Since the pandemic, airline passengers are increasingly willing to pay for premium seating, resulting in fewer available seats for free upgrades. Frequent flyer status is becoming more competitive, and airlines are forecasting strong demand even in off-peak seasons. Airlines like Delta, American, and United are adjusting their strategies by adding more premium seating and modifying loyalty programs to prioritize revenue generation over distance flown. This trend is not exclusive to major carriers; low-cost airlines like Frontier and Southwest are also introducing plusher seats. Overall, airlines aim to capitalize on the growing preference for upgraded travel experiences.
