American’s AAdvantage last year introduced “Loyalty Point Rewards,” which also put a greater emphasis on credit card spending. That could mean an unbundling of the programs, not unlike what has happened with streaming, where rewards members would pay for the benefits they want and forgo ones they don’t. The airlines are already unbundling their services, particularly ultra-low-cost carriers such as Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines and Breeze Airways. New twists on rewardsIn a twist on traditional loyalty programs, some companies are asking members to pay a relatively nominal fee in order to gain access to rewards. While they won’t earn miles or elite status, if they’re an elite member of the standard rewards program, they won’t pay extra for carry-on or checked bags, depending on the tier.

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Persons: American’s AAdvantage, watchdogs, Mr, Ross, Smith Organizations: Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Breeze Airways