FFPs rewarding again

AIRLINES’ frequent flyer programs are becoming more rewarding for members with greater seat availability at lower prices, research reveals.

The annual IdeaWorksCompany Reward Seat Availability Survey found 13 of the 20 “top airlines” assessed offered improved overall reward availability in 2019 compared with 2018.

US carrier, Southwest’s Rapid Rewards, topped the overall Economy class ranking, with a 100% availability score, followed by Etihad’s Guest program, while passengers could secure reward seats on 85% of Qantas flights through its Frequent Flyer scheme, down 5.7 points.

The survey also found airlines have cut the unweighted average air reward price by 17% since 2014.

Etihad’s Guest and Turkish’s Miles&Smiles, were the top programs for long-haul flights, offering Economy class reward seats on 98% of flights, compared to the average result of 69.6% across the airlines surveyed.

“Frequent flyer programs have evolved to become complex beasts,” the authors said.

“When programs were launched nearly 40 years ago they offered a single First class reward available on any flight without capacity controls.

“Programs have focused too much on the sale of miles and points to partner accrual networks rather than building loyalty to the airline.

“The results of the 2019 IdeaWorksCompany Reward Seat Availability Survey demonstrate airlines are taking a more balanced approach, which acknowledges the need to make reward programs rewarding again.”