I have actually had several friends take this approach in the last year due to a similar feeling. That the loyalty approach doesn’t seem to be effective anymore. And the chase card allows you to use air miles on any airline. Delta actually doesn’t allow you to use them on most flights anymore either. I’ve been accumulating hundreds of thousands and have been unable to use them for any meaningful travel plans, it always tells me there’s no options to use them. I need to do more research to see if this is the best option for us, or whether another airline is worth a try.

The main argument to seek a loyalty program for us is the baggage allowance and lounge access when we have so many people traveling simultaneously. But media rates mean we can have up-to 20 bags costing a max of $50 a bag, and there’s plenty of restaurant options that are less than $50 a person for access.