Navigating Miles & Points: A Dual Journey

I’ve been knee-deep in miles and points for the last two decades. Yes, folks, it’s been a long, wild ride through the world of travel hacks and loyalty schemes. And I can’t help but pause and ponder how dramatically this hobby has morphed over time.

Here’s the scoop — this passion project just isn’t as thrilling as it once was. Scoring bang-for-your-buck is tougher nowadays. But hey, it’s not all doom and gloom. Hidden beneath the shadows of nostalgia, there lies a world where this hobby has evolved to be ever more profitable. Cool, huh? Let’s dive deeper into the ins and outs of what’s changed for better or worse.

The Miles & Points Hobby Has Gone Mainstream

My obsession with miles & points kicked off around 2004 or 2005. Back then, Delta SkyMiles could actually get you first-class seats on Air France or Singapore Airlines! Amazing, right? I sure miss those glory days with the 747 #megatop.

Miles & points weren’t exactly brand-new, but they were more like an underground movement compared to today. Sure, frequent flyer programs existed, but the credit card strategizing hasn’t always been the household name it is today.

Take a gander at the revenue coming from US airlines’ loyalty programs now. That’s proof enough of how mega this scene has gotten. So, what’s driving these changes?

• Sharing’s changed — from nerdy internet forums to TikTok and Insta, info on miles & points is reaching the masses.
• Younger generations are all about the experiences, spending big on travel to make those Insta-perfect memories.
• Credit cards are more rewarding than ever, making it easy-peasy to nab airport lounge access and the like.
• Airlines have upped their game with flashy features like onboard showers and double beds — because who doesn’t want that?
• And really, airlines are just smarter businesses now, monetizing loyalty programs like pros, which means fewer loopholes to exploit.

But let’s face it…

Miles & Points Aren’t Nearly as Fun as They Used to Be…

If you don’t believe me, just see the Val Seny ski resort as a token of what was. Picture the golden days when you could scoop up a US to Asia first-class ticket with two layovers for 120,000 miles round trip—award spots were plentiful!

Lufthansa’s first-class seats? You could snag six or seven at a time! Even the elusive SWISS first class was within reach. Fast forward to now, and locking down those award flights is a Herculean task.

Hotels were in on the game too, thanks to promos like Hyatt Gold Passport’s Faster Free Nights. Then there was mileage running — remember when elite status was as simple as a few (sensible) financial decisions and yielded massive perks?

The no-brainer deals are scarce now. Loyalty programs? They’ve wised up. Outsized value is rare, the gamification factor has dipped, and award seat distribution has morphed.

It’s tough piquing someone’s interest in miles today. Recently, a buddy wanted to whisk his wife off to Maldives, seeking a “deal” with points. Spoiler alert: plan well ahead or brace for disappointment.

…But It’s Not All Bad News for Miles & Points

For the thrill-seekers among us, it’s true—our hobby has lost a bit of its spark. But there’s a silver lining; it’s more rewarding than ever in other ways.

Looking back to 2010, we didn’t have a smorgasbord of credit cards with lavish bonuses or and points multipliers like now. Oh, the victories we won with the Starwood Preferred Guest Amex! Also, points weren’t as flexible as they are today.

Premium cabin travel indeed was a sore topic with sky-high prices. Today, affordable upgrades and less reliance on status make those pricey seats more accessible.

When it comes to airline products and lounges, we’ve hit new heights. Fancy business class seats today boast features that were dreams just a few years ago!

Here’s how the strategy has pivoted:

• Airline elite status? Not as crucial—harder to earn yet less rewarding.
• Credit cards with hefty bonuses and multipliers? A sweet path to cash rewards for travel.
• Purchase loyalty points for premium travel experiences? Possible, but demands a bit of planning.
• Jaw-dropping premium experiences await, if you’re ready to swoop at a moment’s notice.

That last bit is crucial. For instance, the Waldorf Astoria Maldives—yes, there are deals to be had with points. But patience is key. Keep an eye out for spurts of availability.

Moreover, flexibility is your ally—like Alaska Mileage Plan miles and nabbing a Fiji Airways seat in business class. Be ready to pounce when opportunity strikes.

Bottom Line

The universe of miles & points is a shapeshifter. What existed in 2005 is lightyears different now—as expected. Who would have thought?

I miss the old days when gamification was everything and premium redemptions were ripe for the picking. Yet, a lot has improved—nowadays, earning points is a breeze, premium cabins are occasionally sensibly priced, and product offerings are leaps and bounds better.

What’s your take on the evolution of the miles & points world?