of having a fee-free card to retain membership rewards points when canceling a card, as points stay with the individual, not the card.
As we close out 2023, we take a moment to honor those loyalty programs that have dishonored their own members with the biggest snafus, most member-unfriendly changes, or other painful devaluations.
