Lesson Plan: Understanding Airline Frequent Flyer Programs

Grade Level: High School or College Students

Duration: 90–120 minutes

Objective:

• Students will understand the mechanisms and strategies behind frequent flyer programs.
• Students will analyze the economic and marketing impacts of these programs on both consumers and airlines.
• Students will develop critical thinking skills by evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of frequent flyer programs from multiple perspectives.

Materials Needed:

• Access to various sources on frequent flyer programs from both left- and right-leaning perspectives.
• Access to the New York Times article “Airlines Frequent Flier Programs: Rewards and Strategies”
• Whiteboard/blackboard and markers
• Paper and pens/pencils
• Computers/tablets (optional)

Pre-Reading Assignment:

Students should read a selection of articles from both left- and right-leaning sources to get a well-rounded view of the topic. Here are some examples you could use:

Left-Leaning Sources:

1. The Guardian — “How Frequent Flyer Programs Shape the Airline Industry”
2. HuffPost — “The Hidden Costs of Frequent Flyer Programs for Consumers”