These frequent fliers are done with loyalty programs

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Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. More frequent fliers are declaring themselves airline free agents, fed up with ever-changing requirements to earn and maintain status. Carriers across the country have changed their loyalty programs in recent years to reward big spenders rather than budget-conscious road warriors up in the air week after week.

These changes have upset travelers who once wore their airline loyalty as a badge of honor. Those backing away say the high cost of maintaining status isn’t rewarded with the same quality of customer service as before, and that rewards are harder to come by. Forgoing access to airport lounges and early boarding can be worth it for travelers who are tired of chasing points and want to save money on flights.

Benjamin Carter, a veterinary chief medical officer who lives in Boca Raton, Fla., has earned Diamond Medallion status, the top tier of Delta’s SkyMiles loyalty program, for six years. He carries the Delta SkyMiles Reserve credit card that comes with a $650 annual fee. Some travelers are choosing to lose perks such as dedicated check-in lanes to make a break from the airline-status cycle.

Having Diamond status means Carter gets global upgrade certificates, access to a VIP phone line and priority boarding, among other perks. He plans to give that all up after growing frustrated with Delta’s customer service and the higher cost of maintaining his status. For a business trip to Houston, he’s considering Spirit’s Big Front Seat option.