3 Reasons Why I'll Never Be Loyal to One Airline

You may have seen the recent news about Delta's upcoming loyalty program changes. What the airline tried to spin as a new, simplified way to achieve status has disappointed many loyal customers. Many of the planned program modifications will result in loyal customers losing perks and require them to spend significantly more money to achieve elite status.

It may be time for some fliers to discontinue being brand loyal. Let me explain why I'll never be loyal to one airline.

1. I'm able to book the best airfare deals

Instead of focusing on which airline I'll be flying with, I focus on airline ticket cost. I'd likely overpay for travel expenses if I prioritized only flying with one particular airline. That's because I'd miss out on airfare deals offered by other airlines.

It's a significant win for my personal finances when I can get a great deal on an airline ticket. When I'm looking to fly to a set travel destination, I use a price comparison tool like Google Flights to research prices. Often, one airline is a clear winner when it comes to price.

Since I'm not focused on earning elite status, I can keep more money in my checking account by booking a flight with whatever airline has a ticket that fits my budget.

Love a good airfare deal? Here are some tools to find cheap flights for your next trip.

2. I have more flexibility

Another reason I'll never prioritize airline loyalty is that I value flexibility. If I were only booking flights with one airline, I'd have fewer options regarding routes and direct flight availability. While I often prioritize price when booking airline tickets, I also consider the best flight options for my preferred travel dates and times.

If one airline offers a direct flight that fits my schedule well and costs me $100 more, I will likely book that flight over the cheapest option. If I were loyal to one airline, I'd have less flexibility. I might also feel pressured to book less desirable flights -- even if it inconvenienced my schedule and resulted in an additional stopover. I don't want to be stuck in an airport all day.

3. My travel credit cards provide plenty of valuable perks

When you achieve elite status through an airline's loyalty program, you may gain access to perks such as early boarding or free checked bags. But these benefits don't matter much to me. Luckily, my credit cards provide valuable travel perks that are important to me.

For example, many of the best travel rewards credit cards offer trip delay reimbursement and trip cancellation insurance, which can be helpful if your travel plans get disrupted. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one such travel credit card with these benefits.

Apply now for the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

Do you prefer premium travel perks? Some credit cards, like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card include more premium benefits like airport lounge access. With the right credit card in your wallet, you can take advantage of travel perks without being airline loyal. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card charges a $395 annual fee and a 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable) APR. (See rates and fees.)

Apply now for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

Consider whether being airline loyal is best for you

Before you obsess over being loyal to one airline, consider whether it suits your travel needs and preferences. You will likely need to spend a lot of money and fly often to achieve elite status through your preferred airline's loyalty program.

If an airline's loyalty program perks aren't worthwhile, booking the best price or flight option for each particular trip you take may be ideal instead of sticking with one brand over another.