Today we're unpacking American Airlines's penny-wise strategy that's about to cost them millions in credit card revenue, a critical Bilt Card deadline that could mean the difference between a soft and hard credit pull, and why one Marriott manager's viral comment reveals everything wrong with hotel loyalty programs right now. Plus: JSX turboprop expansion and that 40% Virgin Atlantic transfer bonus ending Tuesday.

American Airlines recently slashed basic economy mileage earning to zero miles, and the real cost isn't what they think it is. Sure, the airline saves a few dollars on liability for those miles. But here's what they're actually giving up: the cheapest customer acquisition funnel they have.

Basic economy flyers are price-sensitive customers who might never have joined AAdvantage otherwise. Once they're earning miles—even small amounts—they're one marketing email away from applying for a co-branded credit card. That's where airlines actually make money: credit card partnerships generate far more profit than the flights themselves. By cutting basic economy earning entirely, American is telling its most price-conscious customers they're not worth engaging. That's the definition of penny-wise, pound-foolish.

Bilt Rewards finally released the transition plan for moving from Wells Fargo to Cardless as their card issuer, and the timeline is tighter than expected. Current cardholders have until January 14 to make a critical decision that could impact their credit report.

Here's what you need to know: If you actively accept the upgrade to one of three new Bilt cards before the deadline, you'll avoid a hard credit pull—it's treated as a product conversion. Wait too long or do nothing, and your account gets closed. Want to apply after that? You're looking at a hard inquiry. The three new cards include different tiers with varying benefits, but the transition mechanics matter more than the perks right now.

Current cardholders should log into their Bilt account, review the three card options, and make an active selection before January 14. This isn't one to ignore—missing this deadline means starting from scratch with a new application and credit inquiry later.

A Marriott general manager posted in a Facebook group responding to a Bonvoy Ambassador member (the highest tier requiring $23,000 in annual spending) with a comment that went viral: "You are just a number, not royalty." She called elite behavior "gross" and made it clear that franchise properties don't see top-tier elites as valuable customers.

Here's why this matters beyond one employee's bad take: Marriott's only real competitive advantage is Bonvoy. Their hotels are mostly franchised, meaning the brand itself doesn't own the properties. What Bonvoy does is deliver high-value customers to franchise owners who pay for that privilege. When franchise GMs treat Ambassadors as nuisances instead of profit centers, they're actively degrading the one asset Marriott has. This isn't just bad customer service—it's a systemic problem that erodes the value proposition of earning elite status in the first place.

Boutique carrier JSX is doubling down on Santa Monica Airport with new turboprop routes launching in early 2026. Starting January 22, they'll add daily service to Scottsdale Airport near Phoenix. Then on February 5, Las Vegas service increases from once to twice daily.

JSX operates as a public charter, meaning smaller planes and private terminal access without TSA PreCheck lines. These new routes use turboprop aircraft rather than their typical jets, which allows operations from smaller airports like Santa Monica. For LA-area travelers tired of LAX, the convenience factor is significant—even if the aircraft are smaller and flights cost more than legacy carriers.

American Airlines is spending millions to add extra minutes to flight schedules, particularly at Dallas Fort Worth. This isn't just about improving on-time performance stats—it's a calculated financial move. The math is straightforward: paying for slightly longer scheduled block times costs less than paying for missed connections, hotel vouchers, and mishandled bags when the hub cascades into chaos.

At DFW specifically, tight connection times create a domino effect during irregular operations. Adding 5-10 minutes to certain flight schedules builds in slack that absorbs minor delays before they cascade. For passengers, this means better protection for tight connections. For American, it means fewer passenger recovery costs eating into margins.

One Ritz-Carlton property stands completely outside the Marriott Bonvoy ecosystem: The Ritz-Carlton Singapore. You can't earn points there, redeem points there, or use elite benefits. It's a fully independent property that predates Marriott's acquisition of the Ritz-Carlton brand and has maintained its autonomy through unique ownership arrangements.

This matters if you're planning travel to Singapore and assuming your Bonvoy status will work. It won't. The property operates as a traditional luxury hotel without loyalty program integration. For those chasing Bonvoy elite status or planning points redemptions in Singapore, you'll need to look at other Marriott properties in the city instead.

The 40% Amex Membership Rewards to Virgin Atlantic transfer bonus is targeted but ending soon (date not specified). If you have access, this is one of the strongest transfer bonuses available—Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points are valuable for Delta flights and premium cabin redemptions on Virgin Atlantic's own metal.

Buy points opportunities ending this week: JetBlue TrueBlue (130% bonus at 1.4¢), Virgin Atlantic (70% bonus at 1.47¢), Southwest Rapid Rewards (50% discount at 1.5¢), EVA Air (35% bonus at 2.96¢), and United MileagePlus (30% discount at 2.63¢)—all ending December 31.

Bilt Rent Day on January 1 brings targeted redemption bonuses of 30-40% for Amazon purchases or rent credits, plus double points on non-rent purchases (up to 1,000 bonus points). Remember: you must use your Bilt card for at least one transaction during the statement period to earn points on rent.

The year-end timing creates urgency across the board: transfer bonuses ending, buy points promotions expiring, and the Bilt Card transition deadline all converge in the next week. If you've been sitting on Amex Membership Rewards points and have the Virgin Atlantic bonus, this is your window. For Bilt cardholders, January 14 is non-negotiable—mark your calendar and make your card selection before then to avoid complications.

That's it for today. Whether you're managing the Bilt transition, capitalizing on transfer bonuses before they expire, or reconsidering your Marriott Bonvoy loyalty after that GM's comments, the next two weeks carry more deadline pressure than usual. Happy travels.

Before we wrap up, I wanted to share some timely opportunities I've been tracking (courtesy of our friends at AwardTravelFinder). These deals won't last long, so let's dive in.

Active transfer bonuses worth considering:

Airline programs:

Hotel programs: