Divorce, Loyalty Points, and Airline Drama: The Wild World of Travel Rewards

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A Reddit user shared a surprising story about how their spouse's obsession with airline status led to divorce, but the spurned partner then used loyalty points to their advantage. Meanwhile, the TSA is rolling out a new $45 fee for travelers without a REAL ID, and airlines are making changes to their loyalty programs and in-flight experiences that have frequent flyers debating unspoken rules.

Why it matters

Travel rewards programs have become deeply intertwined with people's personal lives, leading to unexpected consequences. These stories highlight how the pursuit of elite status and loyalty points can impact relationships, finances, and the overall travel experience, raising questions about the ethics and fairness of some industry practices.

The details

The Reddit user's story involves their spouse becoming so fixated on maintaining American Airlines' Executive Platinum status that it led to divorce. However, the spurned partner then charged their legal fees to an American AAdvantage credit card, earning their own Executive Platinum status in the process. They also leveraged the Rocket Hotel program to rack up additional loyalty points and score a flight upgrade. Meanwhile, the TSA is rolling out a new $45 fee for travelers without a REAL ID, which is projected to generate $3 billion annually. Frequent flyers are also debating the unspoken rules of in-flight activities, such as whether to join the crew's exercise routine or remain motionless. Additionally, a Reddit user caused a stir by bringing McDonald's into the Chase Sapphire Lounge at JFK, and Southwest Airlines is making changes to its free checked bags, expiring travel credits, and paid seat assignments, though it remains known for its musical moments on flights. Lastly, IHG has reduced the number of free points transfers for Diamond members from 500,000 to 100,000 annually, and now requires a qualifying transaction for business members to access this perk.

• The Reddit user's divorce-related loyalty points story occurred in 2026.
• The TSA's new $45 fee for travelers without a REAL ID is being rolled out in 2026.
• The changes to Southwest Airlines' policies are happening next month.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The TSA's new $45 fee for travelers without a REAL ID is expected to generate $3 billion annually, raising questions about the fairness and purpose of the fee.