tl;dr – What I think will happen with some of the leading airlines, hotels, and travel credit card providers.
Hotels
Accor
My prediction: I predicted this last year, and it didn’t come to fruition, but I’m doubling down. Accor makes an acquisition that will significantly (and instantly) grow its footprint in the US. Additionally, its acquisition target is one that has a more traditional style rewards program (where you can redeem points for stays as opposed to points equaling a fixed amount of money off your stay) and uses that as the basis of a loyalty program it will transition to in a few years.
Hilton
My prediction: Much to the dismay of points and miles enthusiasts everywhere, Hilton’s points will face a major devaluation in 2026.
Hyatt
My prediction: Hyatt goes luxury hunting and acquires Langham Hotels, adding 30 new luxury properties worldwide.
IHG
My prediction: IHG acquires Omni Hotels, making a big splash in the industry and providing the chain with another legitimate luxury brand in the US market.
Marriott
My prediction: As one of the leading sponsors of the FIFA World Cup, Marriott will be very visible in 2026 from that alone. I’m not expecting too much flash or major moves otherwise, though a few planned luxury openings in Europe will go off as expected, providing travelers with additional standout options for lodging.
Airlines
Alaska
My prediction: Sensing the blood in the water around American Airlines, Alaska announces direct long-haul service to at least two major cities in South America. Additionally, Alaska announces plans to fly to at least two non-Hawaiian South Pacific Islands, effectively creating a renewed tourism charge in the Pacific.
American
My prediction: Things continue to get worse for American Airlines. Budget carriers will announce service to numerous Caribbean islands, increasing competition for a market in which American traditionally has a large presence.
Delta
My prediction: Delta’s introduction of the Airbus A350-1000 is a game changer for the airline’s Pacific pursuits. Its showdown with Alaska will become much bigger than just the battle for Seattle.
Southwest
My prediction: 2026 is the year that Southwest will get rid of its beloved companion pass. RIP, my friend.
United
My prediction: United Airlines becomes the biggest government contractor for deportation flights, silently filling in for Avelo.
Banks
American Express
My prediction: A non-insignificant number of Platinum cardholders will cancel or downgrade their cards, citing the recent annual fee increase that was announced last year (but went into effect for card renewals on or after January 2, 2026).
Citi
My prediction: Citi adds a major hotel chain as one of its transfer partners. Hilton feels random, but also right.
Chase
My prediction: Chase adds one of the major Gulf carriers, likely Qatar (given its preexisting relationship with Avios airlines), as a transfer partner.
Capital One
My prediction: Capital One adds Delta as a transfer partner, making Capital One Rewards slightly more valuable, and importantly, providing a direct transfer relationship with one of the US ‘big three’ airlines. Capital One also does the same for hotels, striking a deal with Hyatt of all chains to transfer points at a 1:1 ratio.
Bilt
My prediction: It just doesn’t feel like an earnings card based on mortgage payments is going to be ‘it’. I’m sure there will be numerous folks pushing this card, but I’m skeptical.
Wells Fargo
My prediction: Wells Fargo adds United and either IHG or Accor as a transfer partner.
Rove Miles
My Prediction: Rove Miles starts its slow demise as its earning rates appear to have already cratered. For every upstart Bilt that hits its stride, there are several others that go the way of the Mesa Homeowners Card.
