The Death of Frequent Flyer Programs: A Liberal Conspiracy?

Frequent flyer programs, once the golden ticket to free flights and luxury upgrades, are now on life support, and it's not hard to see who's holding the pillow. These programs, which began in the early 1980s as a way for airlines to reward loyal customers, have been systematically dismantled over the past decade. The culprits? A combination of corporate greed and misguided environmental policies pushed by the left. Airlines, in their quest for profit, have slashed benefits and increased the miles needed for rewards. Meanwhile, environmentalists have demonized air travel, pushing for higher taxes and restrictions that make it harder for airlines to offer these perks. The result is a travel landscape where the average Joe is left grounded, while the elite jet-setters continue to fly high.

Let's start with the airlines themselves. Once upon a time, frequent flyer programs were a straightforward affair. You flew, you earned miles, and you redeemed them for free flights. Simple, right? But as airlines merged and consolidated, they realized they could squeeze more money out of their customers by devaluing these programs. Miles now expire faster than a carton of milk, and the number needed for a free flight has skyrocketed. It's a classic case of corporate greed, but it's not the only factor at play.

Enter the environmentalists, with their relentless crusade against air travel. They've managed to convince a significant portion of the population that flying is the root of all environmental evil. As a result, governments have imposed higher taxes and stricter regulations on airlines, making it more expensive to operate. These costs are inevitably passed on to consumers, making it harder for airlines to offer generous frequent flyer programs. It's a vicious cycle, and one that shows no signs of stopping.

But let's not forget the role of the tech giants in this saga. With the rise of remote work and virtual meetings, companies like Zoom and Microsoft have made it easier than ever to avoid flying altogether. While this might seem like a win for the environment, it's yet another nail in the coffin for frequent flyer programs. As business travel declines, airlines have less incentive to reward their most loyal customers. After all, why offer perks to people who aren't flying?

And then there's the issue of social justice. In today's politically correct world, frequent flyer programs are seen as elitist and exclusionary. The idea that some people can earn free flights while others can't is anathema to the left's vision of equality. As a result, there's been a push to democratize travel, with calls for airlines to offer the same benefits to all passengers, regardless of how often they fly. It's a nice idea in theory, but in practice, it spells the end of frequent flyer programs as we know them.

So, where does that leave us? For the average traveler, the death of frequent flyer programs means fewer opportunities to earn free flights and upgrades. It means more expensive tickets and less incentive to stay loyal to a particular airline. And for those of us who remember the glory days of air travel, it's a sad reminder of how far we've fallen. The skies may still be friendly, but they're a lot less rewarding than they used to be.

In the end, the demise of frequent flyer programs is a perfect storm of corporate greed, environmental zealotry, technological advancement, and social justice. It's a cautionary tale of what happens when we let ideology trump common sense. And while the left may celebrate the end of these programs as a victory for the environment and equality, the rest of us are left wondering what happened to the golden age of air travel.