That’s because frequent flyer programs have become a crucial part of the airline industry’s profitability. The typical airline passenger probably never thinks about the economics of frequent flyer programs, but the programs have become crucial for airlines to generate the profits needed to stay afloat. United reported a mere $3.2 billion on its other operating line that came primarily on payments to its frequent flyer program. “The airlines’ frequent flyer programs are their lifeblood; they’re the reason the airlines are in business,” said Zach Griff, senior aviation reporter for The Points Guy, a travel site that closely follows the programs. But it’s probably inaccurate to say frequent flyer programs are more valuable than the airlines themselves since actual flights give the programs their intrinsic value, said Andrew Didora, airline analyst with Bank of America.

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Persons: cardholders, ”, Zach Griff, Tom Fitzgerald, TD Cowen, “, it’s, Pete Buttigieg, Scott Kirby, Griff, Guy, Andrew Didora, Didora, “ They’re, ” Didora Organizations: New, New York CNN, Delta Air Lines, American Express, American Airlines, Delta, Department of Transportation, United, Airlines, America, Bank of America Locations: New York