✈️ Free Elite Status, Free WiFi, and Airline Shake-Ups: Your Miles & Points Update

Hello and welcome to today's episode of the Miles & Points Daily Podcast. I'm Lucas, your charismatic captain on this journey through the ever-exciting skies of travel rewards. I promise to keep your in-flight entertainment informative, concise, and maybe even a little bit cheeky. Let's dive right into the latest scoops, shall we?

First up, an intriguing offer from Air Tahiti Nui. According to a report by View from the Wing, Air Tahiti Nui is offering free elite status to first-time program members. So if you've never signed up before, now might be the time! Who knows when having that elite status could give you an edge, especially if you're looking to status match with another airline in the future. Moral of the story — always be open to opportunities that require minimal effort and could pay dividends!

Next, American Airlines has finally decided to test free WiFi, as reported by The Points Guy. This comes after years of lagging behind competitors like JetBlue and Delta, who already offer this perk. American Airlines is trialing free WiFi on three routes. While this is a promising step to keep up with competitors, it does highlight a bit of a scramble on their part to catch up. If you find yourself on one of these routes, enjoy surfing the web at 30,000 feet without reaching into your wallet!

In another piece of American Airlines news from View from the Wing — they're experiencing a significant drop in their Net Promoter Score. Customers are jumping ship to rivals like Delta and United due to product and service declines. For frequent flyers who prioritize a smooth and comfortable experience, this might be a signal to re-evaluate airline loyalties.

And speaking of decline, there's some buzz around the American Express Centurion Lounges, according to View from the Wing again. These lounges once set the standard, but the offerings apparently aren't as stellar as they used to be. With Chase and Capital One stepping up their lounge game, it might be time to explore these alternatives if you're in the airport lounge market.

Now let's switch gears to Southwest Airlines. Free checked bags have been a cornerstone for Southwest, but View from the Wing reports that this policy might soon change. With a shake-up in their executive team and new pressures from investors, this revered perk might be on the chopping block. If you're a loyal Southwest flyer, it could be worth keeping an eye on these developments and considering their impact on your travel habits.

Bringing it all back to some positive news, Alaska Airlines' flight attendants have secured a new contract with significant pay raises, as per One Mile at a Time. It's a great outcome after a long negotiation process and highlights the importance of improved working conditions, which often translate into better service for us passengers!

That's your round-up for today! Thank you for joining me, Lucas, on the Miles & Points Daily Podcast. If you found today's episode helpful or just liked hanging out with me, be sure to subscribe to the podcast on all major platforms or visit our website at milesandpointsdaily.com. I'll catch you in our next soaring adventure — until then, keep earning those miles and points!