Trending Now - Rising Fuel Costs From Iran Conflict Impact Airline Miles Value

WHO:

ABC News - Brian Kelly, known as The Points Guy, a travel and credit card rewards expert.

AP News - Adam Morvitz, a credit card miles expert and CEO of point.me, a travel loyalty platform.

AP News - Sally French, who covers credit cards and loyalty programs for Nerd Wallet.

AP News - Pete Buttigieg, former Transportation Secretary.

WHAT:

ABC News - Airline miles and points are expected to have reduced value for travelers this summer due to rising fuel costs.

AP News - Airfares in April were reported to be 21% higher than a year earlier, according to the Labor Department.

ABC News - United Airlines raised the price of the first checked bag from $40 to $50.

AP News - Delta Air Lines increased its first checked bag fee from $35 to $45.

ABC News - Some of Hyatt’s most elite properties will cost as much as 67% more with points under the new loyalty program system.

AP News - Banks are promoting sign-up bonuses of 100,000 to 150,000 miles or points for new customers who meet spending requirements within the first three months.

WHERE:

ABC News - New York, where the news is reported from.

AP News - Las Vegas, where the report was contributed from.

WHEN:

ABC News - The article mentions that airfares were 21% higher in April of the current year.

ABC News - Hyatt overhauled its loyalty program recently, changing it from three tiers to five.

WHY:

ABC News - Rising jet fuel prices due to the Iran war are driving up airline ticket costs and fees for checked bags.

AP News - Dynamic pricing strategies by airlines have made it harder for travelers to find good deals on flights.

HOW:

ABC News - Airlines now use dynamic pricing, continuously adjusting airfares based on overall demand.

AP News - Travelers can earn airline miles by signing up for frequent flyer programs or using co-branded credit cards that earn miles on purchases.

(UPDATED May 23, 2026 17:18 UTC)

Travel experts, including Brian Kelly, Adam Morvitz, and Sally French, are warning that airline miles and points will likely lose value this summer due to rising fuel costs, with airfares in April reported to be 21% higher than the previous year. United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have both increased their first checked bag fees, while some of Hyatt's most elite properties will now cost up to 67% more in points under a new loyalty program. As airlines adopt dynamic pricing strategies, travelers are encouraged to take advantage of sign-up bonuses of 100,000 to 150,000 miles or points offered by banks for new customers who meet spending requirements within the first three months.