The beginning of most years is met with frequent travelers gazing sadly upon their loyalty accounts as their elite status qualification counters reset, marking the beginning of a new climb up the status ladder.

This is not most years.

Almost every airline and hotel loyalty program has made major concessions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you had status for 2020, it's probably been automatically extended through the end of next year.

For those who managed to fly or stay in hotels during the year, there's a good chance status earned will count toward next year's status qualification. Many programs have made it easier than ever to earn elite status next year. For those who've never had elite status, reaching for it might appeal right now—and for those who do have it, there's perhaps never been an easier time to switch loyalties.

Elite status is designed to manipulate emotions—after all, there's a reason they're called "loyalty programs," not "rewards programs." Our culture generally regards loyalty a good thing, and forsaking someone we're loyal to is a grave offense.

Read the full article at Forbes