Are you a loyal airline customer, subscribing to a set frequent flyer program? Depending on your preferences, your current rewards program may not suit all of your needs as you expected, according to a new ranking.
Whether you consider yourself a frequent flyer of a light traveler, WalletHub looked at the top airline’s travel rewards programs based on frequency of travel, number of daily flights, destination options and partnered airlines that will redeem mileage from other carriers.
Nearly 7 percent of flights are paid for with points or miles, according to a report by PriceWaterhouse Coopers. In addition, WallletHub reports that airline miles cost an average of 62 percent more than they’re worth when purchased rather than earned.
“Consumers need to read the fine print to understand what it’s going to take to get a free trip or perks with each airline they fly,” according to Susan K. Jones, professor of marketing at Ferris State University,
Here are the top 10 frequent flyer programs, in ascending order, based on a composite score of 100:
10. Spirit Airlines
Program: FREE Spirit
Score: 27.32/100
Spirit’s reward program offers mile redemption at partnered hotels, car rentals and Spirit’s online shopping mall.
9. Frontier Airlines
Program: Early Returns
Score: 35.30/100
Early Returns miles can be earned and redeemed at partner hotels and rental car services. The program also offers shopping services where you can redeem miles for items such as wine and flowers.
8. Sun Country Airlines
Program: Ufly Rewards
Score: 44.58/100
This program allows travelers to redeem mileage points for rental cars and all travel purchases, including tickets for events at the Hennepin Theatre Trust.
7. United Airlines
Program: Mileage Plus Program
Score: 46.17/100
For frequent flyers, United’s Mileage Plus Program allows the ability to earn and redeem miles with partnered carriers. The carrier did well on availability of booking on blackout dates, short notice booking fees and retroactive flight credit for non-members.
6. JetBlue Airways
Program: True Blue
Score: 46.34/100
JetBlue’s reward is one of the major airlines where miles do not expire if you rarely use them. JetBlue ranked high on number of daily flights offered and number of destinations served, including international flights.
5. American Airlines
Program: AA Advantage Program
Score: 46.39/100
American Airline’s AA Advantage Program offers the greatest number of daily flights. The rewards program received top scores for most destinations served, frequency of daily flights and booking blackout dates. Plus, the program got a top score for securing miles if you are booking through third-party websites.
4. Hawaiian Airlines
Program: Hawaiian Miles
Score: 47.27/100
Hawaiian Airlines has a good rewards program that offers $19.95 for every $100 dollars spent. An average flyer will get $16.03 for every $100 dollars spent, while a light traveler will get $10.69 dollars in value.
3. Alaska Airlines
Program: Mileage Plan
Score: 47.83/100
The Mileage Plan gave $19.87 for every $100 dollars spent. Every level of traveler, from the light to frequent traveler, benefited from value earned in points. The plan also offers miles when booking through a third-party website.
2. Southwest Airlines
Program: Rapid Rewards
Score: 51.25/100
Southwest knows you may have to change a flight, so late-booking fees are not a problem. There is no fee to change or cancel a flight, but a fare difference may apply.
1. Delta Airlines
Program: Delta SkyMiles
Score: 62.82/100
Delta SkyMiles ranked as the best rewards program for the third year in a row. The program's reward miles do not expire.
The full report can be viewed here.