Airline Loyalty

Let's talk airlines. I got upgraded to first class on my flight yesterday simply due to airline loyalty. The best way to maximize air travel benefits is by choosing an airline and sticking with it. Get the credit card associated with that airline and build points and status. You can even earn points while shopping through their portal or from other travel activities such as rental cars and hotels. While it may seem better to jump around price-wise, the few dollars that you might save in the short run will cost you in the long run. Beyond building up miles/points for future travel, one of the best benefits of airline loyalty is status. My loyalty is to Alaska Airlines and I have been in that ecosystem for years, even before I moved to Alaska. Recently they changed their status earning rules to include credit card spending which boosted me into their MVP status even though we haven't been flying much lately. Thus the first class upgrade, along with free checked bags, priority check-in and seating before the potential upgrade. Even if you move and need to change your loyalty program, most airlines offer a status match during the transition period. It pays to be loyal!