Airlines Sell Your First Class Upgrades For $26 — Elite Status Needs A New Deal (opens in new tab)

Airlines have sold away the single best reason to chase elite status: free first class upgrades. When the seat an elite member hoped to clear into is being offered to anyone for $26, loyalty programs need a new bargain — one built around discounted buy-ups, earned upgrade credits, guaranteed extra-legroom access, giftable benefits, and real help when travel goes sideways.