Originally Posted by
Oldfreightdawg
United is looking to spin off its customer loyalty program to raise money, because these programs are about the only thing making money for the major carriers. Although it's not a stand-alone company reporting results, the Mileage Plus program is estimated to have generated $600 million last year for United
Why would an airline want to sell the only thing making them money?? Not only are mileage programs making airlines money, they are incredibly lucrative, and they are probably the one and only reason why ALL SIX of the legacy carriers survived the post 9/11 recession.
I think it would be dump for any airline to dump their frequent flier program. Unless they wanted to buy another legacy carrier (in which case I am all for it).