One way to deal with inflation is by taking advantage of the benefits that some services give us, and to help people earn more free flights and other assorted rewardsWalletHub compared the loyalty programs of the 10 largest national airlines on 21 key metrics, ranging from the value of a reward point or mile to blackout date policies.
The analysis was performed based on the number of passengers, using publicly available information and company policies posted online.
“The rankings for the best airline rewards programs are based on a trio of annual airfare budgets: light ($472), average ($4,659), and frequent ($8,846)”, mentions the report. “As a result, the best frequent flyer programs are generally comprehensive and positioned to meet the needs of loyal airline customers of all kinds.”
The best frequent flyer programs of 2023, according to WalletHub:
Program: United Mileage Plus
Better for: General and Redemption Policies
Overall Score: 76.08
Number of destinations: 349
Program: Alaska Mileage Plan
Better for: Partner coverage and value of rewards
Overall score: 73.38
Number of destinations: 123
Program: Delta Sky Miles
Better for: Redemption Policies
Overall score: 71.58
Number of destinations: 302
Program: Hawaiian miles
Better for: Most additional features and rewards value
Overall score: 63.99
Number of destinations: 31
Program: American Airlines Advantage
Better for: airline coverage
Overall score: 61.97
Number of destinations: 346
According to the analysis:
· United MileagePlus is the best frequent flyer program of 2023beating out last year’s winner Alaska Mileage Plan.
· Hawaiian Airlines Offers the Highest Value Rewards, at $15.37 for every $100 spent. Alaska Airlines ranks second, at $14.14 for every $100 spent.
· Seven of the 10 largest airlines offer less value rewards in 2023 than in 2022.
· Seven major airlines have miles that do not expire due to inactivity: Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines.
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines give preference to members of the frequent flyer program when deciding who to move from overbooked flights.
· Five major US airlines retroactively credit loyalty program members with miles for a flight up to 12 months after the fact.
Six of the 10 largest US airlines allow members of the rewards program earn and redeem miles with partner airlines.
· The airline miles cost an average of 2.5 times what they are worth when they are bought instead of earned.
For more details about the study, click here.
Keep reading:
· Study shows how to get the best prices on international flights this 2023
· The FAA issues a safety alert to airlines and pilots after an increase in incidents
· Which are the American airlines with the best bathroom service on board?
