Airline loyalty program rules are confusing and inconsistently applied across baggage policies

Frequent flyers struggle to understand why airlines apply different rules for the same service (baggage fees) depending on whether they're paying with cash or miles, and whether it's for themselves or other passengers. This confusion leads to unexpected charges, wasted miles, and frustration when trying to optimize travel spending. Current airline websites and customer service don't clearly explain these policy inconsistencies upfront.