Key Takeaways
- Years ago, I wrote a post about joining frequent flier programs. At the time, I was in the process of picking one to join, but now I feel the post is
- Which means it’s a good time to write a new post on the topic.
- Back in 2008, I was going to join the JAL awards program because it partnered not only with Oneworld but also a few other airlines I enjoy, like Emira
Last Updated: 10/2/20 | October 2nd, 2020
Years ago, Route for Less published a guide on choosing a frequent flier program. At the time, the focus was on selecting a single program to join — but today, that advice feels outdated. As mileage strategies have evolved and credit card rewards have become more powerful, rigid airline loyalty rarely makes sense for most travelers.
Which means it’s a good time to revisit the topic.
Back in 2008, one option considered was the JAL Mileage Bank program — appealing because of its Oneworld alliance ties and partnerships with carriers like Emirates. Ultimately, American Airlines was selected, also an Oneworld member, largely due to its co-branded credit card offering robust sign-up bonuses and everyday spending rewards.
The decision reflected a reality common to infrequent flyers: without high flight volume, credit cards are often the most efficient way to earn meaningful miles.
Now, over a decade later, Route for Less advises against long-term loyalty to any single airline or alliance — unless you’re flying enough to earn elite status *and* meeting steep spending thresholds.
Credit cards, limited-time promotions, and transferable points (e.g., from hotel or bank programs) make it possible to book award flights across multiple airlines — without locking yourself into one program. Loyalty only delivers tangible benefits if it leads to elite status: free checked bags, lounge access, priority boarding, and upgrade opportunities.
(However, spreading flights across too many carriers dilutes your balance — making it harder to reach redemption thresholds. Most airlines require at least 25,000 flown miles or $3,000–$5,000 in annual spend on their co-branded card just to qualify for entry-level elite status. Few casual travelers meet those benchmarks.)
For those who *do* fly frequently and spend heavily, elite perks can justify premium fares and brand loyalty. But for everyone else? The math rarely adds up.
In recent years, U.S. legacy carriers have shifted focus from rewarding flight frequency to rewarding spending — meaning even 100,000 annual miles on low-fare tickets may earn little beyond basic recognition. Meanwhile, $20,000 spent on full-fare tickets unlocks premium treatment. That fundamental change erodes the value proposition for budget-conscious or occasional travelers.
Today, Route for Less holds no airline status. Upcoming travel includes mostly long-haul international flights booked with points — enabling free business-class seats with lounge access and other premium perks. Domestic segments are typically low-cost, paid tickets — not conducive to status accrual on any single carrier.
That’s why Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, and Southwest now feature more prominently in travel plans. Their no-baggage-fee policies, superior customer service, and enhanced in-flight amenities (like JetBlue’s gate-to-gate Wi-Fi) often deliver a better experience than legacy carriers — at lower prices.
Loyalty pays off for high-volume, high-spend road warriors — but offers diminishing returns for everyone else.
So ask yourself: if you won’t hit elite status this year, why pay more for a branded ticket?
Unless you genuinely prefer one airline’s service or network, there’s little reason to sacrifice savings for perceived loyalty benefits.
Instead, maximize flexibility: sign up for every major airline’s frequent flier program (it’s free and takes seconds), then book based on price, schedule, and convenience — not habit.
With today’s abundance of sign-up bonuses, category bonuses, and transferable points, occasional travelers can still enjoy premium experiences — like business-class redemptions — without committing to a single program.
Route for Less recommends enrolling in all major airline and hotel loyalty programs — never miss out on automatic rewards. But don’t confuse enrollment with obligation. Loyalty should be earned by the airline — not given blindly by you.
Save money. Fly smarter. Go with the best deal.
