Program updates and tools make travel rewards easier to earn and use

Program updates and new navigation tools are helping travelers negotiate the increasingly complicated universe of points, though consumers still need to be on their game to get the most out of loyalty programs, which can lose value over time and be hard to understand. In 2026, the American Airlines AAdvantage frequent-flier program moved its credit card affiliation exclusively to Citibank (annual fees from $99), and other Citi cards such as the Citi Strata Premier ($95) and the Citi Strata Elite ($595) now offer one-to-one point transfers to American.

Alaska Airlines rebuilt its loyalty program as Atmos and merged it with Hawaiian Airlines’ HawaiianMiles, making redemptions easier for popular leisure destinations. Points increasingly can be applied to nonflight perks, including V.I.P. experiences such as celebrity meet-and-greets and World Cup tickets.

A growing number of paid services help consumers maximize points: Thrifty Traveler sends frequent emails on the best airfare deals, including those priced in points (premium annual subscriptions from $99.99), and Straight to the Points’ premium membership ($99 a year) offers access to business- and first-class deals using points.

Hotel programs, once focused on business travelers, have broadened to attract leisure customers by adding boutique brands and glamping companies; hotel credit cards generally grant higher-tier status and tangible benefits.

Key Topics

Business, American Airlines, Citibank, Citi Strata, Alaska Airlines, Atmos