American Airlines' AAdvantage enrollment surged 30% as premium revenue rose 13.4%. Wyndham's US RevPAR gained 2.2% and its loyalty program hit 126 million members. Rewards are reshaping travel spending.
Alpha Score of 54 reflects moderate overall profile with weak momentum, strong value, moderate quality, moderate sentiment.
American Airlines reported a 30% surge in AAdvantage enrollment year over year in the second quarter, the carrier said Thursday. Co-brand card spending through its Citi portfolio rose 8%. Premium passenger unit revenue climbed 13.4%, while domestic unit revenue increased 10.6%.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts posted a 2.2% gain in U.S. RevPAR for the quarter, though global RevPAR fell 1%. Wyndham Rewards membership exceeded 126 million, the company said in its earnings release Wednesday.
The figures show rewards programs are increasingly influencing travel decisions, according to company executives and survey data. American Chief Commercial Officer Nat Pieper told analysts that "lead in loyalty" is the carrier's final strategic pillar. PYMNTS Intelligence found that 70% of consumers changed what they bought after seeing an offer or reward, and 43% switched payment methods to get one.
The connection between everyday spending and travel is tightening. Travelers may fly only a few times a year. They can earn rewards on any co-brand card purchase. The arrangement creates a link between household spending and the cost of a future trip, Pieper said.
Premium travel demand held up. Fuel costs rose during the quarter. American expanded lie-flat and premium economy capacity nearly twice as fast as Main Cabin capacity, and premium unit revenue still gained, Pieper said. "Demand for premium travel continues to be strong."
For hotels, Wyndham is leaning on its rewards program for ancillary revenue. The company said it will pursue credit card products and strategic partnerships alongside greater engagement with Wyndham Rewards.
Consumers using credit card installments are largely motivated by loyalty points or cash back, according to PYMNTS data. They match purchases to the rewards they consider most worthwhile, the research found.
American Airlines (AAL) carries an Alpha Score of 60 out of 100, a Moderate rating in the Industrials sector.
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