Looking back at the things that didn’t exist when TPG started

Editor’s note: TPG founder Brian Kelly is a Bilt adviser and investor.

When TPG founder Brian Kelly published his first blog post June 7, 2010, Continental Airlines and the original Starwood Hotels were still around. But many other things we take for granted about traveling today didn’t exist 15 years ago. 

Key developments in the loyalty and travel industries, like issuer-branded airport lounges and most premium credit cards, have all happened since Brian wrote his first-ever story. Let’s look at how the travel landscape has changed since TPG started.

6-figure card bonus offers become more common

When: March 2011

When TPG started, credit card bonuses were much smaller and generally fell within the 25,000- to 50,000-point range. That changed in March 2011, when Capital One launched a bonus of up to 110,000 points (it has since changed the currency to miles) on the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card as part of a “Match Your Miles” promotion (no longer available). 

The following month, airline credit cards followed when Chase’s British Airways Visa Signature® Card launched a 100,000-mile bonus (no longer available). (That program has also changed its currency from miles to Avios.)

Airlines add spending requirements for elite status qualification

When: January 2013

At the beginning of 2013, Delta Air Lines was the first major airline to add a revenue component to qualify for elite status, in addition to miles or segments flown. (We now know this as Medallion Qualification Dollars.) United Airlines followed suit not long after in June 2013. The third major domestic airline, American Airlines, didn’t make this change until 2016.

American Express opens its first Centurion Lounge

When: March 2013

On March 19, 2013, American Express opened the first issuer-branded lounge in the U.S. at Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), which was then known as McCarran International Airport. Now, Amex operates Centurion Lounges in 26 airports across the U.S. and in countries like Australia, Mexico, India and Sweden. (There are also plans to expand to airports in Tokyo, Salt Lake City, Newark and Boston by 2027.)

In the 12 years since Amex launched Centurion Lounges, Chase and Capital One have followed suit with their proprietary lounges in airports, mainly in the U.S.

TSA PreCheck starts accepting applications

When: December 2013

Though the Transportation Security Administration has been overseeing security at U.S. airports since 2001, it wasn’t until December 2013 that TSA PreCheck formally opened for applications after years of testing. The expedited screening program allows low-risk travelers who pay a membership fee to go through a special, faster screening line at airports without taking off their shoes or removing liquids from carry-ons.

Related: 8 ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear

First legacy airline switches to dynamic award pricing

When: February 2015

JetBlue, Virgin America and Southwest Airlines had dynamic award pricing long before TPG existed. But on Feb. 6, 2015, Delta became the first major domestic airline to remove all published award charts from its website, marking a significant move toward dynamic award pricing across the travel industry.

“Travelers must now use Delta’s online award search calendar with no frame of reference or other expectation of award travel prices. Apparently, the price is whatever Delta says it is,” TPG contributor Jason Steele wrote in March 2015.

Chase Sapphire Reserve joins the credit card landscape

When: August 2016

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) dates back to 2009. But Chase caused waves in the credit card industry when it launched a premium version, the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Aug. 23, 2016. The 100,000-point bonus (no longer available), plus perks like a $300 annual travel credit and the ability to earn 3 points per dollar spent on all travel and dining purchases, made the card so popular that Chase ran out of metal cards and saw a 35% increase in new accounts.

Marriott and Starwood officially merge

When: August 2018

Following a merger approved by shareholders in April 2016, Marriott and Starwood officially became one company Aug. 18, 2018, creating the world’s largest hotel company. A few months later, in early 2019, this integration of the Marriott Rewards, Ritz-Carlton Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest programs rebranded as Marriott Bonvoy. Today, 37 brands fall under the Marriott Bonvoy umbrella.

Capital One adds credit card transfer partners

When: December 2018

Chase and Amex had long allowed cardmembers to transfer their rewards to travel partners. But Capital One started doing the same Dec. 10, 2018, when it added the ability to transfer to 15 airlines, including JetBlue and Singapore Airlines, to its Venture and Spark credit cards. In early 2020, Capital One added hotel partners to its transfer program. Now, it has 19 transfer partners.

Related: Ultimate guide to Capital One airline and hotel transfer partners: How to maximize your miles

Bilt Rewards launches

When: June 2021

In mid-2021, the startup Bilt created an all-new transferable rewards currency, along with the Bilt Mastercard®, that allows people to earn points on rent (up to 100,000 points each calendar year; must use your card five times each statement period to earn points) without incurring transaction fees (see rates and fees).

Capital One Venture X Credit Card is introduced

When: November 2021

Toward the end of 2021, Capital One debuted its first premium card, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, with perks like a $300 travel credit to use through Capital One Travel and access to Capital One lounges, the first of which opened at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) the same week. 

The Capital One Venture X Business, a premium business card with perks for small-business owners, followed Sept. 12, 2023.

Cruise lines unveil megaships

When: January 2024

Royal Caribbean’s 7,600-passenger, 248,663-ton Icon of the Seas took its maiden voyage Jan. 27, 2024. It became the world’s largest cruise ship, launching a new era of megaships 6% larger than the previous biggest ships. Royal Caribbean will debut three more Icon Class ships of a similar size over the next three years.

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For rewards and benefits of the Bilt Mastercard, click here.