Earlier this year American Airlines made the latest copycat move in the world of frequent flyer program devaluations when they announced the addition of an Elite Qualifying Dollar (EQD) requirement beginning in 2017. EDQ requirements mean that you must spend a certain amount of money with the airline in addition to flying a certain number of miles or segments to qualify for elite status.

Without question, we all like free stuff. It’s simply the way we’re hard-wired. But it’s not just the free stuff that gives us an emotional charge, especially when it comes to reward programs. That feeling of being appreciated and the kind of “thank you” that goes along with it really add to a satisfying travel experience.