Points are a currency with changing exchange rates. Collect them when the programme matches how you already travel.
Worth joining if…
- You fly one alliance often enough to hit useful status tiers.
- You can use points for seats or rooms you would pay cash for anyway.
- The flexible rate vs “member rate” still makes sense after restrictions.
Skip the obsession if…
- You take one random trip a year on whoever is cheapest.
- Earning requires awkward routings that waste a day.
- You are keeping points alive more than using them.
Loyalty should reduce friction, not become a hobby that books worse trips.
Featured photo via Unsplash.