Are loyalty programs rewarding you — or trapping you? Frequent flyer and hotel loyalty programs were once designed to reward travelers for their business. But over time, many people say those programs have started to feel less like perks and more like traps. Points get devalued, elite tiers become harder to reach, and the promise of “free” travel often comes with strings attached. For an upcoming column, I’m looking to hear both sides of the story — from travelers who feel stuck in a loyalty program that no longer works for them, as well as from those who have managed to break free. What did you do to regain control of your travel spending? Did you find a way to make the programs work on your own terms, or did you decide to walk away entirely? I’d also like to hear from loyalty experts and insiders who can shed light on practical strategies. How can travelers avoid the pitfalls of these programs and make sure they’re getting real value instead of false promises? If you’ve faced this dilemma — and found a way forward — I’d like to hear your story.

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The Department of Transportation just dropped a proposed rule that would have required airlines to compensate U.S. travelers for delayed flights. Behind the scenes, the airline industry is lobbying to undo even more consumer protections — from refund requirements to fee disclosures. I'm researching a story about which rules are most at risk of being rolled back, and what travelers can do to protect themselves if airlines get their way. I'm looking for air travelers who’ve already felt the sting of weakened protections. Maybe it was a delayed refund, being forced to accept a credit, or a surprise airline fee. I'm interested in hearing your personal stories about what happens when rules vanish and passengers are left to fend for themselves. For industry experts, I'd love to know which DOT regulations are most vulnerable. How would repealing these rules affect travelers? And what steps can consumers take now to safeguard themselves? If you’ve experienced any of this, I'd love to hear your story.

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