Why does airline status feel so good and why are so many travellers still chasing it, even when it costs them thousands?

In this episode of Always Business Class, the team breaks down the real difference between points and status, why status is deeply emotional, and why points are ultimately strategic. Drawing on decades of travel experience, they unpack the psychology behind loyalty programs, lounge access, upgrades, and the powerful feeling of exclusivity.

You will learn why airline status is becoming harder and more expensive to maintain, how airlines are shifting to spend-based models, and why frequent flyer points are one of the last remaining fixed-price currencies in a world of dynamic pricing.

If you are a business owner, frequent traveller, or anyone trying to fly smarter, this episode will change how you think about loyalty forever.

Sponsors:

• Join Flights Club: https://iflyflat.com.au/membership/
• Accor Plus Explorer Membership: https://www.accorplus.com/explorer-membership/

Key Takeaways

• Why airline status feels rewarding but often costs more than it delivers
• The emotional vs strategic difference between status and points
• How airlines are making status harder to earn through spend-based systems
• Why points act as a fixed-price currency in an inflationary travel market
• How to consistently get 2x or more value from your frequent flyer points
• The biggest mistakes people make when earning and redeeming points
• Why hoarding points without a plan leads to wasted value
• How smart planning beats random travel hacks every time
  
  

Episode Chapters

00:00 Why status feels so good
01:10 The emotional pull of airline status
02:40 Points vs status explained simply
03:55 Why “free upgrades” are never really free
05:10 The psychology of exclusivity and loyalty
06:40 Airlines moving to spend-based status systems
08:35 Why status runs are getting more expensive
10:40 Points as a fixed-price travel currency
11:25 Real example: points vs cash for business class
12:20 Why paying fees for points can still be profitable
13:15 The psychology of hoarding points