Delta Air Lines has now made reinstating status an official option for loyalty-program members who have major life events. Source: NYT > Business – Elaine Glusac
What Is a Reward Point Worth? It Depends
Some 2.75 trillion points and miles are earned each year, with many more options on where to spend them. Airline tickets and hotel rooms may be the best choices. Source: NYT > Business – JULIE WEED
Luckin, an Unprofitable Chinese Rival to Starbucks, Seeks U.S. Money
A successful initial public offering by the fast growing, big spending coffee company would buck the recent trend of weakness among tech start-ups in China. Source: NYT > Business – ALEXANDRA STEVENSON
Marriott Plans to Inject Color Into ‘Beige’ Sheratons. It Won’t Be Easy.
The Sheraton Grand Phoenix is being remade into a prototype for the new face of the brand. But Marriott will have to persuade hundreds of hotel owners to go along. Source: NYT > Business – MARTHA C. WHITE
Why Rewards for Loyal Spenders Are ‘a Honey Pot for Hackers’
Companies are seeking more personal data from faithful customers in exchange for points, miles and other perks. But protections for loyalty accounts have not kept pace. Source: NYT > Business – TIFFANY HSU
Update: Marriott Wants to Rent You a Vacation Home
To compete with the surging home-share industry, the hotel company is betting big on vacation rentals with a new home-sharing division. Source: NYT > Business – ELAINE GLUSAC