U.S News & World Report has published their list of the biggest travel flops and successes of 2015. Many of these are more applicable for general non-points travelers, I think we need to put together a list of the biggest mileage / points enthusiast flops and successes of 2015…
One example of each are below and click here for their full list.
The Flops
Increasing Loyalty Program Changes and Restrictions
Airlines are restricting the number of flights and available seats for passengers, translating to increased airfare and higher revenue. And in addition to turning a rich profit, airlines have also scaled back points and perks through their affiliated frequent flier programs. For instance, upcoming changes to American Airlines’ AAdvantage program in 2016, including a shift to a fare-based model, will increase the amount of miles required for travelers to benefit from expanded flight options.
The Successes
Beyond the rise of instant booking sites, which allow users to book their stays directly rather than booking on a partner site, the home-rental space as a whole is flourishing. In fact, the percentage of U.S. travelers who rented a home or a unit within a home, spiked from 13 to 25 percent in 2014, according to an August 2015 report on private accommodations in the U.S. from Phocuswright. And the the MMGY Global 2015 Portrait of American Travelers report found that 23 percent of U.S. travelers chose to stay in a vacation rental as an alternative to a hotel this year, a 2 percent increase since 2014.
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