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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Traveling can cost much, but it’s not the case if you make the most out of frequent flyer programs. Whether you're a business traveler or a vacationer, the best airline loyalty program can save you money, offer upgrades, and provide you with perks that make air travel more enjoyable.
Although the choice is a personal decision, it’s always helpful to know which airline has the best rewards program. Understanding these programs can simplify your decision-making and maximize your travel experience.
List of the Best Airline Loyalty Programs
The U.S. News, Nerd Wallet, and The Points Guy has ranked Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan as the best airline loyalty program for 2025. Other top contenders include:
1. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Alaska’s Mileage Plan has long been considered as the best airline loyalty program by various sources. The airline offers tons of benefits, but its distance-flown-based miles earning structure, rather than dollars spent, makes it more valuable than others.
With a wide range of airline partnerships, Mileage Plan also stands out for its flexibility in which miles earned isn’t limited to Alaska but through numerous airlines as well.
2. American Airlines AAdvantage
When it comes to a world of opportunities for earning miles, AAdvantage is at the forefront. With over 1,000 partner companies, you can collect and redeem miles on a variety of travel expenses from air travel to vacation packages. And if you're a Citi or AAdvantage or Barclays AAdvantage Aviator MasterCard holder, you can earn miles on everyday purchases.
3. Delta SkyMiles
Earning and using miles with Delta’s SkyMiles is made easier through its partnerships with over 20 participating airlines. The program also provides the opportunity to earn Medallion Qualification Dollars, which will allow you to unlock various benefits through the Delta SkyMiles Medallion elite membership program.
While Delta has shifted from a flight-based to a spending-based structure, it remains considered as the best frequent flyer program.
4. JetBlue TrueBlue
For travelers seeking straightforward programs, JetBlue TrueBlue is the answer. Miles are earned based on the amount spent rather than the distance flown, and the points never expire. Plus, there are absolutely no blackout dates on travel awards. What makes TrueBlue even more convenient is the points pooling feature, allowing you to combine points from up to seven people to earn rewards faster.
5. United MileagePlus
United MileagePlus is another best airline loyalty program for those who want a wide range of travel perks. As a founding member of Star Alliance, it gives you the opportunity to earn and redeem miles across 40 international airlines, including Singapore Airlines and ANA, covering over 1,200 destinations worldwide. Once you achieve Premier status, you’ll unlock even more exclusive benefits, including priority check-in and boarding.
6. Southwest Rapid Rewards
Southwest stands out not only as one of the most reliable airlines in the US, but also for its exceptional loyalty program. A favorite among new frequent flyers, Rapid Rewards are tied directly to the fare you purchase, whether it’s for flights or hotels, with no blackout dates. You can also rack up points from everyday purchases by using any of the Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards from Chase Visa.
7. HawaiianMiles
If the Hawaiian Islands have been calling your name, then HawaiianMiles is the loyalty program you should consider. Hawaiian Airlines' loyalty program allows you to earn miles for flights, as well as through hotel stays and car rentals. HawaiianMiles members can redeem miles for flights on Hawaiian Airlines or them to airline partners like China Airlines or JetBlue.
8. FRONTIER Miles
According to Nerd Wallet, FRONTIER Miles has seen a fivefold increase in value since 2020, thanks to significant changes in 2024. Earning miles is simple, not only through flights but also with everyday purchases using their credit card. Plus, miles can be pooled with family members, making it even easier to rack up rewards together.
9. Free Spirit
Known for offering ultra-low-cost flights, Spirit Airlines take air travel to new heights with their Free Spirit rewards program. Miles are earned based on spending, not just for flights, but also on additional purchases like seat selection and baggage fees. With numerous partnerships across restaurants, car rentals, and cruise lines, flyers can easily rack up points even when not flying.
10. Allegiant Air Allways Rewards
Allegiant’s Allways Rewards is geared towards budget travelers. You can earn and redeem points on flights as well as add-ons like seat selection and checked bags. The program becomes even more rewarding if you're an Allways Rewards Visa credit card holder, earning extra points on Allegiant purchases—such as 3 points per $1 spent.
Finding the best frequent flyer program depends on your travel needs. Is it the flexibility, ease of use, or specific perks that you’re looking for? The programs listed above offer something for every type of traveler. And if you want to broaden the exploration, let’s discover the airlines with the best foods in the world.
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