The Promise of Points
For the modern Indian traveller, loyalty programs are everywhere. Co-branded credit cards promise bonus miles, airlines offer tiered status, and hotel chains dangle the carrot of a free night's stay. These programs, often part of vast 'connected' ecosystems
that link flights, stays, and even dining, are designed to make loyalty feel seamless and rewarding. A recent partnership between IndiGo and Accor, for example, allows members to convert points between the airline and hotel chain, creating a more integrated rewards journey. The premise is simple: stick with us, and we'll take care of you. The allure is undeniable—access to airport lounges, priority boarding, and the satisfaction of paying for a trip with points can feel like a significant win.
When Loyalty Becomes a Lock-In
The problem arises when the tail starts wagging the dog. Chasing status can lead to irrational decisions, like choosing a more expensive flight or an inconvenient route just to stay within a specific airline's network. A YouGov survey showed that one in ten Indian consumers only book with airlines where they have loyalty status. This unwavering loyalty can come at a cost. You might ignore a cheaper fare on a competing airline, miss out on a better-timed flight, or overlook a boutique hotel with more character because it's not part of your preferred program. The very systems designed to reward you can end up limiting your choices and, ironically, costing you more in the long run.
The Devaluation Dilemma
One of the biggest pitfalls of hoarding points is devaluation. Airlines and hotels can change the value of their points overnight, with little to no warning. That business class ticket to Europe you were saving for might suddenly require twice the number of miles, a phenomenon sometimes called 'pointsflation'. A 2025 study on Indian loyalty programs highlighted that many users are dissatisfied with the transparency and redemption options, citing complex processes and high thresholds as major hurdles. This makes your hard-earned points a depreciating asset. Experts often advise that points should be spent relatively quickly, as holding onto them for years often means their purchasing power diminishes.
The Redemption Runaround
Even when you're ready to redeem, the process can be frustrating. Limited availability, especially for popular routes or during peak seasons, is a common complaint. You might find that the only 'reward' seats available are on undesirable red-eye flights or require multiple layovers. A Reddit user, a Platinum member with Air India, expressed frustration over the difficulty in getting upgrades even on flights with empty business class seats, and the poor value received when redeeming a large number of points. This is the core of the loyalty trap: companies get your consistent business, but when it's time for them to deliver on their promise, the hurdles can be immense.
A Smarter, Flexible Strategy
So, should you abandon loyalty programs altogether? Not necessarily. The key is to make them work for you, not the other way around. The savviest travellers adopt a flexible, hybrid approach. They might concentrate earnings in one or two programs that align with their travel patterns but are never afraid to book outside that ecosystem when it makes financial or practical sense. Before using points, do a quick calculation to determine the value you're getting. Divide the cash price of the ticket or hotel by the number of points required. If the value per point is low, it’s often better to pay with cash and save your points for a more valuable redemption later, like a premium cabin flight where the value is often much higher. Paying with cash for low-cost flights is generally a better strategy.
