# Miles & Points: The Best Of Times, The Worst Of Times, And What’s Next

_Jun 5 18:15_

Tags: Aeroplan, Air Canada, Lufthansa, Miles & More, US, other, airline, loyalty program, devaluation, other relevant news

An editorial reflection on how the miles & points hobby has evolved over 20 years, noting its mainstream adoption, changes in information sharing, and the shifting landscape of value and availability for premium rewards

## Summary

The author reflects on the 20-year evolution of the miles & points hobby, arguing that while it has become more mainstream and lucrative, it is also less 'fun' due to increased monetization by airlines and broader audience saturation. Key trends discussed include the shift from niche bulletin boards to social media, the influence of younger generations valuing travel, and the impact of lucrative credit cards. The piece contrasts past opportunities (e.g., Aeroplan stopovers, Lufthansa first-class availability) with current challenges (e.g., shut-off availability, smarter airline monetization), concluding with thoughts on the future direction of the industry

## Why it matters

Affects 11 airline programs (Aeroplan, Air Canada, Air France...). Spans 2 hotel programs (Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt). Card-issuer angle via American Express, Chase.

## Sources cited

- [One Mile at a Time](https://onemileatatime.com/insights/miles-points-worth-it) — Miles & Points: The Best Of Times, The Worst Of Times, And What’s Next

## Related signals

- [Air Canada closes Toronto Signature Suite on September 30, 2026](https://thetravelsignal.com/s/air-canada-signature-suite-at-toronto-pearson-closes-september-30-for-expansion.md)
- [Air Canada closes Toronto Signature Suite on September 30, 2026](https://thetravelsignal.com/s/air-canada-toronto-signature-suite-to-close-temporarily-september-30-through-dec.md)
- [Targeted: Enrich elites get Miles & More status match through Feb 2027](https://thetravelsignal.com/s/lufthansa-miles-more-offers-free-status-match-for-malaysia-airlines-enrich-elite.md)
- [Air Canada adds 4 bonus Aeroplan points per dollar through Sept 15](https://thetravelsignal.com/s/air-canada-offers-4-bonus-aeroplan-miles-per-cad-book-sept-815-for-travel-throug.md)
- [Aeroplan buy-miles sale pays 100% bonus through Sept 25](https://thetravelsignal.com/s/aeroplan-buy-miles-sale-offers-up-to-100-bonus-september-1125-2026.md)

Older: [Marriott Bonvoy June 2026 Promos: Homes & Villas Bonuses, Buy Points Offer, and Amex Statement Credit](https://thetravelsignal.com/s/marriott-bonvoy-june-2026-promos-homes-villas-bonuses-buy-points-offer-and-amex.md)
Newer: [Accor ALL: 4x Points at Select Hotels, Book by June 7](https://thetravelsignal.com/s/accor-all-4x-points-at-select-hotels-book-by-june-7.md)

Canonical URL: https://thetravelsignal.com/s/miles-points-the-best-of-times-the-worst-of-times-and-whats-next