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Are low-cost airlines still actually low-cost?
This week on Miles To Go, Ed and Richard revisit the evolving situation around Spirit Airlines and what the future may hold for budget carriers as costs continue to rise. Even if Spirit survives, the bigger question remains: can the ultra-low-cost model still work in today's environment?
That question becomes even more relevant when looking at Frontier's pricing. Flights that once defined "cheap travel" are creeping closer to legacy airline pricing — raising questions about whether the value gap is disappearing.
They also take a closer look at Chase's Points Boost feature for Sapphire Reserve cardholders. While the headline numbers look appealing, the actual footprint is extremely limited — and may not deliver the value many travelers expect.
Plus, a deeper discussion on airline loyalty, why perception still matters more than reality for many travelers, and how new partnerships and offer strategies could shape the next phase of points and miles.
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✈️ What We Cover in This Episode
✈️ Spirit Airlines: still in the game?
- Ongoing uncertainty around Spirit's future
- Rising costs and pressure on the low-cost model
- Why competition still matters for travelers
✈️ Are "cheap flights" disappearing?
- Frontier pricing trends and rising fares
- Demand vs cost pressures
- Why low-cost carriers aren't as cheap as they used to be
✈️ The perception problem for budget airlines
- Why travelers still avoid Spirit and Frontier
- How product differences compare to legacy carriers
- Frequency and reliability concerns
✈️ Chase Points Boost: good idea, limited value
- 2.5x redemption headline vs reality
- Only ~11 properties available
- Why this feels more like a test than a real benefit
✈️ Airline vs OTA hotel booking strategies
- Loyalty program incentives vs portal bookings
- Why direct partnerships (like IHG + ANA) matter
- The future of travel offer ecosystems
✈️ Loyalty programs are changing
- Shift from points to targeted offers
- Why "earn more points" isn't enough anymore
- The role of personalization in travel rewards
✈️ Hyatt vs Marriott: does earning more points matter?
- Big differences in redemption costs
- Why point value matters more than point totals
- Where each program shines
⏱️ Episode 434 Timestamps
0:48 – Intro and recording from the NYC office
3:30 – Travel gear: Ridge battery pack review
6:48 – Spirit Airlines update and uncertainty
8:01 – Chase Points Boost: what you actually get
9:53 – Frontier pricing and the "cheap flight" question
10:44 – Rising costs for low-cost carriers
15:00 – Loyalty programs and why people still choose legacy airlines
17:15 – IHG + ANA partnership and loyalty shifts
20:00 – Offer-based loyalty vs traditional points earning
23:47 – Hyatt vs Marriott value comparison
