“The tweaks that [the airlines] are making are not about loyalty, but about revenue optimization,” says Brett Snyder, who runs the Cranky Concierge, an air travel assistance business.

(Delta, for its part, says it’s continued to see new members sign up for its SkyMiles program, while American and United say their programs are purposefully structured to recognize the value of their customers to the airlines.)

The big airlines’ changes haven’t sparked a public outcry, but they spurred the Department of Transportation’s Office of the Inspector General to investigate. It found no obvious evidence of wrongdoing, but noted the airlines do a terrible job explaining how they award points. "They do not fully inform consumers that limitations are decided using complex computer modeling to forecast demand for each flight," it wrote. It advised the DOT to keep a closer eye on these programs.

Travel Hacks for Normies
The airlines making it harder to earn points might seem unjust; it always sucks to lose perks. (You’re doing what with the office foosball table?) But while the rules have changed, there are smart ways to navigate (and obsess over) flying deals.

The first rule: Collect whatever you can. “I’m a general believer that if you’re flying somewhere, you might as well earn miles,” says Snyder. “If over time you collect enough of them, great. If not, oh well.” So go ahead—sign up for that awards program and make sure you’re scoring ’em.

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